In advance of Juneteenth, join us for a conversation centered around this famous quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step."
This quarterly program features local pillars who will provide the next generation of leaders in our community insight to make the next steps in their careers and personal endeavors.
Featuring:
Moderator: Virginia Whittington
Panelists: Gail Woods, Dawn Curtis, Shemania Accere
Virginia L. Whittington is the Director of Regional Partnerships for MetroPlan Orlando, the regional transportation planning agency for Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. Virginia is responsible for government relations, regional partnerships, and all aspects of the organization’s communications and marketing, community outreach and public involvement. In addition to serving as the staff liaison to several advisory committees including the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board and Central Florida MPO Alliance, Virginia provides oversight to six (6) boards and advisory committees. Prior to joining the MetroPlan Orlando team, Virginia worked for Orange County Government.
Gail Woods, PE is an accomplished transportation engineer, Vice President, and Orlando office leader for TranSystems. With a strong background in engineering and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, Gail has made significant contributions to her profession and the community. Recognizing the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within her organization, Gail was one of the initial TranSystems Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee co-chairs. Her pivotal role in shaping and developing the committee has helped establish a culture that values and embraces individuals from all backgrounds. Gail's dedication and vision have been instrumental in elevating the Diversity Action Council to its present position of prominence within TranSystems.
Dawn Curtis is the 2023 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award recipient. She has significantly contributed to the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and multicultural awareness, particularly within the transportation. As the founder of Grassroots Impact, Dawn is driven by the fundamental belief that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, should not only have their voices heard, but also be included in the decision making process on issues directly affecting them. The mission of Grassroots Impact is to foster cooperation and communication between marginalized community members and government organizations in an effort to advocate for policies that create a more equitable society. Grassroots Impact has focused on reducing harmful emissions and strengthening community resilience and livability. Dawn's work in transportation has revealed that minorities and women of color are disproportionately impacted by Orange County’s lack of reliable and efficient transit options.
Shemania Accema is currently pursuing a degree in Geomatics at the University of Florida. She has interned at LYNX Transportation Authority, where she had the opportunity to contribute to transportation planning and infrastructure development projects. Shemania is currently interning at Southeastern Surveying and Mapping, which is providing her with the chance to gain more skills and expand her knowledge in the field. She is a 2022 WTS scholarship recipient, as was awarded a stipend to attend the 2023 WTS International Conference in Atlanta. Shemania looks forward to her ultimate goal of becoming a licensed professional surveyor and mapper.
