Chapter Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 WTS Toronto Area Chapter Award recipients
Karla Avis-Birch, P.Eng.
Woman of the Year
Karla is an Executive Leader with over 25 years experience in infrastructure and transit delivering life changing needs for communities. Karla is a Civil Engineering graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She has extended her career having spent nearly 20 years on the owner side at Metrolinx with her last role being Chief Planning Officer to her current role as Principal at the engineering consulting firm Arup, where their mission is to “shape a better world.”
Karla is no stranger to multi-billion-dollar major rail projects, complex intergovernmental stakeholder relationships, and has balanced her focus on policy driven priorities like community benefits, One Fare free transfer and others to ensure equitable access for all. She has been Federally appointed as a Board Director for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and served as WTS Toronto Chapter President in 2017 and 2018. Karla is grounded in giving back and empowering the next generation of leaders and was recognized by TMU with the “Alumni Achievement Award” in 2020 for achieving extraordinary professional success while making significant change in their community.
Tammy Smith
Member of the Year
Tammy Smith is an Employee Development Specialist with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), where she has spent nearly 20 years shaping workforce and leadership development. With a focus on engagement and a talent for bringing people together, Tammy develops practical strategies that support personal advancement and professional excellence in today’s evolving workplace.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo, along with certifications in adult learning, and training and development. As a proud Co-Chair of WTS Toronto Area’s Mentorship Program, Tammy is passionate about fostering meaningful connection, continuous learning, and inclusive leadership. A lifelong learner herself, Tammy enjoys dabbling in new classes and experiences—and occasionally convinces her family to join in the fun.