Committees
We are an organization run by volunteers and we couldn't do it without them! The WTS Toronto Area Chapter has established several committees and selected leaders to manage Chapter activities. Learn more by clicking a committee below:
Communications | Governance | Membership | Mentorship | Programs | Scholarship | Sponsorship
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee works in collaboration with the other Committees to provide timely and relevant information to WTS Toronto Area Chapter members and subscribers. The Communications Committee supports the Chapter in the design and distribution of communications materials for the Chapter, such as our email newsletter WTS Weekly, information brochure and promotional videos, and the management of the Chapter's website and social media accounts. In 2020, WTS International has undergone a rebranding exercise and the Communications Committee has played a big part in integrating this into our Chapter's initiatives.
![Tara Erwin](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Tara_Erwin.jpg?itok=L5HX_MkX)
Tara Erwin, HDR
board sponsor
![Sara Ayub](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-06/image1.jpeg?itok=IKI2apZQ)
Sara ayub (metrolinx)
Committee member
![Adrienne Lee](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-05/Adrienne_Lee.jpg?itok=abm584tC)
adrienne lee (gannett fleming)
COMMITTEE MEMBER
![Tammy Smith](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-09/Tammy_Smith.jpg?itok=BsQdY4OO)
tammy smith (ttc)
committee member
![Mavara Turab](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Mavara%20Turab.png?itok=Ki3faGWF)
mavara turab (wsp)
COMMITTEE co-CHAIR
![Annette Crisson](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/Annette_Crisson.jpeg?itok=hNAE8kMr)
annette crisson (jacobs)
Committee member
![Sheila Mehrvar](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-06/Sheila%20Mehrvar.jpeg?itok=7xmURe4X)
sheila mehrvar (GANnett
fleming) Committee member
![Joanne Garcia](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Joanne%20Garcia_0.jpg?itok=W3jjHa8f)
Joanne garcia (aecom)
committee member
![Rebecca Farrugia](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-03/Rebecca%20Farrugia.jpg?itok=xB3UO38K)
rebecca farrugia (ghd)
committee Co-chair
![Shalevia Briscoe](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Shalevia_Briscoe.jpg?itok=ODh1MkUS)
shalevia briscoe (hdr)
committee member
![Kaye Rickatson](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Kaye_Rickatson.jpg?itok=6DdAjIh3)
Kaye rickatson (retired)
committee member
![James Yu](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/James_Yu.jpg?itok=LCisK7Py)
james yu (City of Toronto)
board sponsor
![Toronto Chapter](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/Alicia%20Biggs_0.jpg?itok=XPS1t8XC)
alicia Biggs (hdr)
Committee Member
![Toronto Chapter](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/Laurice%20Macaraeg.jpg?itok=eGvH3hbv)
Laurice macaraeg (wsp)
Committee Member
![Toronto Chapter](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/Crystal%20Wang_0.jpg?itok=NyXRc1EQ)
crystal wang (wsp)
Committee Member
dana nassif (wsp)
Committee chair
![Toronto Maya Caron](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Mara_Caron.jpeg?itok=Eymrb8Ua)
maya caron (deloitte)
Committee member
rachel saunders (city of
toronto) Committee member
![Bryn Sexton](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Bryn_Sexton.jpg?itok=nMnI12Le)
bryn sexton (city of toronto)
Committee member
![Eva Barnard](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/EvaBarnard-square.jpg?itok=wGwAu-Di)
eva barnard (metrolinx)
Committee member
![Kathryn Deschamps](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Kathryn_Deschamps_0.jpg?itok=7KoPGH8i)
Katherine Deschamps (City of
Toronto) Committee Member
![Toronto Chapter](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/Anna%20Ta_0.jpg?itok=BHHdFCr7)
anna ta (gannett fleming)
Committee Member
GOVERNANCE
The intent of the governance committee is to be the main resource on governance for the Board. The Committee monitors the effectiveness of Board operations, Board performance and governance policies. Duties of the Governance Committee include recommending action to the Board for structural changes to ensure WTS Toronto Area Chapter is in compliance with its legal and fiduciary duties. The Governance Committee is accountable for the Board’s and WTS Toronto Area Chapter's governance bylaws, policies and Board Handbook.
