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December 2017 Newsletter
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WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
"
All good things must come to an end
." -
Geoffrey Chaucer
The end of 2017 marks the completion of my term as president for the Greater D/FW WTS Chapter. As I reflect over the past two years, I can honestly say they have been absolutely amazing.
The opportunity to be president of this chapter has helped me to grow not only professionally, but personally. I have truly enjoyed meeting our members and speakers and getting to know those who are heavily involved in the success of our chapter as well as the transportation industry. I have watched our chapter grow and add to its achievements, including presenting our first honorary membership and setting a record for fundraising at our annual awards banquet.
These and other accomplishments would not have been possible if it weren't for our fabulous board and our phenomenal leadership team. These individuals leave me in absolute awe and without them we would not have been able to accomplish anything. They are the force behind our chapter and I am proud to have been along for the ride.
And, I cannot thank enough the members who keep moving us forward through their volunteer efforts to make our events special, recruit new members, develop communications to keep us up-to-date on Chapter activities, and all the other ways they contribute. My appreciation for these volunteers goes beyond what any words can adequately convey.
My personal and professional growth over the past two years have only been exceeded by the good friends I have made. I am so humbly grateful and blessed.
May you and your families have a safe and merry holiday season. And may 2018 be our best year ever!
Belinda Pate
President, WTS Greater D/FW Chapter
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NOVEMBER DIVERSITY PROGRAM
The annual Diversity program featured some of the region's top leaders in transportation. Sharon Douglas, Potere Construction; Noelle Ibrahim, VRX, Inc.; and Rosa Navejar with The Rios Group shared their thoughts on The Importance of Diversity. All candidly spoke about the challenges they faced in helping others to understand how diversity and inclusiveness benefits everyone and positively impacts the bottom line. They also stressed the value of work-life balance and the need to make time for the people and things that are important to you. Being comfortable with taking chances and stepping out on faith was also a topic of discussion. Sharon and Rosa both shared their experiences about entering new business ventures with trepidation and then excitement. Noelle enlightened the group about her persistence in going after new business when starting VRX.
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ANNOUNCING 2018-2019 WTS D/FW CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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2017 WTS D/FW CHAPTER RECOGNITION NOMINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE!
We need your help! Please take a moment to nominate individuals or organizations who you feel deserve recognition for their contributions to the transportation industry in North Texas!
Member of the Year Award
- This award acknowledges a WTS member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization. Selection shall be based on the following criteria:
- A member who has shown an extraordinary commitment to the goals and growth of WTS by working effectively in support of WTS goals. (Identify activities.)
- A member who has promoted the reputation of WTS within the transportation industry. (Include an explanation describing how and what was done.)
- A member who has worked effectively to strengthen communication between local and international WTS levels or between chapters.
- A member who has done an outstanding job of revitalizing or expanding a chapter or any of its functions.
Woman of the Year
- This category is designed to reach out beyond our membership to honor a woman who is an outstanding role model in transportation. Selection shall be based on the following criteria:
- A woman who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to thetransportation industry.
- A woman who has directly contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities throughprograms or opportunities in the transportation field.
- A woman who through her career achievements and support of women in the industry has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation.
- A man who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry.
- A man who has directly contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities in the transportation field.
- A man who has led by example, seeking out opportunities to advance and advocate for women in his own organization, and who has actively ensured that women are able to compete for key positions of authority within that organization.
- A man who through his career achievements and support of women in the industry has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation.
Employer of the Year
- This award honors an organization (company, non-profit, association, or government agency) for recruiting, retaining and advancing women. Nominations for Employer of the Year should include the following:
- Describe the organization's structure, including the number of women in executive and senior positions
- and those leading major initiatives.
- Specify the career development plans and succession programs the organization has in place for women to advance within the organization.
- Describe and provide example(s) of how the organization provides continuing development for its female employees through:
- Professional education
- Professional organizations
- Professional development opportunities
- Describe and provide example(s) of how the organization encourages women students to enter the transportation field by providing internship opportunities.
