WTS

WTS Hampton Roads Chapter Newsletter - Winter 2025

While the temperatures drop, our chapter spirit is on fire! This winter edition is your one-stop sleigh ride through everything WTS Hampton Roads has accomplished and what’s next. We’re celebrating a year of connection and growth, opening nominations for recognition awards, and offering scholarships to empower future transportation leaders—all with deadlines on February 14. Plus, you’ll find ways to join committees, attend luncheons, and volunteer in the new year. Let’s keep the season bright and the momentum rolling!
- WTS HRC Communication Committee

Letter from Leadership

JR
 

As winter settles in across Hampton Roads, I’ve been reflecting on the energy and generosity this chapter showed all year. From thought‑provoking programs to hands‑on community service and collaborative socials, you brought our mission to life in meaningful ways.

First, thank you to our committee chairs and volunteers—your planning, outreach, and on‑the‑ground support made packed calendars possible and welcoming spaces for members at every stage of their careers. And to our agency and corporate partners: your commitment helped us fund scholarships, support our programs, and keep our momentum strong.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to carry this spirit into 2026. Recognition Award nominations for next year’s reception are now open—please consider nominating a colleague whose leadership or service has made a difference. Nominations are due by February 14.

And here’s more good news: scholarship applications are also due February 14! We have six scholarships available for female students graduating high school and attending trade schools, or pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in transportation/STEM-related fields. We want these scholarships to reach those who can truly benefit from them—so if you know someone eligible, please encourage them to apply and help us spread the word.

You can look forward to even more professional development programs, inspiring member spotlights, and meaningful ways to get involved—whether that’s lending your talents to a committee, joining us for a hands-on service project, or connecting at one of our luncheons. If you’re new and wondering where to begin, just reach out—there’s a place for everyone at WTS, and we’d love to help you find yours.

Thank you for showing up, cheering each other on, and making this community so special. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year—I can’t wait to see you at our winter events.

Jennifer Riddle
President, WTS Hampton Roads Chapter

Scholarship and Recognition Award Nominations 

Annual Reception

Scholarships

The deadline for applications for the Hampton Roads Chapter 2026 Scholarship Program is February 14th. 

There are six scholarships available. Please consider distributing these applications to any potential applicant you may know. Click on the links in light blue below to download the applications.

GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS:
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS:
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP:
CERTIFICATE/ASSOCIATES DEGREE SCHOLARSHIP:

If you have any questions concerning the applications or materials, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application!

Recognition Awards

Each year, WTS recognizes members, women, and employers who embody the WTS pursuit of transportation excellence through the achievement and success of women. Submit applications to [email protected] for 2026 recognition awards prior to December 13th

Please consider nominating someone or distributing these applications to any potential applicant you may know for any of the categories listed below (click on links to download nomination forms).

Event Highlights

Below are a few highlights from some of our biggest events of the year. Thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and presented at our events this year. If you or your company has any interest in sponsoring one of our 2026 events, please contact our Corporate Sponsorship Chairs, Sara Keranakis; Brianna Binowski

COVA

June: Membership Social at COVA

On June 9, 2025, WTS Hampton Roads Chapter partnered with COMTO and snip, snapped and connected at COVA Brewing Co. in Norfolk, VA. The night was filled with networking, personal branding, and professional development and of course good brews and appetizers!

Highlights included:

  • Professional Headshots by Kristin Watkins Photography, helping attendees refresh their LinkedIn profiles.
  • Appetizers and Drinks courtesy of COVA’s self-pour taps.
  • A welcoming space to connect with peers, share ideas, and strengthen industry relationships.

 

 

 

 

June: Self Defense Training with VBSO

Self Defense

On June 21, 2025, WTS Hampton Roads partnered with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office (VBSO) to host a dynamic Self-Defense Training at the Law Enforcement Training Academy. This hands-on session was designed to empower participants with practical skills and confidence to protect themselves in real-world situations.

Key highlights:

  • Expert Instruction: Led by Sergeant Nicholas Davison and Deputy Leanna Mullen, both seasoned defensive tactics instructors with extensive law enforcement experience.
  • Focus Areas: Situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and effective self-defense techniques tailored for individuals of all skill levels.

This event exemplified WTS Hampton Roads’ commitment to personal safety, professional development, and community connection. Participants left feeling informed, empowered, and ready to face challenges with confidence

 

TR

July: Inspiring Journeys – An Evening with Tiffany Robinson

On July 24, 2025, the WTS Hampton Roads Chapter hosted “Inspiring Journeys” at Clark Nexsen in Virginia Beach—a powerful evening dedicated to leadership, community, and opportunity in transportation. The event featured a keynote address by Tiffany Robinson, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, who shared her personal and professional journey, offering insights into resilience, leadership, and the future of transportation in Virginia.

