The previous sessions of our chapter’s Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) have been an enormous success. Because of the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the program has become a regular component of our chapter’s professional development offerings.

The WLP for Mid-level and Emerging Leaders will provide a unique opportunity for women in transportation to step into their power, own their strengths, and develop their leadership presence and signature style. Participants will develop strategic thinking about their career paths (values, goals, and mindsets); identify and create the essential ingredients for high-functioning teams; and establish skills for ongoing success, including self-coaching, peer support, and action plans. The program is designed to be a catalyst for leadership training that will be highly regarded within the transportation industry.

Expected Outcomes

• Develop strategic thinking about your career path: values, goals, clarity.
• Challenge your assumptions, negotiate with your mindset, and develop resilience to overcome challenges in the workplace.
• Increase your influence by enhancing your interpersonal communication tools, become aware of your impact on others and how to achieve the desired impact.
• Step into your power, own your strengths, and develop your leadership presence and signature style.
• Establish the skills for ongoing success: self-coaching, peer support, and action plans.
• Create a robust learning community for WTS professional women.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What will the course cover?

An overview of the program sessions is as follows:

SESSION 1: LEADING SELF

• Values-based Leadership
• Mental Models
• Resilience

SESSION 2: LEADING OTHERS

• Understanding and Navigating Bias
• Emotional Intelligence
• Coaching Skills for Leaders
• Effective Communication

SESSION 3: LEADING OTHERS

• Networking
• Leadership Presence
• Strategic Career Going Forward
• Guest Speaker Industry Panel
• Graduation Ceremony

What is the learning environment of the program?

This program is designed to promote a learning environment through hands-on practice, reflection on experiences, and supportive interpersonal interaction. Participants will receive a combination of whole-group briefs, small-group peer coaching, and reflection and application assignments.

This combination will allow participants access to networking, as well as deep individual, small peer group, and large group support.

Who is eligible for this program?

WTS members with about 7-15 years of experience who are looking to advance their careers by learning cutting-edge leadership skills are highly encouraged to participate. The program is designed to reach women with a broad spectrum of experience who either aspire to be in leadership roles or are new to their leadership roles.

Do I have to be a member to apply? What about to participate?

Membership is not required to apply.  However, membership is required for enrollment and will be verified if you’re admitted to the program. If you’d like to become a WTS member, please visit https://www.wtsinternational.org/home/membership. 

How can this program help me?

The Women’s Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for women in transportation to step into their power, their strengths, and develop their leadership presence and signature style. Participants will develop strategic thinking about their career paths; identify and create the ingredients for high-functioning teams; establish skills for ongoing success and create their Leadership Action Plans.

Why did WTS create the leadership program?

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter recognized a need for a leadership program that was unlike any other. The program is designed and taught by Denise Rabius from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, who collaborated with WTS to create this program. Read testimonials from women who have already benefitted through this program.

What is the time commitment of the Women’s Leadership Program?

The program is generally a total commitment of 4 full days over the course of six weeks. Participants are expected to:

• Attend 3 in-person sessions (10 am to 4 pm);
• Work within a small peer coaching group to complete assignments between workshops. These small peer groups will be expected to convene independently or under facilitator supervision up to 4 times for about 1 hour; and
• Attend one virtual 3-hour session via Zoom.

Do I have to attend all sessions?

Yes, attendance is required for all program activities to ensure the success of the program. Please include in your statement of interest that you are committed to attending cohort activities.

What is the cost?

The cost of the program varies by program and is due one week before the first class. Program cost is posted when cohort applications are open.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, lunch will be provided at all in-person sessions. Please communicate any dietary restrictions to the organizers upon admission to the program.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is not available through WTS, but most employers provide tuition reimbursement. Talk with your employers to see if this leadership program is eligible for reimbursement. If needed, the WLP committee can provide invoices or receipts for the program tuition to support reimbursement from your employer.

How do I apply?

Current programs are posted on the main WLP page. To apply, complete the application form with a statement of interest and upload your resume. Your statement of interest should demonstrate your potential for leadership growth and development as well as how your involvement in WTS has been meaningful to you personally and/or professionally.