WTS

Program Highlights: Pathways & Perspectives from Across the Industry

On January 30, 2025, WTS-LA hosted a panel event featuring women leaders from the transportation industry who shared their unique perspectives, challenges, and strategies for career advancement.

WTS-LA_Jan2025_(55)

Moderated by Judy Johnson, Vice President - Account Manager at Jacobs, the panel consisted of the following leaders: 

  • Sharon Gookin, LA Metro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
  • Michelle Lopes Caldwell, Foothill Transit, Former Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
  • Wendy Delgado-Crespo, LAWA, Senior Architect
  • Alexandra Fung, Fourth-Year Urban Studies and Planning Student at UC San Diego

Key topics included:

  1. Industry Progress and Challenges: The panelists discussed the progress made in the transportation industry, particularly in terms of gender diversity and inclusion. They acknowledged the strides made but also highlighted the ongoing challenges.
  2. Career Paths and Core Competencies: Each panelist shared their career journeys, emphasizing the importance of proactive actions, strategic thinking, seeking new challenges, building networks, and staying personally connected to their work.
  3. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support: The panelists talked about the various challenges they faced in their careers, such as imposter syndrome, licensure difficulties, and job changes. They also discussed the support systems that helped them overcome these obstacles, including mentors, coworkers, and family.
  4. Impact of Women in Leadership: The discussion touched on the positive impact of having women in leadership positions within the industry and how it helps address issues like imposter syndrome and work-life balance.
  5. Mentorship and Inspiration: The panelists shared stories of mentors and inspirational figures who guided and supported them throughout their careers.

The event included an audience Q&A session, which focused on additional challenges to career advancement. At the end of the event, Michelle Lopes Caldwell was presented with a commendation from the County of Los Angeles, presented by Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes and members of the Foothill Transit board.

See more photos of the program HERE.