WTS-DC at the WTS-I Annual Conference
The 2025 WTS International Annual Conference made history this May as transportation professionals gathered in Toronto for the organization's first conference held outside the United States. Under the theme "The WTS Mosaic: Mobility + Momentum," over 1,000 professionals convened at the Westin Harbour Castle from May 7-9 to discuss critical work in advancing mobility, improving transportation access, and building momentum for the future of the industry.
The WTS-DC Chapter made a remarkable showing at this year's conference, with nearly 20 members in attendance representing our region's transportation leadership. Our chapter's impact was significant, with several members serving as panelists and speakers during key sessions throughout the event. The conference culminated in a prestigious recognition for our chapter at the Scholarships and Awards Gala, where WTS-DC was honored as a Gold Level chapter, highlighting our commitment to advancing women in transportation and our chapter's accomplishments over the past year.
This year, WTS-DC continued its tradition of sending chapter members to the conference by sending four members: Morgan Bassford, Circe Torruellas, Audra Bandy, and Melanie Flores. What follows are their key observations, takeaways, and highlights from the Annual Conference.
Being a Leader Without Being at the Top - Mastering the Art of Managing Up, Down, and Across
One of the conference's most impactful sessions addressed the unique challenges faced by those leading from the middle of organizations. "Being a Leader Without Being at the Top - Mastering the Art of Managing Up, Down, and Across" brought together an impressive panel moderated by Saloni Shah (HDR), featuring insights from Sumeeta Kapur (Infrastructure Ontario), Kirsten Watson (AECOM), Edna Cuvin (City of Toronto), and Sarah Currie (Toronto Transit Commission). The discussion highlighted how middle leaders constantly shift between creating initiatives, playing leadership roles, and answering to those above—a particularly demanding balancing act for women managing responsibilities both at work and home.
Edna Cuvin's framework for thriving in the "messy middle" particularly resonated with attendees. She outlined six essential skills: becoming a "master hand holder" even in challenging situations; running effective "dog and pony shows" to ensure information sharing; being an "expert face saver" who creates win-win solutions; developing negotiation skills with clear priorities; serving as a "song and dance instructor" who ensures everyone moves in the same direction; and finally, finding joy in the process. Attendees left with practical strategies for building influence and resilience regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy.
Growing Intercity Passenger Rail
A panel session titled “Growing Intercity Passenger Rail” highlighted the leadership of women who are shaping the future of rail in the United States. Panelists included Karen Kitsis (Connecticut DOT), Christina Watson (Transportation Agency for Monterey County), Diane Corwin (AECOM), and Jule White (North Carolina DOT). They discussed major rail infrastructure projects currently underway across the country.
The discussion covered both opportunities and challenges, with particular focus on the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, which is creating a national pipeline of ready-to-implement rail projects. Featured initiatives included significant investments along the Northeast Corridor—connecting Boston to Washington, D.C.—as well as the Monterey County Rail Extension in California and the S-Line Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) project in the Southeast. These efforts not only aim to enhance mobility and sustainability but also support underserved communities through revitalized train stations and multimodal transportation hubs. The session served as a reminder of the growing presence and influence of women in the rail industry.
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Job
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Job, moderated by Kimberly Slaughter (TYLin International), shared insights from leaders that navigated complex career decisions and job opportunities that impacted their professional and personal lives. Panelists included Karen Alm (City of Calgary Transit), Raquel Olivier (Olivier), Monica Backmon (Northern Virginia Transportation Authority), Janet Gonzalez Tudor (Infrastructure Solution Delivery), and Diane Kenneally (NYCMTA Bridges & Tunnels).
A theme that was repeated by several panelists was the importance of feeding relationships. Investing in professional relationships not only creates a support network, but it also builds trust, and a foundation for future collaboration. Keeping in touch with individuals can also show others your commitment and ability to be part of a larger team.
Another key takeaway was the need to understand the personality and culture of the organization you are entering. Organizational dynamics, leadership styles, and unspoken norms can help you learn a lot about a company. Knowing more about the company you are about to join is critical in assisting in making a more informed choice.
One of the most impactful quotes from the session was “I don’t want to be a widget, I want to be a part of the success plan.” This was a powerful reminder that career choices shouldn’t just be about filling a role within an organization. They should be about contributing in a meaningful way that uses your unique abilities to grow alongside the organization.
What Got Us Here Will Not Get Us There: Future Strategies for Women's Workplace Success
The session “What Got Us Here Will Not Get Us There: Future Strategies for Women's Workplace Success” at the WTS Conference in Toronto offered a powerful reflection on how women in transportation can redefine success on their own terms. The speakers for the session included: Alanna Strohecker (AECOM), Janet Keiser (Terracon Consultants), Carla Tillery (FHI Studio), Dana Hecht (GFT), and M. Gayle Packer (Terracon Consultants). The speakers emphasized the importance of staying grounded in one’s personal and professional truth—being clear about your story, acknowledging your growth, and knowing what you are and aren’t willing to tolerate in the workplace. They also stressed the need for intentional boundaries and the courage to pause when mental health requires it. This framing was especially resonant in a field like transportation, where women have often had to navigate rigid structures while pushing for equity, inclusion, and leadership opportunities.
A particularly impactful moment came during the audience Q&A, when a participant asked what actions were being taken not just to ensure women have a seat at the table, but to actively get them to the table—recognizing that family, childcare, and eldercare obligations often create barriers. The panelists acknowledged virtual participation as a partial solution but admitted more robust strategies are needed. This exchange underscored a broader truth: advancing women in transportation isn’t just about access or opportunity—it’s about dismantling structural barriers that prevent full participation. The session was a timely reminder that creating sustainable, inclusive workplaces for women requires systemic change, not just individual resilience.