WTS Central Virginia 2023 Fall Newsletter
Fall Outreach Initiatives
Some of the core objectives of WTS are to attract women to the transportation industry and provide them the necessary tools for success. This Fall, the Central Virginia Chapter has the opportunity to give back to our local community in several ways. We encourage all of our membership to participate in the following upcoming programs so we may stay true in these pursuits.
Webinar Events
The Central VA Chapter hosts free webinars catered towards middle and high schoolers throughout the Commonwealth. Both girls and boys are welcome to attend to learn about local transportation projects and trailblazers as well as receive STEM resources. Past webinars are available on our YouTube page, but live attendance is encouraged as there is a gift card drawing at the end of each webinar! Learn more on our Transportation YOU Webpage.
Volunteer with NextUp RVA
The Central VA Chapter's Transportation YOU program was selected as a 2023-2024 NextUp RVA Program Provider. We are excited to partner with NextUp RVA, a non-profit with a commitment to ensure all RVA youth have access to quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Chapter members interested in volunteering with this outreach program, can email Savannah Amor Kappeler at [email protected] or complete the volunteer survey. Additionally, to help support City of Richmond Middle School's, corporate sponsorship opportunities are available through our Heart of Gold sponsorship. This money will directly contribute to the students that participate in our after-school program.
WTS International Mentorship Workshops
International will be offering two dates for Fall Mentorship Workshops, facilitated by Mentor VA, on Thursday September 28 and Thursday October 26. This module-based course is perfect for you if you are interested in Understanding the Power of Mentoring, Positive Youth Development, and Integrating the Growth Mindset into Mentorship. See the full agenda and register here.
Richmond Public Schools Book Drive
This year, the Central Virginia Chapter is partnering with IBTTA (International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association) Women in Tolling (WIT) for an early education book drive. We are accepting gently used and new STEAM books that will be donated to the City of Richmond Public Schools. Additional details for drop-off locations can be found here.
Upcoming Events!
Annual Reception and Recognition Awards
Don't forget to register for this annual event at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA on September 28. A hearty congratulations to this year's recipients!
- Woman of the Year - Cathie Vick, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer, Virginia Port Authority
- Member of the Year - Savannah Amor Kappeler, VDOT, WTS Transportation YOU Chairperson
- Ray LaHood Award - Todd Lemasters, DHR Inc.
- Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award - RS&H Inc.
- Employer of the Year - Alpha Corporation
- Sponsor of the Year - CDM Smith
Spooky Canal Tour
Come enjoy refreshments and hearing the history of Richmond during a private charter ride through the canal on October 12th. After the boat ride, we'll meet for networking at Southern Railway Taphouse. There are limited seats available; register now!
November Giving Event
This year, the Central Virginia Chapter is partnering with the YMCA for a diaper drive. Keep an eye out for details and instructions in early November.
Annual Membership Appreciation Event
This annual end of year celebration of our members and the work we have all done to support women in transportation will be held at Hardywood Brewery in Scott's Addition on December 6th. Keep an eye out for more details!
Summer Program Recap
Joint Social
WTS joined APWA Mid-Atlantic, ASCE Richmond Branch, ASHE Old Dominion, and VASITE at the Southern Railway Taphouse in June for a networking event. Thanks to all who participated!
Sustainable Transportation in Virginia
The Central Virginia Chapter hosted a virtual introduction of VDOT's Office of Sustainability and Resiliency on July 26. Attendees got to hear about VDOT's recent initiatives to balance focus on social, economic, and environmental concerns.
HRBT & CBBT: A Tale of Two Tunnels
Martha Gross, PE, VDOT Major Projects Technical Director, and Michael Crist, CBBT Deputy Executive Director of Infrastructure, presented on their ongoing bridge tunnel projects during our virtual event in August.
Looking to Get more Involved?
Stay up to date with WTS International
You may be missing email correspondence from International. Talk to your IT department about whitelisting @wtsinternational.org and @zendesk.com to ensure you don't miss important updates on regional and national industry news, professional development trainings, membership renewal, and more.
Submit Nominations for the 2024 Central Virginia Board
Nominations for the following 2024 Board positions will be accepted through October 5th.
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Director-at-Large (3 positions available)
For more information, please contact our Immediate Past President, Muriel Rodriguez, at m[email protected].
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 Chapter President, Rebecca Sial, at [email protected].
Board Meetings
The WTS Central Virginia Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon via Zoom! To learn more about chapter business, upcoming events, and committee options, we invite you to check out a board meeting. Dial-in information is below:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6728450837
Meeting ID: 672 845 0837
Mobile +13052241968
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keD4FZnKJe
Transportation YOU - Where are YOU now?
In the past 10 years have you participated in a WTS Central VA Chapter educational workshop, webinar, event, or received a scholarship from the Chapter? If so, we would like to hear from you! Our Chapter is working on identifying our impacts to the Central Virginia region so we can continue to identify ways to improve our programs and continue to offer equal access to opportunities for girls of all backgrounds. Complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 3rd for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Click here to complete the survey.
Membership Levels and Rates are Changing
Please note that WTS International will be announcing new membership levels and rates, which have been the same for over a decade, in October. Increased membership rates will take effect at the beginning of 2024. The increased rates will cover International resources and initiatives as well as support our local chapter programs. Feel free to reach out to the Central Virginia Board if you have any questions about the upcoming changes.
Thank You to our 2023 Corporate Sponsors
