Accelerate Summer 2023 - Transportation: The Great Connector

SUMMER 2023

A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N : T H E G R E AT C O N N E C T O R

STATE OF COMTO LETTER

WORKFORCE TRAINING

TRANSIT AS THE GREAT CONNECTOR

Examining the progress in year one of a three-year Strategic Plan. p. 8

The growing disconnect between the rising number of available construction jobs and the skillsets of the populace. p. 11

By LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins p. 13

2023 CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO MOVE THE NATION Award Winners. p. 22

National Leadership

NATIONAL CHAIR Tanya Adams

COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE Quincy Howard

FIRST VICE CHAIR Dr. Lester Woods

Demauris Terry

Senior Vice President, Inclusion & Diversity WSP USA

Chief Administrative Officer Missouri Department of Transportation (Modot)

SECOND VICE CHAIR Gwendolen Gray

Project Controls Director & Vice President HNTB

SECRETARY/TREASURER Michelle Hiett Chief Executive Officer Hie-Den, LLC

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Freddie Fuller

Vice President, Geographic Sales Manager Mid-Atlantic Jacobs

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Regine Beauboeuf, PE

Senior Vice President, Program Equity Advisor HNTB

Yvette Janniere-Houlder

Lead Program Management, Enterprise Applications Metropolitan Transportation Authority, State Of New York (MTA)

Ruben Landa

Assistant Vice President / Texas Business Leader Communications & Public Involvement WSP USA

Melissa Rolle-Scott

Transit Section Chief, Office Of Safety & Security Miami-Dade Department Of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW)

Keisha Campbell

Chief Diversity & Culture Officer Toronto Transit Commission

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Assistant Chief, Minority Business Development Ohio Department of Development

Executive Vice President/COO BA Inc.

Bianca Graves

Director, Business Services Leading Edge Business Solutions, LLC

BOARD ADVISORS Renee Banks

President & Chief Communications Officer G. W. Peoples Contracting Co., Inc. (GWP)

Christian Kent

Principal Transit Management Consulting, LLC

Council of Presidents

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CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda Perryman Arizona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Flunoy Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron Davis Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yannis Banks Boston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aboubacar Konate Central Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iranetta Dennis Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rovaughn Graham Cincinnati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adriene Hariston Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Davis Colorado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marsha Nelson Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quincy Howard Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Okoye District of Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robyn Jackson Ft. Lauderdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rogelio Hendricks Hampton Roads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keisha Branch Hawaii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Adams Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Granson Jacksonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donovan Calicker Kansas City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice Gay Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Harrouch Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enyinna Anthony Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory Robinson Michigan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bianca Graves Minnesota. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tekia Jefferson Nashville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kia Lewis New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Watson North Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Jackson Northern California. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesus Vargas Oregon/SW Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mario Alexander Palm Beach County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Guyton Philadelphia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Villanueva Pittsburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Reeves Richmond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar Bates San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice Bridges Southern California. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demarius Terry Toronto & Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette Salfarlie Washington State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grantley Martelly

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About COMTO

ACCELERATE is a publication of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Articles may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

MISSION: COMTO’s mission is to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, veterans, people with disabilities and certified MWDBE businesses through leadership training, professional development, scholarship and internship funding, political advocacy, partnership building and networking opportunities.

VISION: Our vision is to ensure full access for minorities in transportation while preparing and positioning leaders for rapidly evolving global opportunities.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF April Rai, President & CEO, COMTO MANAGING EDITOR Aasiyah Blow, Senior Manager, External Affairs STAFF WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Nadji Kirby, Chief of Staff Alicia Walker, Director, Programs and Strategic Engagement Julia Bankerd, Senior Manager, Membership and Chapter Engagement Dante Flood, Associate, Membership & Chapter Support Tiffany Fisher, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO Erin Thompson, Administrative Assistant Justin Shewchuk, Digital Design Specialist DESIGN Doug Hunley | Design DCH COMTO Headquarters 4121 Wilson Blvd Suite 901 Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 202-506-2917 Email: info@comtonational.org Website: www.comto.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from COMTO State of COMTO

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INDUSTRY PARTNERS HNTB: Innovative workforce training programs provide opportunities

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HDR: Making Great Community Connections Possible

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FEATURED TRANSPORTATION AGENCY MEMBER LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins on “Transit as the Great Connector”

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2023 Celebrating Women Who Move The Nation

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MOU COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS AASHTO: Using Equity to Sharpen Transportation’s Connective Focus

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CUTA: The CUTA Awards: Celebrating EDI Initiatives Within Canadian Public Transit

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LATINOS IN TRANSIT: LIT fosters community by helping make meaningful connections

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MTI: People, Place, and Public Good: Equitable Transportation Connects Us All

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The Transportation Research Board

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WTS: Supporting Minority Women in Leadership Navigating the “Glass Cliff”

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Question today Imagine tomorrow Create for the future

WSP is proud to be a COMTO Platinum Industry Partner “Through the creation of our Equity Center of Excellence, WSP is committed to driving the transformation of transportation and mobility to full and equitable access for underserved, marginalized and disinvested communities. We are working to ensure that every one of our projects integrates equity into its processes, from planning to resourcing to implementation and use.”

