WTS Central Virginia 2021 Winter Newsletter

WTS International Updates

TRB Annual Winter Reception

The TRB Annual Reception will take place in Washington, DC on January 9, 2022 from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. It is open to all WTS members as an opportunity to network and collaborate over light hors-d'oeuvres and drinks. For additional information about the event, see the WTS International event page.

2022 Recognition Awards

Each year, WTS recognizes members, women, and employers who embody the WTS pursuit of transportation excellence through the achievement and success of women. The Central Virginia Chapter is currently accepting nominations across the following seven categories:

Nominations are due to Natalie Wilkins at [email protected] no later than January 7, 2022. For additional information, visit our Recognitions webpage.

Program Recap

Membership Appreciation Event

The Central Virginia Chapter hosted this annual event at Branch and Vine on December 14, 2021 to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. The 2022 Central Virginia Board of Directors introduced themselves and all in attendance enjoyed networking and reconnecting over a light dinner.

Annual Reception

The 2021 WTS Central Virginia Annual Reception was held at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing on Thursday, September 30th to recognize the 2021 award winners for their contribution and commitment to WTS and the Central Virginia Region. The event featured opening remarks by WTS Women of the Year, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. The following 2021 award winners were recognized:

Shannon Valentine, Women of the Year
GRTC Transit System, Employer of the Year
Taylor Venter, Member of the Year
Kimley-Horn, Sponsor of the Year
Sandra Norman, Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation's Telework!VA Program, Innovative Transportation Solution

Thank you to all who attended!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Event

The WTS Central VA, DC, Hampton Roads, NC Triangle, and South Carolina chapters hosted the Diversity and Equity Event featuring Tamika L. Butler on October 20th. Tamika spoke on how to rise to higher levels of leadership and how people in positions of power can affect change within their industries. Tamika also discussed diversity vs. inclusion, intentional inclusion and action based plans, bystander intervention, industry-centric employee relations, and the retention rate of women and women of color in the industry.

Let Your Values Be Your Guide - A Planner's Approach to Work/Life Choices

On August 25th, the WTS Central VA chapter hosted a virtual professional development workshop “Let Your Values Be Your Guide – A Planner’s Approach to Work/Life Choices” led by Lorna Perkins. The seminar included discussions about Lorna’s experience from over 30 years in planning, including public and private sector positions. She opened up about her experiences on how she has navigated her career- rising through a series of management roles to a prominent position in a large A/E firm, while also raising four children and engaging in a rich array of volunteer and professional activities. Lorna shared her values-based approach to work/family balance using the same principles of community planning and facilitation, and discussed strategies to navigate work-life choices by tuning into your values and evaluating the trade-offs that life choices present.

Kudos Corner

Welcome to the following new members of the WTS Central Virginia Chapter:

Louise Lockett Gordon, Sports Backers
Kylie Newton, Dewberry
Brittany Groome, ATCS
Hana Chan, Student
Alexa Overeem, Schnabel Engineering

Thank You Sponsors