On August 25th, 2026, transportation professionals from across the region gathered at the Silver Spring Civic Center for the Women in Maryland Leadership panel, a collaborative event hosted by both the WTS-DC and WTS-Baltimore chapters. The event focused on leadership, career growth, and the future of transportation in Maryland. The panel featured Haley Peckett, Deputy Director for Transportation Policy and Planning at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation; Oluseyi Olugbenle, Acting Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation and recipient of the 2025 WTS-DC Chapter Rosa Parks Leadership Recognitions Award; and Elizabeth Gordon, Assistant Deputy Administrator for Planning and Programming at the Maryland Transit Administration. Neela Babu, Director of the Office of Project Development and Delivery at the Maryland Department of Transportation, moderated the discussion.

Career Paths Are Rarely Linear

Successful transportation careers are rarely a straight climb up a ladder. The panelists described careers shaped by unexpected opportunities, lateral moves, and experiences outside their original areas of expertise. They emphasized being open to opportunities that may initially seem outside one’s comfort zone and recognizing patterns in personal strengths that can guide future decisions.

The panelists encouraged attendees to focus less on following a predetermined career map and more on identifying the work they enjoy, the skills others recognize in them, and the impact they want to have through public service. 

Relationships Drive Success

A recurring topic throughout the evening was the importance of relationships in transportation leadership. The panelists shared that the ability to build trust, collaborate across agencies, and maintain strong professional networks often influence project success as much as technical expertise.

Transportation professionals frequently work across organizational boundaries, requiring strong interpersonal connections and a willingness to engage with people from different disciplines and perspectives. Knowing who to call, understanding how organizations operate, and developing authentic professional relationships were identified as essential leadership skills.

Audience members also heard how WTS has helped leaders expand their professional networks, create mentoring relationships, and connect with opportunities that may not otherwise have been available.

Leadership Through Mentorship and Sponsorship

The panel explored the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship and the role both play in developing future leaders. While mentorship provides guidance and advice, sponsorship requires leaders to advocate for emerging professionals and to create opportunities for them to grow.

The panelists discussed giving rising professionals meaningful responsibilities, allowing them space to make decisions, and supporting them through both successes and setbacks. They also emphasized that effective mentoring relationships work in both directions, creating learning opportunities for mentors and mentees alike.

The conversation focused on creating pathways for the next generation of transportation professionals by fostering inclusive workplaces, encouraging participation in professional organizations, and making leadership opportunities more accessible.

Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience

Women can face challenges in leadership positions, including the pressure to be exceptionally prepared, navigate complex workplace dynamics, and manage expectations that may not always be visible to others.

The panelists’ advice centered on preparation, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-awareness. They encouraged attendees to recognize and manage emotions constructively, seek diverse perspectives when facing challenges, and remain confident in their abilities. They also encouraged professionals to push through uncomfortable situations, initiate conversations, and pursue opportunities even when doing so may feel intimidating.

An especially impactful message focused on avoiding perfectionism and embracing conflict as a normal part of leadership. The panelists emphasized the value of being both direct and kind while maintaining transparency and honesty in decision-making.

Shaping the Future of Transportation

Looking toward the future, the panelists stressed the importance of creating cultures of belonging where employees feel connected to their organizations and to the broader mission of serving communities. Building trust, providing honest feedback, supporting professional development, and fostering meaningful workplace relationships were identified as essential to successful organizations.

 

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