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Hello WTS Members and Friends,
It’s February, which means we’re one month closer to spring weather — or maybe not since we are in Texas. As 2023 continues to fly by at lightning speed, we have a lot going on at WTS in DFW. Our 2023 Corporate Partner Renewal Campaign has kicked off. For our 2022 Corporate Partners, you should have already received information about your renewal. This year we are offering the opportunity to combine your Corporate Partner and Annual Awards Banquet Sponsorships. If you are not yet a Corporate Partner, and you are interested in learning how to elevate your WTS benefits to the next level, please reach out to Madeline Shepherd or Jennifer Evans at membership@wtsgreaterdfw.com.
Speaking of our Annual Awards Banquet, planning is well underway for this event. If you’re interested in participating in the planning process, please reach out to Gwen Jurisich at Gwen.Jurisich@hdrinc.com or Lani Marshall at ylmarshall@bec-inc.com. In addition to the banquet, our Spring Professional Development Event with guest speaker Teri Fisher of Insight Strategies will be later this spring. The 2023 WTS International Conference: The Great Intersection will be held May 10–12 in Atlanta, GA. Registration for this conference will be open soon.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month across the country and throughout our communities. For WTS International, the theme of this year's Black History Month is Black Resistance — the "past, present, and future efforts of resistance against ongoing oppression, in order to advocate for a dignified life in a just democratic society in the U.S. and beyond." Unfortunately, throughout history, transportation has been used to limit freedom and promote segregation, making it harder for Black people to access and take advantage of opportunities. As transportation professionals, we can participate in rectifying the racial discrimination that exists in our current transportation system. From the $2 trillion infrastructure plan that includes funding for programs focused on reconnecting neighborhoods cut off by historic investments, to our efforts in planning and design to focus on environmental justice, better access to public transportation and eliminating the physical barriers between divided communities.
I hope to see some of you at our Annual Membership Meeting this weekend. We plan to recap some of our amazing events from 2022 and highlight some of the initiatives we’re focusing on for 2023. As always, remember to stay safe, take care of yourself and respect each other. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Caren Chambers, P.E.
President, Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter
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Introducing the
WTS Distinguished Speaker Series
The WTS International 2023 Distinguished Speaker Series highlights the voices of top-level experts, speakers, authors, and academics, speaking on topics crucial to equity, diversity, and access in transportation.
On February 17th, join us to hear from Dr. Mia Bay, UPENN professor, historian, and author of Traveling Black: A Story of Race and Resistance, which received a 2022 PROSE Award for Excellence in American History, was a New York Times Critics' Top Book of the Year, and is a finalist for the Los Angeles Time Book Award.
Curious as to why so many cases contesting the doctrine of "separate but equal" involved trains and buses, Mia Bay went back to the sources with some basic questions: How did travel segregation begin? Why were so many of those who challenged it in court women?
Register now to hear Dr. Bay's scholarly insights on the history (and the future) of equity, inclusion, diversity, and access in transportation.
WTS Distinguished Speaker Series Webinar: Dr. Mia Bay
Friday February 17, 2023 | 1–2:30 p.m. ET
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Annual Members Meeting & Luncheon
When:
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Where:
Bar Louie
360 Las Colinas Blvd W
Irving, TX 75039
Time:
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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The WTS Distinguished Speaker Series Presents:
Dr. Missy Cummings
The WTS International 2023 Distinguished Speaker Series highlights the voices of top-level experts, speakers, authors, and academics, speaking on topics crucial to equity, diversity, and access in transportation.
Join us for our second installment of the series on March 8th to hear from Dr. Missy Cummings ― professor, Director of the Center for Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Translational AI at George Mason University, and one of the U.S. Navy's first female pilots.
Dr. Cummings is an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow and recently served as the Senior Safety Advisor to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Her book Hornet's Nest recounts her experience with the discrimination she faced and overcame as one of the first women in the U.S. Navy's fighter pilot community.
