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On Tuesday, October 7th, the WTS EDI Committee, in partnership with SMPS Philadelphia, held a virtual event: Understanding LGBTQIA+ History, Workplace Experiences, and Allyship in the Transportation Industry. The event, bringing together dozens of attendees from across the transportation industry in the Greater Philadelphia region, began with an overview of LGBTQIA+ history in the City of Philadelphia led by Rebecca Custer (A.D. Marble) and highlighted key events for the LGTBQIA+ community within the city over the last century.

The event progressed into a panel discussion - moderated by Mia Held (C&S Companies) – highlighting the experience of members of the LGBTQIA+ community at transportation firms in the Philadelphia region. The panel, comprised of Eileen Della Volle (KS Engineers), Stephen Alvarez (Stantec), and Jason Garwood (Ballinger), included open and vulnerable discussion of being visibly “out” in the community, the impact of identity on comfort and performance in the workplace, and experiences in which panelists were supported or challenged as a result of their identities as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Following this engaging conversation among the panelists, Heather Coyne (Amtrak) concluded the event through a discussion on allyship, highlighting that being an ally is sometimes as simple as checking in or showing up to show support for those in the community. This event fostered a meaningful dialogue among those in attendance, as audience members posed questions for the panel, spoke on their own experiences, and shared how they can promote allyship in their own workplaces. The ED&I Committee sends their thanks and appreciation to those who attended and engaged in the discussion, as well as WTS and SMPS for hosting the event.