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As WTS Philadelphia celebrates its 45th anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the many women who have led transportation organizations in Philadelphia and have left an indelible mark on the city’s infrastructure and the way people move within it. 

Over the years, women in transportation have brought innovative solutions, led major projects, and championed policies that have transformed the city's transportation systems. These women have not only been trailblazers within their organizations but have also paved the way for future generations of women to thrive in this critical industry.

As we look ahead to the next 45 years, we remain committed to fostering and celebrating the contributions of women in transportation, building on the trailblazing work of these remarkable leaders.

We celebrate you, Chellie Cameron, Yassmin Gramian, Leslie Richards, and the late Rina Cutler!

41. Chellie Cameron

The former CEO of the City of Philadelphia, Department of Aviation (DOA), Chellie Cameron was responsible for overseeing operations of both the Philadelphia International and Northeast Philadelphia Airports.  Ms. Cameron was the city’s chief aviation representative in local, state, national, and international affairs. She was responsible for the operation of the airport system, and directed the planning, development, and administration of all airport activities during her tenure. She served on Philadelphia’s aviation leadership team for 11 years. Prior to this role, she spent 13 years working for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and served for 7 years as an active-duty officer in the United States Air Force and 1 year as an Air Force civilian employee. She is now the President & CEO of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and continues to make important contributions to transportation and our region. We are grateful for her excellent representation of women in aviation soaring to new heights! 

42. Rina Cutler

The late Rina Cutler was an inspiration to many, serving in many leadership roles including as the City of Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Transportation from 2008 to 2015.  In that role, Ms. Cutler oversaw the former Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU), which was eventually reconfigured into the present day Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS).  She also served as Senior Director of Major Station Planning at Amtrak from 2015-2018, Deputy Secretary of Administration for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation from 2003-2008 and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority from 1994 to 2000. Ms. Cutler’s passion was connection- whether through volunteering and mentorship or in connecting rail, airport, and city transportation systems. 

43. Yassmin Gramian, PE

Yassmin Gramian served as the Secretary of PennDOT from 2020 to 2023. At PennDOT, she managed an annual budget of $9.5 billion and oversaw programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways.  Ms. Gramian is a professional engineer in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and the state of Florida.  Before assuming her leadership role at PennDOT, she served as a consulting engineering executive for leading firms, such as Jacobs, HNTB, and WSP. She now serves as a transportation industry advisor.  Ms. Gramian is an example of women rising to the highest levels of State government to lead and represent the needs of all Pennsylvanians.

44. Leslie Richards

Leslie Richards fearlessly led the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) as its General Manager through the most challenging times in recent history. This included sustaining itself through the COVID-19 Pandemic, transitioning from tokens to the SEPTA-Key system, and navigating a budget shortfall of more than $200 million. Prior to her role at SEPTA, Ms. Richards served as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Montgomery County Commissioner, and the chair of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. She currently serves as Professor of Practice in the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.  A true champion for transportation and transit systems and an inspiration to the women and men who will follow in her footsteps, we thank Ms. Richards for her example of navigating challenges even in the most difficult of circumstances.