By: Neela Babu

On December 4th, WTS-DC Executive Women’s Roundtable hosted a roundtable discussion with Veronica O. Davis, the Cities Program Director at AtkinsRéalis’ and author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities. Held at AtkinsRéalis’ Alexandria, VA. Office, the event brought together members of the WTS-DC EWR to explore how the principles of equity and inclusivity can shape the future of mobility.

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Davis opened the discussion by sharing her experience as the former Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations for the City of Houston and her personal motivations for writing her book. As a long-time advocate for equitable transportation planning, Davis highlighted the need to address historic inequities perpetuated by infrastructure design.

One of the most impactful ideas Davis discussed was her philosophy of designing transportation systems with a child’s perspective in mind. Recalling her work in Houston, Texas, she shared how she had to adapt solutions to fit the city's unique needs while asking herself: Would a ten-year-old feel safe?

Davis also emphasized the urgent need for diversity in leadership at all levels of transportation planning and policymaking. She pointed out that boards and commissions often lack representation from women and people of color, leading to solutions that fail to reflect the needs of diverse communities. To address this disparity, Davis encouraged WTS-DC members to actively advocate for change by recommending and supporting women for leadership roles, helping to ensure more inclusive decision-making.

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The roundtable format provided an intimate setting for the EWR to engage directly with Davis. Questions ranged from practical approaches for integrating equity into transportation planning to challenges faced by women and minorities in the industry. Davis encouraged attendees to embrace innovative thinking, challenge the status quo, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize the needs of underrepresented communities.

WTS-DC EWR is proud to have hosted this engaging and enlightening event. Davis’s passion and expertise left a lasting impression on all who attended, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of equity in transportation.

As WTS-DC continues its mission to advance women in the transportation industry, events like this roundtable play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and inspiring action. Stay tuned for more events in 2025, where we will continue to explore transformative ideas shaping the future of transportation.

For more information about Veronica O. Davis and her work, visit https://www.veronicao.com/mystory.

Thank you to AtkinsRéalis for their in-kind sponsorship of this event!