WTS Hampton Roads Chapter Newsletter - April 2021

Letter from the President

While we are hopeful that we may meet in person someday soon, the WTS Hampton Roads Chapter has been able to transition to provide exciting programming in a virtual environment. Last month, we celebrated International Women’s History Month with Women’s History Trivia and successfully raised $340 to our scholarship foundation, which was made possible due to a generous matching donation from Solstice Environmental.

Our Chapter received exciting news that the WTS Hampton Roads 2020 -2021 Junior College/Trade School Scholarship recipient was selected for a $2,500 International scholarship award – Congratulations to Ebony Chernique Myers-Grimes!

She will be officially recognized during our 2021 WTS Annual Conference: Our Future in Transportation May 10-14, 2021. The conference will be held virtually with a Richmond, Virginia location theme and bring together transportation professionals from across North America. Registration is now open, and we encourage you to register early to receive the early bird rate and your complimentary WTS Conference kit. For more information on the conference, registration, speakers, and tours visit: www.wtsinternational.org/events/2021-wts-virtual-annual-conference

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge our Corporate Sponsors that have supported our Chapter throughout this year. We would not have been able to continue the mission of WTS – to attract, sustain, connect and advance women’s careers to strengthen the transportation industry – without your generous support.

Emily Seay, PE
WTS Hampton Roads Chapter President

Highlights from the 10th Annual WTS HRC Transportation Reception

December 2020 Virtual Edition

Thank you to our speaker!

Christopher Hall, PE

VDOT Hampton Roads District Engineer

Congratulations 2020 Scholarship Winners!

Morgan Harvey

WTS Transportation YOU High School Scholarship Awardee

2020 Cox High School Graduate
Attending Virginia Tech to study Environmental Science
Founded “Literacy Mentors” club at Cox which strives to improve literacy through reading to K-2nd Grade students at John B. Dey Elementary School & military children at the Fort Story Youth Center
Was a member of Cox’s Crew Club & Wind Ensemble

Kellie Burchfield

WTS Junior College Scholarship Awardee

Studying Civil Engineering Technology at Tidewater Community College
Engineering Technician for the City of Suffolk Public Utilities capturing assets in the field by GPS and approving ROW permits
Previously worked for Suffolk’s Roadway Division working closely with VDOT on infrastructure and road assets
Member of the TCC STEM Program
TCC Presidents Honor Roll award recipient

Congratulations 2020 Recognition Award Winners!

Woman of the Year

Martha Gross, PhD, PE, VDOT

Member of the Year

Paula Miller, VDOT

Service Award

Jennifer Riddle, CP APMP, Michael Baker International, Inc.

Honorable Ray LaHood Award

Jim Murray, PE, Jacobs

Employer of the Year

Member Showcase

Danielle McCabe

ATCS, PLC

Title – Senior Construction Lead

Hometown – Hampton, VA

When did you join WTS? May 2019

Why did you join WTS? To make personal and professional connections in Hampton Roads, VA

Do you hold a position in WTS HRC? What is your role? STEM Committee Co-Chair

What do you like best about your job? Problem Solving

Favorite project you have worked on – Jefferson Ave. Phase II Utility and Streetscape Improvements

How do you like to spend your free time? Outdoors with family

Did you start a new hobby in the COVID-19 Pandemic? Reading motivational books

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself – I enjoy fishing

Want to nominate someone for our next Member Showcase? Contact our Communications Committee.

2021 Annual Conference

Conference Committee Still in Need of Volunteers

May 10-14, 2021

Four tracks for the conference:

One Size Does Not Fit All: Ingrain Equity and Inclusion in Workplace Culture
The Future of Innovation in Transportation
Mobility Redefined: Evolving Transportation Through Creative Innovation
The Silver Tsunami: Riding the Wave Toward the Workforce of The Future

While this year's WTS International Annual Conference will be virtual, Virginia is honored to be hosting!

Since the majority of the conference will be pre-recorded with live Q&A, the conference planning committee is looking for 10-15 volunteers to help with mostly behind the scene logistics and coordination for the recordings and participants both before the conference (April timeframe) and during the conference.

For example, the programs committee will have about 4-5 different sessions in each of the 4 tracks, and each session will have between 2-4 speakers. A volunteer might be asked to coordinate with each of the panel members in that session to verify their availability to pre-record the panel in April, make sure they show up, and then work with them to be ready to go for the live Q&A during the conference. Similarly, for the evening receptions, the hospitality committee could use assistance to make sure the right people are where they need to be. The tours committee is also looking for assistance with planning and logistics for the pre-recorded tours and live Q&A.

If you're willing to help in some way, even if you are not attending the actual conference, please consider volunteering.

If you're interested, please complete this survey.

Learn More about the Conference

2020 Events

January: Social at Blue Moon Taphouse
February: Doug Wilson “More than just Tunnels”

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December Blanket Making
March: Smartmouth Membership Event (CANCELED)
July: Virtual Meet & Greet with Scholarship Recipients
September: Border Collies Keep Migratory Birds at Bay for HRBT Expansion Project
November: WTS International Chapter Leadership Training
December: Blanket Making for Charity
December: WTS HRC Annual Reception

Spring 2021 Events

January: Annual Chapter Strategic Planning Meeting
March: Spring Membership Event - Women's History Month Virtual Trivia

Thank you to our March Membership Event Sponsor Solstice Environmental!

Interested in sponsoring one of our next events? Contact our Corporate Sponsorship Committee.

Upcoming Events

Virginia Museum of Transportation Presentation with Christine Williams - Tuesday, April 27
-More information to come-