— Tanya Adams, Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity, WSP, and COMTO National Board of Directors Chair

Find out what we can do for you.

wsp.com

WSP is a proud sponsor of the 2023 CEO SUMMIT Reception Sunday, July 9, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

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Letter From COMTO

Dear COMTO Family, This issue of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Accelerate publication follows a plethora of activities designed to move the mission forward across North America. This past fall, COMTO leadership joined Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations’ Transportation Braintrust, debuted Project Mosaic during COMTO Week, kicked off the new year with a State of COMTO address to membership and during Women’s History Month, celebrated the 12th Class of Women Who Move the Nation! We are so grateful for the continued support of our longstanding Industry Partners: WSP, AECOM, Jacobs, and HNTB. We were also thrilled to welcome six new industry partners into the COMTO family: Bentley Systems, United Airlines, HDR, Lochner, Keolis, and Amtrak.

We find ourselves in a unique time in the transportation industry. It was truly momentous to see a once-in-ageneration investment in our Nation’s infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Seeing the first ever Safe Streets and Roads for All program supporting projects to reduce traffic fatalities, the largest Federal investment in public transit in history, and the first-ever Federal program dedicated to reconnecting communities bifurcated by transportation infrastructure projects. The amount of dedicated resources and intention to address equity are themselves an achievement worth celebrating! Now, it is important that we focus our attention on ensuring those resources get to the communities that need them the most.

Programs at the state and local level must be designed to ensure communities of need are part of the planning process and our small, disadvantaged, minority, women

and service-disabled veteran owned businesses get their fair share of the related contracting opportunities.

Actualizing equity is a rewarding challenge that we at COMTO have been proud to help our member agencies realize. Many organizations now understand that embedding DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility) into their strategies is critical and are prioritizing this work. There is a direct relationship between equity and opportunity. When we are equitable, we increase opportunities. And by doing just that, we level the playing field and ensure leadership reflects the communities served. As the voice of equity in transportation, we consider it a privilege to advocate for the underserved and underrepresented. Achieving equity in transportation is a challenging task. It takes a village, and by the increase in growth from our partners and members, we are positive COMTO is on the road to right.

Thank you to our partners and members for helping us to uphold our mission as equity champions. In this Issue of Accelerate, you will be enriched by stories from our partners who are leading the way with projects designed to connect communities to transit, create and sustain diverse leadership teams, and integrate equity into policy and transportation systems.

We hope you enjoy this issue; let’s continue working together to expand opportunities and utilize new resources to ensure that transportation is equitable for all.

Sincerely, Conference of Minority of Transportation Officials 7

State of COMTO

COMTO Leadership Delivers First State of COMTO Address On January 25, 2023, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) held its first State of COMTO address to examine the progress in year one of a three-year Strategic Plan. COMTO leadership, including Chair, Board of Directors, Tanya Adams, Senior Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity, WSP, USA, and April Rai, President & CEO, addressed members and partners on the progress towards achieving the 2022-2025 strategic plan goals and objectives. As the voice of equity in transportation, COMTO’s primary goal, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, is to advocate for those underrepresented in transportation and to ensure full access to opportunities in the industry for all.

The address opened with Chair Adams welcoming attendees and introducing a 2022 recap video outlining the many accomplishments achieved in year one of the strategic plan.

Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Brittini Rusaw, Planner Transit Planning, Georgia Transportation, AECOM, and At-Large Member, Board of Directors, Ruben Landa, ASP Texas Business Leader, WSP, USA, gave an extensive overview of the Strategic Planning Committee and the importance of the three focus areas of the plan, which include (1) Engagement & Retention; (2) Professional Development; (3) and Advocacy. Each focus area was reviewed against the key indicators to track progress and ensure milestones were achieved.

Engagement & Retention

Professional Development

Advocacy

To engage and maintain relationships with individuals and entities committed to equity to increase and retain membership support of COMTO.

To aid in the professional development of COMTO members to build a network of individuals prepared to take on leadership roles within the industry.

To advocate on behalf of underrepresented groups in transportation.

