President's Message Well, according to my electric bill, it is definitely summertime in Texas. Despite the whirlwind year we’ve had so far, I hope you find some time this summer season to enjoy a little rest and relaxation with the people you care about. Even though this year has proven to be, if nothing else, unexpected… I am so proud of how our organization continues to move forward. Your WTS Greater D/FW Program Committee continues to work hard to provide the programs you’ve come to know and expect from us. Our Communications Team successfully navigated and implemented a national rebranding effort. Our rockstar Scholarships Committee handed out $25,000 worth of aid for the next generation of transportation leaders. And of course, our Annual Awards and Banquet Committee, continue to navigate these uncharted territories in unrelenting effort to recognize our Annual Award and Scholarship winners for 2019. As we look towards August, I want to encourage you all to mark your calendars for a special event scheduled on August 4. The WTS Greater D/FW Chapter is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, communication and understanding. To continue moving the conversation forward, our chapter will be hosting a special listening session to help create an open dialogue about the realities of racial discrimination, and how we as an organization and as individuals can do better. More information on that session is forthcoming. Again, try to take some time to relax this summer, stay safe and thank you for all that you do.  Sincerely,

Brittney Farr, Esq. President, Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter

Meet WTS Greater D/FW Scholarship Recipient - Amruta Sakalker

Amruta Sakalker is a doctoral student in Urban Planning and Public Policy at CAPPA, UT Arlington. She is the recipient of the Wanda J. Schafer Scholarship in 2018 and Monique Pegues Graduate Leadership Scholarship for 2019. She recently co-authored an article on Fragmentation of App-Based, On-Demand Transit Services in Texas, in a peer reviewed Transportation Research Journal. She is currently the Primary Investigator for creating a report card on Upper Trinity River Basin as a paddling trail within the DFW Metroplex. Though there is a growth in paddling as an alternative form of transport, especially for recreation and active travel, there is a lack of information on understanding the safety of regional water bodies for people’s engagement. This research will highlight the current status of the water bodies using existing data and will be used by regional river stewards to create an advisory information to safeguard of users.  Amruta has been actively involved with the WTS DFW UTA student chapter as a board representative and member. She is immensely grateful to the WTS Greater D/FW chapter’s continued support and encouragement in her doctoral journey through their scholarships and mentorship.  Keep up the amazing work Amruta! We look forward to watching your star shine.

Get to Know WTS Greater D/FW Chapter 2019 Member of the Year Kimberly Sims | HNTB

Years employed with Firm – 3 years City/Town in which you reside - Dallas Hometown - Dallas College Affiliation – Texas Woman’s University Favorite Quote – “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” – Maya Angelou Hobbies – Reading, traveling, hanging out with my favorite kindergartner and family Favorite Food - Pasta with red sauce Favorite Vacation Spot - Mexico Favorite Place – Anywhere outdoors with a good shade tree One word to describe yourself – Compassionate Something my colleagues might be surprised to learn about me - I was a sprinter in high school and ran cross country. What superpower would you most like to have, and why? The ability to change hearts and minds. I would love to help people take a hard look at their biases and mindsets to help them to see people, situations, themselves and the world in a different way. How do I contribute to WTS?   I served as the inaugural communications chair, Director of Programs and now am the DFW Chapter’s representative to the WTS Southwest Region Council. What is your favorite thing about WTS? WTS is a wonderful organization that has helped me grow personally and professionally. There are many opportunities to lead and blaze trails for girls, women and other underrepresented populations in the transportation industry. And of course, the great network of “sister-friends” developed over the decade I have been involved in this organization.

Sponsor Spotlight - Mayo-Wright Consultants

Mayo-Wright Consultants, LLC (MWC) is a woman-owned surveying firm based in Forney, Texas established in 2019. In their first year of business, they and doubled staff size from three to six full-time and three part-time employees. They have over 60 years of combined staff experience. MWC partners with both public and private agencies including TxDOT, DART, local airports, various municipalities, and title companies in Texas. MWC provides comprehensive land surveying services ranging from simple topographic surveys to large complex right of way. MWC is currently WBE and HUB certified with their DBE pending. They understand their success relies on our employees and repeated clients. They pride ourselves with efficient and quality deliverables. For more information about Mayo-Wright go to their Facebook page.

LO LOCAL CORPORATE SPONSORS

Titanium

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Small Business

INTERNATIONAL TRAILBLAZERS

‌ ‌ ‌