![Cathy Benjamin Ostrander](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Cathy_Benjamin_Ostrander.jpg?itok=Ch_cqoUi)
CATHY BENJAMIN-OSTRANDER (AECOM)
committee member
![Becca Nagorsky](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Becca_Nagorsky_1.jpg?itok=zBa6_ZvA)
Becca nagorsky (metrolinx)
committee member
![Mary Proc](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-03/Mary_Proc.jpg?itok=pas8bK3f)
mary proc (retired)
Committee member
![Larisse Nana Kouadjo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Larisse_0.jpg?itok=OeUD5TSB)
larisse nana kouadjo (egis)
board sponsor
![Nayana Anne Bob](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Nayana%20Anne%20Bob%202.jpg?itok=9SREGIgl)
Nayana anne bob (arcadis)
committee member
![Nicole Schmidt](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Nicole%20Schmidt%202.jpg?itok=zOw1GV6k)
nicole schmidt (Hdr)
committee member
![Andrea Lendak](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Andrea_Lendak.jpg?itok=maP404vQ)
andrea lendak (arcadis)
committee C0-chair
![Toronto Maya Caron](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Mara_Caron.jpeg?itok=Eymrb8Ua)
maya caron (deloitte)
committee member
![Kathy Calleja (AECOM)](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-11/Kathy%20Calleja.jpg?itok=cwydySnX)
kathy calleja (AECOM)
committee C0-chair
![Parvathy Pillai](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/ParvathyPillai_0.png?itok=EYusHKXc)
pavarthy pillai (arcadis)
committee member
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM COMMITTEE
The Mentorship Program Committee is responsible for the development and facilitation of the mentoring program. The Committee collects feedback from participants throughout the program which will be used to tailor and improve the program to best serve WTS members. The Committee communicates with other WTS Toronto Area chapter committees to share ideas, materials and lessons learned.
![Frances Lau](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Frances_Lau_0.jpeg?itok=zOylbbyY)
frances lau (apotex)
BOARD director
![Karen Cooper](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Karen_Cooper_0.jpeg?itok=GIeOiu4D)
karen cooper (aecom)
committee member
![Saloni_Shah](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-09/Saloni_Shah.jpg?itok=0Epeg4Uy)
saloni shah (hdr)
committee chair
![Chloe Edwards](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Chloe%20Edwards%20Headshot.jpg?itok=0BbDL1ms)
chloe edwards (aECom)
Committee member
![Yasaman Shahtaheri](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Yasaman%20Shahtaheri.jpg?itok=VEFfGPhd)
Yasaman Shahtaheri (AECOM)
COmmittee Co-Chair
![Kirstin Hanson](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-12/Kristin%20Hanson.jpg?itok=23zWTd9p)
kristin hanson (retired)
committee member
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
The Programs Committee is responsible for planning and executing events and activities for WTS Toronto Area Chapter members and guests. Our programs are built around the WTS mandate of advancing women and advancing transportation, including industry and leadership learning, wellness, and social activities; and signature industry events, including an Annual "Nine, Wine & Dine" Golf Tournament, International Women’s Day breakfast, and an Annual Dinner.
