A letter from Sara Stickler, President and CEO

Dear WTS Members and Community, 

As Spring is upon us, and we enter April, we focus on a renewed spirit of growth and gratitude in commemorating National Volunteer Month. With 8,500 members, 65 chapters, and strategic growth plans already in motion for the coming years, our community has excelled even through these unique times. How WTS International, our chapters, and the WTS Foundation will continue to achieve success in advancing women, advancing transportation is simple: it takes all of us.  

During National Volunteer Month, let’s take time to recognize and celebrate the impact of the people who make up WTS: our board, chapter, and committee leadership, our event and professional development volunteers, and so many more who continue to advance the mission of #OneWTS. It’s also important to note that while volunteering with WTS, our members also serve as public servants in their professional careers and volunteer at a higher level in their community through civic engagement, community activism, and even with industry peer groups within their chapter. 

I am particularly grateful for the role that our senior-level executive members play in mentoring the next generation of the transportation workforce. Engaging students and young professionals is a vital part of recruiting and retaining a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry. We are tasked with preparing and supporting a next generation of leaders, who will continue to develop the transportation ecosystem of the future. Through programs like TransportationYou, our volunteers introduce young women of varied backgrounds to futures they may never have imagined possible. Additionally, WTS International continues to provide innovative leadership and training programs, supporting women in all stages of their career journey. 

And finally, our annual conference provides a chance to gather, make connections, share experiences, and learn from industry veterans. It is yet another example of our dedicated volunteers, who make this hallmark industry event possible: from the countless hours spent by our conference committee fine-tuning programming to our onsite helpers. I invite you all to join us in Seattle from May 18-20.

Our ability to drive change strengthens by getting involved and working together. There are many ways to get involved with WTS, and to expand your own volunteer journey. We want your time and talent. Please reach out to your local Chapters or the WTS International staff top learn more about maximizing your membership.  

Thank you for the honor of leading this remarkable, dedicated community; and thank you for your continued commitment to the global advancement of women in transportation.  

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Sara Stickler 

President and CEO, WTS International