Committees
We are an organization run by volunteers and we couldn't do it without them! The WTS Toronto Area Chapter has established several committees and selected leaders to manage Chapter activities. Learn more by clicking a committee below:
Communications | Governance | Membership | Mentorship | Programs | Scholarship | Sponsorship
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
communications.wtstorontoarea@gmail.com
The Communications Committee works in collaboration with the other Committees to provide timely and relevant information to WTS Toronto Area Chapter members and subscribers. The Communications Committee supports the Chapter in the design and distribution of communications materials for the Chapter, such as our email newsletter WTS Weekly, information brochure and promotional videos, and the management of the Chapter's website and social media accounts. In 2020, WTS International has undergone a rebranding exercise and the Communications Committee has played a big part in integrating this into our Chapter's initiatives.

Tara Erwin, HDR
board Director

Sara ayub (metrolinx)
Committee member

adrienne lee (gannett fleming)
COMMITTEE MEMBER

tammy smith (ttc)
committee member

mavara turab (wsp)
COMMITTEE co-CHAIR

annette crisson (jacobs)
Committee member

sheila mehrvar (GANnett fleming)
Committee member

Joanne garcia (aecom)
committee member

rebecca farrugia (ghd)
committee Co-chair

shalevia briscoe (hdr)
committee member

Kaye rickatson (retired)
committee member
GOVERNANCE
The intent of the governance committee is to be the main resource on governance for the Board. The Committee monitors the effectiveness of Board operations, Board performance and governance policies. Duties of the Governance Committee include recommending action to the Board for structural changes to ensure WTS Toronto Area Chapter is in compliance with its legal and fiduciary duties. The Governance Committee is accountable for the Board’s and WTS Toronto Area Chapter's governance bylaws, policies and Board Handbook.

CATHY BENJAMIN-OSTRANDER (AECOM)
committee member

Becca nagorsky (metrolinx)
committee member

mary proc (retired)
Committee member
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
membership.wtstorontoarea@gmail.com
The Membership Committee’s objective is to work with WTS International to track, manage and welcome new and returning members to the Toronto Area Chapter. The Membership Committee is also responsible for helping to solve any challenges that arise with membership.

andrea lendak (ibi group)
committee chair

janarth kulenthiran (Versapay)
committee member

Shalevia briscoe (arup)
committee member

Agata Zebrowska (ibi group)
committee member

MENGSHU HE (MOTT MACDONALD)
COMMITTEE MEMBER
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM COMMITTEE
wtsmentorshipprogram@gmail.com
The Mentorship Program Committee is responsible for the development and facilitation of the mentoring program. The Committee collects feedback from participants throughout the program which will be used to tailor and improve the program to best serve WTS members. The Committee communicates with other WTS Toronto Area chapter committees to share ideas, materials and lessons learned.

frances lau (apotex)
BOARD director

karen cooper (aecom)
committee member

saloni shah (hdr)
committee chair

chloe edwards (aECom)
Committee member

Yasaman Shahtaheri (AECOM)
COmmittee Co-Chair

kristin hanson (retired)
committee member
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
programs.wtstorontoarea@gmail.com
The Programs Committee is responsible for planning and executing events and activities for WTS Toronto Area Chapter members and guests. Our programs are built around the WTS mandate of advancing women and advancing transportation, including industry and leadership learning, wellness, and social activities; and signature industry events, including an Annual "Nine, Wine & Dine" Golf Tournament, International Women’s Day breakfast, and an Annual Dinner.

Cathy benjamin-ostrander
Board Director

MEAGHAN BHIM (SNC LAVALIN)
committee member

michelle kearns (access planning)
Committee member

dana nassif (wsp)
Committee member

eva barnard (metrolinx)
committee co-Chair

helen deng (metrolinx)
committee member

shannon mcneill (Gannett fleming)
committee member

anca popa (ttc)
committee member

katie pelly (Ellis don)
committee co-Chair

allison hurley (ellis don)
committee member

ashley mustafa (gannett fleming)
committee member
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
wtstoronto.scholarships@gmail.com
The Scholarship Committee was assembled in 2014 to create, manage, and implement a process for selecting, awarding and disbursing scholarship funds on behalf of the Chapter. The Committee has recommended to the Board the adoption of a Scholarship process which defines the general nature of scholarship process in accordance with WTS International practice, defines the Sponsor-specific parameters for an individual Scholarship, identifies the capture area and fields of studies and other eligibility requirements for candidates and identifies the evaluation and selection criteria.

Josipa Petrunic (cutric)
board director

rebecca farrugia (ghd)
committee member

Zahra sadeghigivi (DB Engineering & Consulting)
committee member

larisse nana kouadjo (metrolinx)
committee chair

Batool Husnain (Deloitte)
Committee member

Maria Doyle (Metrolinx)
committee member

Lily keoponnreay (HDR)
Committee member
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for spearheading the efforts to obtain financial support for the Toronto Area Chapter for special events, professional development activities and the Scholarship Program. The Committee's responsibilities include establishing the goals and developing the Annual Sponsorship Program, coordinating with the transportation industry organizations to solicit and confirm contribution levels and coordinating with other Chapter Committees to ensure that Corporate Sponsors are recognized at all events and communications.

Cathy Benjamin-Ostrander (AECOM)
Committee Member

Satyajeet Sarangi (Metrolinx)
Committee Member

Kathy Calleja (AECOM)
Committee Member

Katherine Deschamps (City of Toronto)
Committee Member