![Cathy Benjamin Ostrander](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Cathy_Benjamin_Ostrander.jpg?itok=Ch_cqoUi)
Cathy benjamin-ostrander
Board Director
![WTS Toronto](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/WTS_Toronto_White_Stacked_Social_Media_0.png?itok=xqNyL2k9)
MEAGHAN BHIM (SNC LAVALIN)
committee member
![Michelle Kearns](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Michelle%20Kearns-square.png?itok=k6FPW6bN)
michelle kearns (access
planning) Committee member
![Dana Nassif](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Dana%20Nassif-square.jpg?itok=Tqrqtciz)
dana nassif (wsp)
Committee member
![Eva Barnard](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/EvaBarnard-square.jpg?itok=wGwAu-Di)
eva barnard (metrolinx)
committee co-Chair
![WTS Toronto](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/WTS_Toronto_White_Stacked_Social_Media_0.png?itok=xqNyL2k9)
helen deng (metrolinx)
committee member
![Shannon McNeill](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/McNeillShannonM-square.jpg?itok=rPY8gvnU)
shannon mcneill (Gannett
fleming) committee member
![Anca Popa](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Anca.jpeg?itok=SXvFuvj2)
anca popa (ttc)
committee member
![Katie Pelly](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Pelly_Katie_Square.jpg?itok=PiPRqmhF)
katie pelly (Ellisdon)
committee co-Chair
![Allison Hurley](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Hurley_Allison-square.jpg?itok=WRTDIfEn)
allison hurley (ellis don)
committee member
![Ashley Mustafa](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Ashley%20Mustafa%20-%20Square.jpg?itok=B-QWqCR8)
ashley mustafa (gannett
fleming) committee member
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
The Scholarship Committee was assembled in 2014 to create, manage, and implement a process for selecting, awarding and disbursing scholarship funds on behalf of the Chapter. The Committee has recommended to the Board the adoption of a Scholarship process which defines the general nature of scholarship process in accordance with WTS International practice, defines the Sponsor-specific parameters for an individual Scholarship, identifies the capture area and fields of studies and other eligibility requirements for candidates and identifies the evaluation and selection criteria.
![Maria Doyle](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Maria_Doyle.png?itok=lLSvZQoq)
Maria Doyle (Metrolinx)
board director
![Kathryn Deschamps](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Kathryn_Deschamps_0.jpg?itok=7KoPGH8i)
kathryn deschamps (city of
toronto) committee member
![Leen Qwider](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-08/LEEN%20QWIDER%20-%20Headshot_0.jpg?itok=jR9tU4IS)
leen qwider (wsp)
committee member
![Larisse Nana Kouadjo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Larisse_Nana_Kouadjo.jpeg?itok=pdane9Wr)
larisse nana kouadjo
(metrolinx) committee c0-chair
![Rebecca Farrugia](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-03/Rebecca%20Farrugia.jpg?itok=xB3UO38K)
rebecca farrugia (ghd)
committee member
![Zahra SadeghiGivi](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Zahra%20SadeghiGivi_Headshot_0.jpg?itok=8JdO4WWi)
Zahra sadeghigivi (ONxpress Transportation Partners)
committee member
![Lily Keoponnreay](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Lily%20Keoponnreay.jpg?itok=8gPiU6Q0)
Lily KIM (wsp)
committee c0-chair
![Batool Husnain](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-03/Batool%20Husnain.jpg?itok=KlVAcfGz)
Batool Husnain (Deloitte)
Committee member
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for spearheading the efforts to obtain financial support for the Toronto Area Chapter for special events, professional development activities and the Scholarship Program. The Committee's responsibilities include establishing the goals and developing the Annual Sponsorship Program, coordinating with the transportation industry organizations to solicit and confirm contribution levels and coordinating with other Chapter Committees to ensure that Corporate Sponsors are recognized at all events and communications.
![Cathy Benjamin Ostrander](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Cathy_Benjamin_Ostrander.jpg?itok=Ch_cqoUi)
Cathy Benjamin-Ostrander
(AECOM) Committee Member
![Satyajeet Sarangi (Metrolinx)](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-11/Satyajeet%20Sarangi.png?itok=RYA_6Pa0)
Satyajeet Sarangi (Metrolinx)
Committee Member
![Kathy Calleja (AECOM)](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-11/Kathy%20Calleja.jpg?itok=cwydySnX)
Kathy Calleja (AECOM)
Committee Member
![Kathryn Deschamps](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/Kathryn_Deschamps_0.jpg?itok=7KoPGH8i)
Katherine Deschamps (City
of Toronto) Committee Member