KEY INDICATORS

KEY INDICATORS

KEY INDICATORS

Increased membership support from professionals representing diverse modes, professions, abilities, genders, and ethnic backgrounds

Increased support of existing programs and committees focused on professional development

Continued advisory outreach to COMTO HQ & chapters from local, state, and federal officials

Strengthened strategic alliances with associations and groups aligned with the COMTO mission

Timely promotion of key information, recommended action, and resources to COMTO members on industry related issues & legislation

Consistent engagement and support of current and developing COMTO programs for members

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Continued professional advancement of COMTO Members

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Jon Feldman, Director of Planning + Scheduling, NICE Bus, introduced Project Mosaic and the work of the ad hoc committee that was formed to directly address key indicators of the strategic plan with a data component.

Attendees learned about the work of the ad hoc committee to review COMTO’s data collection, assess what was missing and work on reimagining forms, applications, and opportunities to collect demographics to better understand the members that make up the COMTO family.

Adjustments were made to better capture widely accepted terminology, offer new categories, and write-in options for any that failed to be listed. The name “Project Mosaic” was no accident, according to Jon. “A mosaic is a beautiful piece of art made of individual pieces with unique characteristics. What an apt description of the COMTO family!”

President & CEO April Rai shared the results of the baseline data gathering in the categories of race/ethnicity, gender identification and orientation, disability status and educational attainment.

The address included a review of COMTO’s finances year over year and affirmed a strong financial position.

This was especially impressive considering the difficulties many non-profit organizations experienced during the pandemic. Based on year-end financials from 2020 compared to the year 2021, a positive change in net assets was noted. In addition, programmatically, COMTO saw

a 21% increase in membership support and sold out National events, including the 2022 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation awards breakfast, 51st National Meeting and Training Conference, and a 40% increase in representation of COMTO chapters at A View From the Hill and Transportation Braintrust held in collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. ‘’It is very impressive and satisfying to see how COMTO continues to meet the needs of its members and remain relevant in the industry focused on equity and meeting the needs of the communities we serve,’’ said Ruben Landa.

The address ended with a review of the work of the National Committees and an overview of the year’s staffing plan with capacity building at the forefront. As the event was held virtually, members from all 37 COMTO chapters shared greetings and flooded the chat feature with positive comments and affirmations of their excitement for the coming year. One attendee commented, “This was an outstanding presentation. Kudos, and thank you!”

Another said, “So great to see exceptional leadership in COMTO National, Onward and Upward!“ COMTO looks forward to making the State of COMTO an annual event for members and partners.

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Premiere Sponsor

Bringing People Together, Expanding Opportunity We are grateful for COMTO’s commitment to excellence and equity in creating opportunities for historically underutilized businesses and for all professionals in transportation.

The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions hntb.com

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Industry Partner

“We want to leave a legacy by contributing to a growing skilled workforce in the District and build careers.”

Innovative workforce training programs provide opportunities There is a growing disconnect between the rising number of available construction jobs and the skillsets of the populace.

It’s a particular concern in economically underserved areas.

Anticipating and understanding that need, the District Department of Transportation invested in three workforce development programs during the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge project: Construction Management Training Program (CMTP): A field service and classroom curriculum that provides accelerated instruction and opportunities for District residents with little to no experience in high demand jobs to earn certifications and increase chances of employment in construction management.

STRIVE Program: A six-week, hands-on mentoring program that exposed District high school students with a proven affinity for STEM education to key discipline areas in heavy civil engineering.

Jobenomics DC: A 10-week, grassroots program focused on basic job skills and heavy civil training to connect residents in the most impoverished communities in the District of Columbia to construction jobs and startup businesses.

CMTP has been unquestionably impactful. HNTB partnered with DDOT to develop the program during the 11th Street Bridge Project to provide a practical pathway to employment for those expressing interest in construction but lacking access to training.

During the training, CMTP accelerates instruction and opportunities for certifications in concrete, soils and aggregate compaction, safety and flagging and pavement marking to minorities, women, and individuals from underserved

communities interested in the infrastructure construction industry. Students also can acquire ACI Concrete Field Testing and Soils and Aggregate Compaction Technician certifications.

Participants received in class training and they spend time shadowing workers and inspectors in the field, receiving mentorship and ample exposure to on-site concrete application for wall placements and approach slab construction. Following the preparatory training, participants take the certification exams in the areas of study.

It’s an eight-week, intensive class and field training program.

Students are paid two stipends, one in the middle of the program and one at the end. They’re also provided with safety gear and access to transportation to the classes. That enables them to continue to pay their bills while participating in the program. The program pays for the certification classes and testing as well.

DDOT’s Joe Dorsey, acting program manager, is encouraged by the success of the program.

“We’re seeing benefits from the CMTP training on the 11th Street program, as many are all still involved in the industry,” Dorsey said. “We want to leave a legacy by contributing to a growing skilled workforce in the District and build careers.”