- Describe and provide example(s) of how the organization supports WTS through memberships, sponsorships, and employee involvement at the local and international levels.
- Exhibiting extraordinary efforts or initiatives in facilitating professional opportunities for women and minorities.
- Contributing significantly to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural awareness within their organization, the transportation industry, or in a project or activity that supports the goals and mission of WTS.
Innovative Transportation Solutions Award
- This award salutes an innovative transportation project led by a woman. Nominations for the Innovative Transportation Solutions award should include the following:
- Describe the purpose of the transportation initiative, solution, project or policy and the number of women involved from initiation to completion.
- Identify the key elements of the project and how the female project manager successfully implemented those elements.
- Illustrate how the female project manager successfully met and overcame challenges.
- Explain how the project achieved its purpose.
Deadline for submission:
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Submit to:
Adrienne Williams
Recognition Director
(972) 421-2343
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Holiday Happy Hour
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CI Summit 2018 |
Complimentary admission with gift or donation
$10 for members without a gift
$15 for non-members without a gift
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Register Now!
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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
The D/FW Chapter is looking for new talent to help in the following areas:
- Mentoring Program
- Programs Committee
- Communications Committee
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JOB BANK
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CORPORATE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Gorrondona & Associates, Inc., (G&AI) is a Texas Corporation with offices located in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Lubbock providing full service professional land surveying, geographic information systems, Mobile LiDAR, aerial photogrammetric/LiDAR, HD laser scanning, geotechnical engineering, and construction materials testing.
Founded in 1990, G&AI serves public and private sector clients including; state and regional transportation agencies, governmental entities, municipalities and counties, consultants, telecommunications, rail, airports, local water districts, state water boards, K-12 and higher education, oil and gas industry, petroleum chemical plants, private development, and power companies.
G&AI offers a unique combination of knowledge and talents allowing for timely and accurate completion of your project.
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WTS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & RATES - 2018
WTS fosters interaction among members of the transportation industry, on both professional and personal levels, and is dedicated to furthering the advancement of women in transportation. Through sponsorship, corporations have ready access to a wealth of transportation expertise, contact with industry professionals, agencies, and other corporations nationwide. Corporate Partnership fees are divided between the local chapter WTS Scholarship Fund and the chapter operating budget.
With your support, the Greater D/FW Chapter of WTS can continue providing informative luncheon programs, recognition of local transportation leaders, scholarships for women pursuing a career in transportation, and professional development programs.
CONTRIBUTION LEVELS AND BENEFITS
TITANIUM - $ $2500+$180 per additional member (over 5)
Includes Items below for 5 (plus) members and
Unlimited Corporate Staff Attendance to local events at Member Rates
PLATINUM - $2000
Includes items below for 4 members and a
One (1) time article in chapter newsletter (and listing in all chapter newsletters)
GOLD - $1500
Includes items below for 3 members and a
One (1) opportunity to participate in a monthly luncheon meeting as the Corporate Spotlight
SILVER - $1000
Includes items below for 2 members
BRONZE - $750
- Recognition in Chapter Newsletter and at Events
- Chapter Membership Directory
- One (1) individual membership to the local chapter (includes national membership)
- Certificate of Appreciation awarded at the annual banquet
- One (1) ticket to the Annual Awards Event
- Special Reception for Corporate Partners
- Free Job Postings on WTS Website
SMALL BUSINESS - $500
Bronze member benefits for firms with less than 10 employees carrying Texas DBE/SBE certification
For more information on Corporate Partnerships, please contact Diane Gollhofer, P.E. at
[email protected].
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INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORS
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Titanium
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Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter Officers:
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President
Belinda Pate
Vice President
Laura Weis, P.E.
Secretary
Darla Payberah, P.E., CFM
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Immediate Past President
Nikki Simon, P.E.
Programs Director
Kimberly Sims
Recognitions Director
Adrienne Williams
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Membership Director
Chelsey Smith
Professional Development Director
Audrey Saldana, P.E.
Communications Director
Ayumi Anderson
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Please submit WTS D/FW Chapter News items to:
Darla Payberah, P.E., CFM
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