Key highlights:

HRBT

August: HRBT Welcome Center Project Update & Tour

On August 21, 2025, WTS Hampton Roads hosted an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the HRBT Welcome Center in Norfolk, spotlighting one of Virginia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects—the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion. This transformative effort is the largest highway construction project in the Commonwealth’s history, reshaping regional transportation and setting new engineering milestones. We were treated to a fascinating presentation by:

  • Ryan Banas, HRBT Expansion Project Director
  • Ana Romano & Sara McMahen, Bird Monitors
  • Sophie & Sky, Flyaway Geese Dog Handler and Expert Bird Deterrent
HRBT

Key highlights:

  • A ton of interesting facts and behind-the-scenes videos
  • Innovative methods used to prevent birds from nesting on the construction site
  • Unique artifacts discovered during excavation
  • Insight into the next steps for the expansion project

 

 

November: Habitat for Humanity Fall Build Day

On November 7, 2025, WTS Hampton Roads members rolled up their sleeves for a rewarding day of service at the Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity Build Site in Melfa, VA. This annual volunteer event brought together transportation professionals and community members to make a tangible impact—helping build safe, affordable housing for families in need.

H4H

Key highlights:

  • Our team spent the day laying flooring throughout an entire home—working side-by-side with the future homeowner, whose excitement and gratitude made every moment even more meaningful. 
  • To top it off, we were treated to a special clam and oyster steam—what a delicious way to celebrate a day of service and connection! 

We’re proud to be part of building stronger communities, one floorboard (and one oyster!) at a time.

December: Holiday Blankets for Charity Event

Blanket

One of our chapter's favorite ways to end the year and celebrate the holiday season is by enjoying pizza and fellowship while expressing our creativity for a worthy cause! Individuals of all craftiness levels met at Learning Loft at Burns & McDonnell in Chesapeake to create cozy blankets to donate to Mercy Drops Dream Center, which is an organization dedicated to partnering with their community by working alongside those experiencing homelessness; in under-resourced neighborhoods, veterans, and our foster care system. For more info, check out their website: https://www.mercydrops.life/ 

Blankets will be donated to Mercy Drops Dream Center and delivered to children in local neighborhoods, children in foster care, seniors, seniors that are in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. See below and our Chapter Photo Gallery for our member's cozy creations!

Highlights from the 15th Annual WTS HRC Transportation Reception

The Fifteenth Annual Transportation Reception was held on November 12th at Festival on 8th in Virginia Beach. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on a year of events and progress for our WTS chapter, as well as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of our chapter’s leadership and award recipients. The event was also a great opportunity to look towards the future by honoring scholarship recipients and raising money for the WTS Foundation through donations and a Silent Auction.

The award recipients for the evening included Sara Keranakis as Member of the Year, for her dedication to the chapter since 2017 and commitment and service to the chapter as the Partnership Committee Chair & Programs Co-Chair. Paula Miller was honored as Woman of the Year, for her decades of dedication to media, public service, and community leadership. Kimley-Horn was named 2025 Employer of the Year for their exceptional commitment to advancing women in transportation. Ray Amoruso was the recipient of the Honorable Ray Lahood Award for being a lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion in transportation planning through his 44 years of leadership shaping the transit system across the U.S.. Emily Hinkson was celebrated as the 2025 Woman to Watch as the youngest team lead in HNTB’s Capital Region. RK&K Women’s Employee Resource Group was awarded the Rosa Parks Diversity Award for championing diversity, inclusion, and multicultural awareness across the organization and the transportation industry. A special thank you to Carly Goldsborough, immediate past president, for her continued dedication to the advancement and success of our Chapter!

Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winner!

Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship
Annual Reception
Ivy Edwards

Ivy Edwards is a senior at Old Dominion University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Ivy demonstrates exceptional leadership as President of ODU’s Engineering Ambassadors and the Virginia Gamma chapter of Tau Beta Pi, as well as Chi Epsilon. In addition to these roles, Ivy is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at ODU, contributing to strategic initiatives within the college. Ivy has gained valuable industry experience through internships with the City of Virginia Beach Traffic Safety Section in Summer 2023 and JMT’s Traffic Engineering Department in Summer 2024, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing transportation and traffic engineering solutions.

Congratulations 2025 Recognition Award Winners!

Member of the Year
Annual Reception
Sara Keranakis

Sara Keranakis is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and North Carolina with nine years of experience in highway and transportation design. As a Project Engineer at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) in Virginia Beach, she specializes in OpenRoads Designer 3D modeling and leads roadway design for design-bid-build projects. Sara manages multidisciplinary teams, coordinates with stakeholders, and oversees engineering plans, cost estimates, and schedules. Active in the WTS since 2017, she has served as Partnership Committee Chair and Programs Co-Chair, fostering partnerships, organizing events, and promoting professional development for women in transportation.

