WTS-DC at WTS-I LA Conference
The 2026 WTS International Annual Conference was held this May as transportation professionals gathered in Los Angeles under the theme “Leading The Way.” More than 1,200 professionals convened at the Westin Bonaventure from May 4–7 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 sponsoring four members: Regis Stinson, Circe Torruellas, Chetna Sinha, and May ElKhattab. What follows are their key observations, takeaways, and highlights from the Annual Conference.
Throughout the conference, one message stood out clearly: leadership is rooted in purpose, resilience, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
One of the conference’s most impactful moments came during the keynote address by Alana M. Hill, who emphasized the importance of “building something that can be sustained.” Ms. Hill challenged attendees to reflect on what may be limiting their growth and reminded leaders that “if we want to rise, we have to be properly rooted.” Her remarks reinforced that sustainable leadership requires intentional growth, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve both personally and professionally.
These themes continued throughout sessions such as Lessons in Excellence, Legacy, and Leadership from WTS Women of the Year, where panelists discussed resilience, self-care, and the realities of leading through personal and professional challenges. Similarly, during the Voices of Vision – AASHTO Panel, transportation leaders from several state DOTs encouraged attendees to embrace discomfort, trust their experience, and pursue opportunities even before feeling fully ready. A memorable takeaway from Marie-Therese Dominguez encouraged attendees to “be a buffalo” by moving through storms rather than avoiding them.
The conference also highlighted the importance of sponsorship and mentorship during the Men Supporting Women in Transportation panel. Speakers emphasized that leadership is measured not only by personal success, but by “how many people you bring up on your way up.” Discussions focused on advocating for others, amplifying diverse voices, and creating lasting impact through leadership rooted in service and opportunity.
Ultimately, the conference reinforced that transportation leadership is fundamentally about people. Whether addressing innovation, workforce development, or infrastructure challenges, speakers consistently returned to the importance of trust, purpose, and building communities where others can thrive long after projects are complete.
Beyond these leadership discussions, attendees also reflected on the strong presence and accomplishments of WTS-DC members throughout the conference.
The 2026 conference in LA was energizing. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many influential women leading the way in transportation and uplifting women across the continent.
Our WTS-DC Chapter members showed up big time at the conference. Neela Babu was a panelist on the Elevate Executive Engagement panel alongside Karen Good and Kiera Crenny. Neela emphasized the importance of the WTS Executive Women roundtable and shared insight on how to promote successful engagement.
Roxanne Feige presented on Maryland’s Design Build Purple Line Light Rail project that connects communities across Maryland despite unforeseen setbacks during design and construction. Circe Torruellas presented on the importance of advocacy and sponsorship that creates a cycle of influence that accelerates advancements and reshapes organizational culture.
Kendall Myers discussed the indirect impacts to roadways and transit systems following floodwater inundation. These indirect impacts include business losses and poor health outcomes since transit systems serve as a lifeline for economic vitality, public health, and social equity.
Two of our 2025 WTS-DC scholarship recipients received the WTS Foundation scholarships. Congratulations to Kelly Lige and Lidya Woldeyesus. Our Ray LaHood 2025 award winner Randy Clarke received the WTS International Ray LaHood Award.
The WTS International Conference was a great reminder of the impact women continue to make across the transportation industry and the importance of continuing to create opportunities for future leaders. The conference covered leadership, career growth, and emerging technology, while also creating space for honest conversations about the challenges professionals face throughout their careers.
One standout session was Trailblazers in Transportation, where former WTS International Chairs and Chapter Presidents shared their experiences balancing family, work, and leadership roles. A major takeaway was that life is often more of a blend than a balance. The speakers also emphasized the importance of relying on your support system and trusting your teams and committees instead of trying to take everything on alone.
Another memorable session, Detour Ahead: Finding a Way Through the Transportation Career and the Road to Leadership, focused on the reality that careers are rarely linear. The panelists shared how setbacks, career changes, and unexpected opportunities helped shape their leadership journeys and reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strong professional relationships.
The plenary session, Transportation Leaders Shaping America’s Future, highlighted how quickly technology is changing the transportation industry, especially through autonomous and connected vehicle advancements. Hearing about pilot programs being tested around the world reinforced that these innovations are already shaping the future of mobility.
Another standout session was Champions, Not Cheerleaders: How to Build a Sponsorship Network for a Pathway to Success, which focused on the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. One of the strongest takeaways was the importance of building relationships with people who are willing to advocate for your growth, challenge you, and help create opportunities throughout your career.
Overall, the conference was both inspiring and insightful, highlighting the progress women have made in transportation while reinforcing the importance of leadership, community, and supporting the next generation of professionals entering the industry.