President's Message: July/August 2020
Dear WTS-DC Chapter Members and Friends,
As we continue in this new normal, WTS-DC has taken time to reflect on our role as an organization, which is to support the success of our members. While that objective is typically aimed at professional success, when our world is facing a pandemic and our communities are in crisis, the lines between professional and personal are blurred.
Therefore, WTS-DC would like to offer our members and friends support beyond professionalism. We hope you took the opportunity to participate in our virtual trivia event and breathwork event with Pause Breathwork Instructor Tanya Saunders in June. These events sought to connect people, provide networking within the transportation community while social distancing, and offer an outlet to relieve stress during these challenging times.
Recognizing that our world is facing larger crises, we understand that hosting chapter events supports the WTS-DC community to only a small degree. By proceeding with our programs and activities, we in no way wish to diminish the gravity of current events. WTS-DC stands with WTS International in condemning racial injustice and promoting equality throughout our field and daily lives. Read WTS' full statement online. On a personal level, I encourage us all to take a few moments to think about how we as individuals can move the needle to achieve racial justice and equality—whether it’s taking the time to reflect on our own words and behaviors, listening and learning through dialogue with others, or getting more involved with our communities. I hope we can all challenge ourselves to act and bring about change. As an organization, if you have suggestions on how WTS-DC can further support our community in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the transportation community, please reach out to us to share your ideas and how you would like to get involved!
As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, WTS-DC has decided to hold our Annual Holiday Party virtually this year in lieu of our typical in-person event. We felt that this was the best approach for ensuring the health and safety of our event participants. We hope you will join us to virtually celebrate our recognition award winners and our scholarship recipients! The event will still be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, so please mark your calendars. More information will be available in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support of WTS-DC, and we look forward to engaging with you soon!
Best,
Neela Babu, Ph.D.
President, WTS-DC Chapter
Contact Us!
If you or your organization are interested in contributing to WTS-DC and would like to know how you could do so, please contact us. You can reach us through any of our social media channels listed below, or you can email me at president.wts.dc@gmail.com.