2026 Summer Recap

Summer 2026 was full of events for WTS CVA, members networked with industry professionals from other organizations, learned about the changes to the Virginia Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Work Area Protection Manual (WAPM), and played pickleball to support scholarship funds for WTS and ASCE!

Summer Events Recap:

Summer on the Patio – June Joint Social February:

Summer weather calls for socializing on the patio! WTS, along with ASHE, ASCE, VAS-ITE, APWA, and SWE, hosted a relaxed summer social at Bingo Beer Co. The event was a great success, offering attendees the chance to reconnect, expand their networks, and discuss current topics in the transportation industry, all while enjoying great food and beautiful weather.

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Signs, Signals, and Safety – July VDOT MUTCD/WAPM Workshop:

In July, WTSCVA welcomed transportation professionals from across the state for a highly informative workshop on the latest updates to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Work Area Protection Manual (WAPM). Speakers Rashmi Patel and Marc Lipshultz walked attendees through key changes, best practices, and real-world implications. The session was well attended and offered participants the opportunity to earn PDH credits while staying current on industry standards.

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Game, Set, Match – August WTSCVA & ASCE  2nd Annual Pickleball Event:

We closed out the summer on a high note with our WTS and ASCE 2nd Annual Joint Pickleball Tournament, held on August 7, 2026, at Bangers and Dinks. The event raised over $800 in scholarship funds for both organizations—thank you to everyone who participated and supported! Attendees enjoyed both competitive and social play, with plenty of time to network with industry colleagues between matches.

Congratulations to our winners:

• Competitive Division: Todd Springer and Jason Williams – VDOT
• Social Division (Tie):
  • Team 1: Tyler Misencik & Emme Collins – Kimley-Horn
  • Team 2: Stephan Dupont & Ryan Latham – Kimley-Horn

We’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament!

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Investing in the future – 2027 Scholarship Program:

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The Central Virginia Chapter offers local scholarship awards in the amount of $500 - $1,500 for a number of scholarship categories for eligible recipients ranging from high school girls interested in undertaking careers in transportation; junior college scholarships for women pursuing transportation-related study at community and trade colleges; and scholarships for graduates and undergraduates pursuing degrees in transportation.

 

WTS’s vision is the transformation of the transportation industry through the global advancement of women. Our scholarship program is one way the Central Virginia Chapter supports this vision. Applications are OPEN NOW through November 23, 2026, and can be found on the WTS Central Virginia website: WTS Central Virginia Scholarships.

Upcoming Events:

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WTSCVA Annual Awards & Recognitions

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM
The Westwood Club (6200 W Club Ln, Richmond, VA 23226)

Join WTSCVA as we celebrate our 2026 Recognition Awards winners and the overall success of our chapter in its 20th anniversary year! This special evening at the Westwood Club will feature awards presentations, networking, and a chance to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. Registration for this event is currently open here. Food and beverages will be provided. Proceeds from this event will benefit our chapter’s scholarship fund! Thank you to our event sponsor, Moffat & Nichol. 

Bowling & Membership Drive

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM
Bowlero Richmond (6540 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230)

WTSCVA is looking to increase our membership! Join us for a very special FREE bowling and membership drive event at Bowlero Richmond, where bowling and food will be covered by WTS. The current WTSCVA member who brings the most potential new members to this event will be eligible for a $50 visa gift card! Anyone who becomes a member in the month of October will receive a coupon for a free ticket to one of our speaker series events in 2027. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about WTS membership, meet chapter leaders, and discover how you can get involved in our programs, committees, and events.          

 

Thank you to our Sponsors

Each year, our Platinum and Benefactor sponsors go above and beyond to support not only our chapter, but also our local community and women across the transportation industry. We invite to learn more about our sponsors by clicking here.

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Looking to Get More Involved?

Join a Committee

Make the most of your membership by joining one of our committees. Committees include communications, sponsorship, membership, programs, scholarship, and Transportation YOU. If you're interested in taking a more active role within the chapter, please contact our 2026 Chapter President, Alexa Overeem, at [email protected].

 

Transportation YOU Volunteers Needed

The Central VA Chapter has partnered with NextUp RVA and City of Richmond Public Schools to offer our Transportation YOU weekly after-school sessions in 2025-2026. In 2024, we worked with both Lucille M. Brown and Thomas Henderson Middle Schools to bring STEM to 15 young women. We plan to partner again this upcoming 2026-2027 school year. If selected, we will be volunteering again starting in September 2026 for the fall session. Transportation YOU have also participated in CEI Day 2026. All year long, Transportation YOU will be focusing on our webinars, attending career fairs, and in-school presentations.  Current members, in good standing, interested in volunteering their time should complete the volunteer form found here. Unable to volunteer your time, but still want to help out? Contact Zarriea Latimore at [email protected] if your company is interested in sponsoring one of our weekly sessions.