WTS Puget Sound DEI Committee Charter

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has always been at the core of WTS. WTS International's mission is to attract, connect, sustain, and advance the future of a diverse and innovative transportation industry. The WTS Puget Sound Chapter is committed to fostering an inclusive transportation community where all professionals can thrive, contribute, and lead. 

Purpose:

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The purpose of the WTS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is to help define and implement the Chapter's DEI strategic objectives. Our mission is to foster an inclusive transportation community by recognizing and celebrating differences and similarities of ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, diverse ability, geography, socio-economic background, education, and profession.

Strategic DEI Goals:

Our Chapter's DEI strategy is guided by three key questions:

1. Who Are We and Who Do We Serve?
   Understand the Chapter's inclusivity and reach by regularly gathering gathering demographic and employment information from Board members and program participants using consistent survey questions.
2. What Are Our Gaps and Opportunities?
   Identify opportunities to diversify chapter leadership, expand our reach, and better understand what underrepresented transportation professionals and businesses need to fully participate and thrive in the Puget Sound region. 
3. How Do We Invest Our Resources?
   Seek opportunities to support women-owned, BIPOC-owned, and other underrepresented businesses whenever possible through chapter spending, partnerships, and event planning. 

Ongoing DEI Committee Objectives:

• Establish and maintain long-term DEI goals and metrics
• Support chapter committees in setting and tracking DEI related goals.
• Host at least one DEI-focused program annually, covering topics such as transportation equity, pay equity, workforce development, or inclusive leadership. 

2026 Transportation Equity in Practice

In May 2026, the DEI Committee hosted a Transportation Equity in Practice workshop at Centilia Cultural Center. Through a facilitated and interactive session, participants explored the historical context and impacts of the Puget Sound transportation network, developed a common understanding of transportation equity, and applied equity principles to real-world transportation challenges.

2025 Women in Motion: Prioritizing Transportation Equity around the Puget Sound

On May 22, 2025, the DEI Committee organized a happy hour followed by a panel discussion with leaders who are steering transportation equity around the Puget Sound. Panelists highlighted examples of how local agencies are advancing projects, policies, and programs to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation system for all.

2024 Pay Equity Event

On April 30, 2024, the DEI committee hosted a pay equity event where attendees heard from industry leader Malika Klingler, Managing Principal at PRR, about pay equity in transportation today. The event included information on how one organization achieved gender parity in its pay structure and what it did to achieve racial parity.

2023 Pay Equity Event

On May 3, 2023, the DEI Committee hosted a virtual discussion of pay equity with representatives from Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). The event addressed key pay equity concepts, including racial pay disparities among women and a high-level review of the Washington State Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

In this video, representatives from SDOT's People, Culture & Logistics Division discuss how they evaluate pay equity, among other topics, and respond to questions.

To download the presentation slides, click here.

For more information or inquires please reach out to:
[email protected]

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