Image

A WTS-LA Woman of the Year contributes momentously to both the transportation industry and the advancement of women in it. Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts leads over 2,500 Caltrans employees in one of the most complex and sophisticated districts. She and her team are responsible for an annual $4 billion capital program and the 42 freeways and state highways that empower mobility for more than 11 million residents in 98 cities and multiple unincorporated areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Through her “People First” approach, she has successfully managed multiple high-profile signature projects that define Southern California. While these accomplishments alone are more than a career for most, Gloria has done that and much more. 

An advocate for women and minorities throughout her career, she also actively participates in WTS-LA and WTS Orange County, including serving as a Director at Large, a regular speaker, and a tireless advocate for WTS and its mission. And she puts that mission into action at work.  Throughout her tenure she has routinely implemented mentorship, outreach, and advancement programs to help level the playing field within Caltrans. She champions equitable hiring practices and professional development opportunities. And that’s not all she’s done. 

 As a mother and a leader, she continues to inspire, and successfully demonstrates how to strike the balance between work, leadership, and family. For these reasons, and for so many other notable advancements, WTS-LA awarded Gloria Roberts the 2024 Woman of the Year.