Woman of the year
PM
Paula Miller

Paula Miller is the Communications and Community Engagement Director for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project and a former Virginia House of Delegates member. She has a diverse background in media, government affairs, and public service, including
roles at WTKR-TV, Dominion Energy, and local sheriff’s offices. Paula chairs the Norfolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber, is a member of the 2022 CIVIC Leadership Class, and has received multiple honors such as the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. She has served on numerous community boards and will publish her first children’s book this fall. Paula lives in Norfolk with her husband, George Schaefer, and has
two adult children.

Employer of the Year
Annual Reception
Kimley-Horn

Kimley-Horn is a top planning and design firm known for its strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth—especially for women in transportation. The company partners with WTS, supports women in leadership (38% of staff, 152 shareholders), and offers career development through programs like LIFT and the Women’s Leadership Group. Kimley-Horn invests in education, professional memberships, and internships, with nearly half of recent interns being women. Its inclusive culture and support for women have earned it repeated recognition as a leading workplace for women and millennials.

Honorable Ray LaHood Award 
RA
Ray Amoruso

Ray Amoruso is the Chief Planning and Development Officer at Hampton Roads Transit, overseeing service planning, scheduling, long-range transit projects like light rail and bus rapid transit, and customer relations. He leads the Regional Transit System Program, including the high frequency Regional Backbone bus network, and has been with HRT since 2009. With over 44 years in public transportation, Ray previously worked on major transit projects across the U.S. in both public and private sectors, including leadership roles in Denver and New York City. He holds a degree in Urban Studies & Urban Planning from the City University of New York and plans to retire at the end of this year.

Woman to watch
Annual Reception
Emily Hinkson

Emily Hinkson, Water Resources Project Engineer & Team Lead at HNTB, is recognized for her outstanding leadership and technical expertise in the transportation industry. As the youngest team lead in HNTB’s Capital Region, she has managed major projects like Long Bridge
North and South Capitol Street, while mentoring and recruiting female talent—resulting in an all-female water resources team for two consecutive years. Emily Hinkson is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, leading employee engagement initiatives and serving in multiple leadership roles with WTS Hampton Roads and WTS DC. Her ability to balance complex project management, technical excellence, and mentorship sets her apart from other young professionals, making her an inspiring leader and a deserving recipient of the Woman to Watch Award.

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
Annual Reception
RK&K’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG)

RK&K’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a dynamic, employee-led initiative dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multicultural awareness within RK&K and the broader transportation industry. The group organizes impactful events such as International Women’s Day celebrations and fundraisers supporting displaced women, and fosters a collaborative environment through virtual and in-person activities. With over 1,750 employees, RK&K is committed to gender equality, professional development, and mentoring opportunities for women and minorities. The ERG has hosted 40+ events on topics like career growth, work-life balance, and STEM engagement, making significant strides in advancing diversity and inclusion across the organization and industry. 

Immediate  Past President
Annual Reception
Carly Goldsborough

Carly Goldsborough, P.E. is a Water Resources Project Engineer at JMT with nine years of design and project management experience across Virginia and North Carolina. She is a registered Professional Engineer in VA and NC, with advanced expertise in hydrology and hydraulics modeling, stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control design. Carly currently manages multiple projects and plays key roles in proposal development, client coordination, and team mentorship. An engaged leader in the WTS Hampton Roads Chapter since the start of her career, she has served as Membership Chair, President, and now Immediate Past President. Carly is also an active member and Fundraising Chair of the ODU Civil and Environmental Engineering Visiting Council, where she supports students and fundraising initiatives.

A HUGE thanks to Kristin Watkins Photography for capturing the event! Check out our Chapter Photo Gallery page for more event photos.

Member Showcase 

Name – 

Company – 

Position/Title at Company – 

Hometown – 

When did you join WTS? 

Why did you join WTS? 

Do you hold a position in WTS HRC or International? What is your role? 

What do you like best about your job? 

Favorite project you have worked on – 

How do you like to spend your free time? 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. 

Save the Date - Upcoming Events

  • Luncheon with  Mike Davis, PE, CMM District Engineer at VDOT Hampton Roads District Office - January 20th
  • Annual Chapter Kickoff and Planning Meeting - January (Date TBD) 
  • Tour of TTC Skilled Trades Academy  - March (Date TBD) 
  • Swing into Spring: Golf Lessons with a Pro - April (Date TBD) 

Keep an eye-out for upcoming event announcements through WTS email blasts and our Events page. 

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