The WTS Central Florida (WTSCFL) Chapter became the 28th chapter of Women's Transportation Seminar on August 11, 1995. On August 14, 1995 a kick­off reception was held to introduce WTS to Central Florida.

Founding Members 

• 1995 Acting Board President: Barbara Stiles
• Vice President: Gert DeSantis
• Secretary: Michelle Gallant
• Treasurer: Kathy Morgan
• Media Relations Chair: Barbara Crystal
• Newsletter Chair: Joedel Zaballero
• Recognitions Chair: Rosemarie Moeller
• Programs Co-Chairs: Charlotte Davidson and Christine Kefauver

WTSCFL Through the Years
 

• 1994: A small group of women came together to form the planning committee to establish a new WTS Chapter in the Central Florida area
• 1995: In August, WTS Central Florida was chartered as the 28th chapter of WTS. The chapter had 16 members. The chapter’s first newsletter, Avenues, was published.
•  1996: The first awards banquet was held with Grace Crunican, Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration as the keynote speaker. The first scholarship fundraiser was held.

•  1997: First scholarships were awarded. The chapter gave out one $1000 undergraduate award and one $1000 graduate award.

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WTSCFL celebrated 25 years as a chapter on August 11, 2020. Throughout this time, we have enjoyed unwavering industry support. This support has allowed us to provide programs for the current and future generations of women in transportation.

Recent Chapter Accomplishments
 

2024

• Welcomed over 200 chapter members
• Hosted our chapter's largest Swings for Scholarships fundraiser

2023

• Increased scholarship funding through new fundraiser event, Chips for 'Ships in 2023
• Awarded Gold Circle of Excellence Chapter for seven consecutive years (2017-2023)
• Increased our chapter's total scholarship dollar amount to $10,000, which includes two graduate and two undergraduate awards, awarding over 20 undergrad and graduate scholarships over the past five years 

2022

• Expanded our chapter’s scholarship program to include Junior College and Trade School awards in 2022
• Launched the WTS-UCF Student Chapter
• Celebrated the 25th anniversary of our annual Scholarships and Award Banquet in 2022
• Launched chapter's first UCF Career Fair, featuring mock interviews, resume review, creating and strengthening LinkedIn profiles and student mentorships
• Formed Innovation and Advisory Council with key industry leaders like Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority - Kevin Thibault, Mayor of Orange County - Jerry Demings & Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Executive Director and CEO - Nicola Liquori setting the strategic growth plan for the chapter
• Increased membership by 37%, including a 12% increase in student membership

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