Register now to hear Dr. Cummings' thoughts and expertise on the application of artificial intelligence in safety-critical transportation and infrastructure systems; the socio-ethical impact of technology; and the adversities and obstacles she defeated as a woman breaking barriers in the field of transportation.
WTS Distinguished Speaker Series Webinar: Dr. Missy Cummings
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 | 1–2:30 p.m. ET
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Join us for a night under the stars as we celebrate our award and scholarship winners.
Sponsorship & Registration information coming soon.
Gwen Jurisich & Lani Marshall
Banquet Co-chairs
Interested in volunteering for the banquet? annualawards@wtsgreaterdfw.org
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Looking for a way to get more involved in WTS?
Got new ideas for WTS programs?
Want to help coordinate and plan WTS monthly programs?
Look no further than the WTS Programs Committee! The Programs Committee is looking for interested individuals who would like to offer input and help plan and host for 2023. All ideas are welcome!
Please email Yvette at programs@wtsgreaterdfw.com to be put on the email list for the next committee meeting.
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BECOME A 2023 CORPORATE PARTNER TODAY!
The WTS Greater DFW Chapter is kicking off its 2023 Corporate Partner campaign. Every year our Corporate Partners come alongside us as we implement our programs and initiatives to support women in the transportation industry. Corporate Partner members receive special benefits and recognition of their support. Learn more at: WTS D/FW Corporate Partners
Champion = $7,500
Diamond = $5,000
Titanium = $2,500
Platinum = $2,000
Gold = $1,500
Silver = $1,000
Bronze = $750
Small Business = $500
If your organization would like to join or renew as a corporate partner for 2023, please contact membership@wtsgreaterdfw.com.
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DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT, VP OF REAL ESTATE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Vice President, Real Estate & Economic Development directs, manages, and provides leadership and oversight to the activities of the Office of Real Estate, Railroad Right of Way Management and Economic Development to achieve a diverse set of transit-supportive and real estate asset management outcomes.
BURNS & MCDONNELL, ASSISTANT TRANSPORTATION POLICY STRATEGIST (DALLAS OR AUSTIN)
The Assistant Transportation Outreach and Policy Strategist will support Planning and Policy staff on a wide variety of communication, planning, policy and public outreach services for our clients. This includes developing and implementing programmatic and project communication strategies and developing resources to make our clients successful.
DENTON COUNTY TRANSIT AUTHORITY, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
The Director of Human Resources plans, leads, directs, develops, and coordinates the policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resource department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the DCTA mission and talent strategy. The position provides transformational leadership for the organization, performing professional assignments and tasks in the execution of DCTA’s payroll process, benefits programs, human resources, employee relations, employee engagement, and recruiting efforts. This position also serves at the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer for the agency. The ideal candidate will encourage collaboration, communication, and innovation while embracing transparency, inclusivity, and adaptability. The Director of Human Resources performs under the general direction of the Senior Director of Engagement and Administration.
FREESE AND NICHOLS, SENIOR MARKETING COORDINATOR
Freese and Nichols is seeking a Senior Marketing Coordinator for an opportunity in Florida. As Senior Marketing Coordinator, you will lead high-level, strategic pursuits from the sales positioning phase to opportunity strategy through to shortlist presentation activities.
CITY OF FORT WORTH, PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER - SIDEWALK TRANSPORTATION
The City of Fort Worth is the 13th largest city in the U.S. and the fastest growing among large cities. Fort Worth has received multiple accolades, including number one Downtown (Livability), and the second-best City in the nation for Job Seekers (Forbes). Our employees serve the needs of over 900,000 residents. We are seeking individuals that reflect our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability. A Professional Engineer - Sidewalk Transportation position is available with the City of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works Department. This position will be an integral part of the City's Transportation Planning/Engineering team. The selected candidate will serve a critical role in support of the City’s Sidewalk and Safe Routes to School Programs working under the supervision of a Sr. Professional Engineer.
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