The Phorum was formed earlier this summer as part of an action plan to foster greater diversity and inclusion (D&I) within WTS Philadelphia and the transportation industry.

As its first order of business, the 65-person board – this includes executive officers, committee chairs, vice chairs, and task leaders – was polled to gauge feelings and positions on a myriad of topics, such as DBE participation, employer-led D&I programs, systemic biases and future topics for WTS Philadelphia programming.

At its very core, the Phorum is meant to provide a safe space for difficult conversations and a platform from which to challenge the status quo.

The option to organize ‘mini-phorums’ was presented at a special State of the Chapter board meeting. In its pilot phase, these are open to board and committee members. One of the task force’s governing leaders – Christine Baker (DRJTBC), Eileen Della Volle (KS Engineers), and Shakeyia Kersey (Naik Group) – will facilitate these discussions, and the groups are tasked with creating action plans for change.

In addition, the chapter will be scheduling several Equality Phorums for later in the quarter. These will be open for general admission and be free to all. Please stay tuned for invitations.

Small steps lead to giant impacts, and we learn from each other.