Mentoring Program
The 2026 Mentoring Program
The WTS-DC mentoring program is now accepting applications for 2026. Each year, the WTS-DC mentoring program creates partnerships between mentors and mentees where they exchange knowledge, skills, experiences, and expertise to support personal and professional growth and development. An effective mentoring relationship benefits both the mentor and the mentee. Applications are now available and are due FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026.
For more information, please contact the WTS DC Mentoring Committee at [email protected].
Benefits of Participating in WTS-DC’s Mentoring Program
For Mentees:
- Growth: Seek opportunities to grow professionally, especially in specific capabilities
- Information: Gain access to the knowledge and wisdom of experienced leaders
- Networking: Learn how to create opportunities for networking
- Confidence Building: Encourage curiosity and build confidence by being exposed to new ideas, opportunities, and challenges
- Support: Stimulate growth and enhance achievement by gaining an open and supportive environment
- Goal Setting: Define and attain personal and professional goals
- Advice: Obtain advice in reaching academic, career, and personal goals
- Role Model: Gain access to experts and pioneers who have changed the transportation industry
For Mentors:
- Development: Provide development opportunities and enhance leadership and management skills
- Growth: Seek opportunities to grow professionally and improve your performance—view your performance through an outsider’s perspective
- Strength: Contributes to the strengthening of the transportation community and future women leaders
- Information: Learn the viewpoints of women from different backgrounds and generations
- Role Model: Become a role model to an up-and-coming professional, and give back to the industry
How the Program Works
The program will run from March to November 2026. Each month, there will either be a group workshop, such as panel discussions and speaker presentations, or a happy hour event for informal networking. In addition, mentors and mentees are responsible for meeting one-on-one at least once a month, with mentees taking the lead in scheduling meetings. The WTS-DC Mentoring Committee will select mentors and mentees to work together, but it will be the responsibility of mentees and mentors to define and build their professional relationships.
Who Should Apply
For Mentees:
- You are a WTS-DC member
- You are a junior to mid-level professional
- You are interested in your professional and personal growth
- You are open to feedback and coaching
- You have a strong desire to enhance your professional development
- You are able to meet with your mentor once a month
- You attend at least three of the regular monthly events
- You are willing to consider volunteering for a WTS committee next year
For Mentors:
- You are a WTS-DC member
- You are a mid-level to senior professional
- You are willing to guide others by offering your professional perspectives
- You have a genuine interest in your mentee’s success
- You have a desire to practice and improve your coaching and leadership skills
- You are able to meet with your mentee once a month
Expectations and General Timeline
The program will consist of several formal and informal group meetings between March and November 2026, with one event scheduled per month. Events will be held in-person only. Mentors and mentees will be responsible for meeting at least once a month on their own during the program, with mentees taking the initiative to schedule conversations. Program participants are expected to participate fully in this initiative by attending most formal events and providing feedback to WTS-DC about their experiences.
APPLY TODAY!
We are now accepting applications for both mentors and mentees for our 2026 program. The WTS-DC Mentoring Committee will review the applications and accept up to 20 mentors and 20 mentees. The selection team will consider the clarity of the application and the applicant’s ability to articulate their goals for the program. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact the Mentoring Committee at [email protected]. We look forward to working with you this year!