Authors: Joe Dorsey, Acting Program Manager District Department of Transportation Jon Whitney, Senior Project Manager Cherie Gibson, Outreach and Communications Manager HNTB 11

Metro welcomes COMTO to Los Angeles.

We’re proud to be Making Connections in Transportation for LA County every day.

23-2756bg © 2023 lacmta

To learn more, visit metro.net.

Featured Transportation Agency Member

“This is a great moment in our civic history: Metro should be the great connector to it.”

LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins on “Transit as the Great Connector” AS LOS ANGELES PREPARES TO HOST COMTO’s 52nd National Meeting and Training Conference in July, LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins urges COMTO members to think of Transit as the Great Connector.

“Transit connects people to opportunity – but what are we doing to improve the quality of those connections?” says Wiggins. “At Metro, we’re thinking beyond the daily commute.

How can transit give our customers a connection to a better quality of life?”

As CEO of LA Metro for the past two years, Wiggins has rolled out several new programs to improve Metro’s transit services and expand access to all that LA County has to offer. In the past year, Metro has added 300 Transit Ambassadors to the transit system, made Metro buses faster and more frequent through the NextGen Bus program, and doubled the number of students taking transit through its GoPass Fareless System Initiative program.

Metro is acting quickly to improve its transit offerings and redefine how transit can help Angelenos connect to their favorite places and experiences. The recently opened Regional Connector light rail project enables one-seat light rail rides from East LA and the San Gabriel Valley to beaches in Santa Monica and Long Beach. The agency is installing 100 miles of bus priority lanes to help make buses faster and more frequent.

And the agency is funding new projects to integrate Metro passes into tickets for sporting events. All these improvements will improve the quality of transit regionwide and help prepare Los Angeles for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.

Wiggins wants to see those Games be a lot more inclusive and accessible to Angelenos.

“When LA last hosted the Olympics in 1984, locals were told, ‘Stay off the roads, stay off transit; don’t make traffic worse,’” said Wiggins. “In 2028, we want the Games to be more accessible to Angelenos through Metro. This is a great moment in our civic history: Metro should be the great connector to it.”

“In this post-pandemic remote-work era, we need to attract more and different customers to transit,” said Wiggins. “To do that, we’re making our transit system faster and more efficient, giving people new reasons to take Metro. We want people to think of Metro not only as a way to access their job, but to access the things that make life in LA great!”

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Jacobs congratulates the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials on your 52nd Annual National Meeting and Training Conference.

At Jacobs, we’re going beyond the typical solution of building our way out of gridlock and congestion by putting our curious minds to work to create a smarter, more connected world. We’re facing a new generation of challenges and opportunities in moving people, goods and services. And at Jacobs, we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges.

Follow us @JacobsConnects | jacobs.com

Connecting communities We value our partnership with COMTO and their commitment to connecting industry with community. We believe in and support infrastructure that connects and creates social value for neighboring communities to ensure equity and shared economic benefit for all. Through our expertise, we deliver transformational projects that solve our clients’ most complex problems and enhance the social well-being and economic resilience of our communities.

Proud to be a COMTO Industry Partner Join Lochner today and become part of our high-performing team of transportation industry professionals. While you work to improve the lives of people and their communities, we work to accelerate your career advancement through continued professional development, undeniably challenging projects, a healthy benefits package, and a work environment that promotes flexibility and autonomy.

Join us in engineering a better future.

Scan to explore career opportunities with Lochner and our family of companies or visit hwlochner.com/careers

Protect Infrastructure Extend Roadway Life Develop and implement risk-based strategies to protect critical infrastructure with Bentley’s Road and Bridge solution. Improve the condition of road and bridge assets, preserve and extend the life of roads, and enhance highway safety.

Discover how Bentley’s solution can maintain and preserve your road and bridge assets at www.bentley.com/roadsandbridges

© 2021 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley and the Bentley logo are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. 09/21

Industry Partner

HDR: Making Great Community Connections Possible Elevating Southern California Communities and the Industry Through Equity-Focused Megaprojects SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS BECOMING more connected thanks to a host of megaprojects throughout the region.

Building connections between people, goods and communities, these projects will dramatically change the mobility landscape for decades to come.

From planning and outreach to delivery and implementation, HDR partners with transportation agencies and infrastructure owners to strengthen community connections and achieve equity in our transportation systems.

Connecting People The new Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport will make travel a smoother and simpler process for tens of millions of passengers per year. The impact of the project will reach far beyond the airport itself by relieving traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and providing expanded access to regional public transportation.

On a more personal level, the City of Los Angeles is pursuing a pilot pedestrian facility assessment of city-owned sidewalks, curb ramps, etc. to identify damage and determine whether the facilities comply with Mobility Disabled Access Standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project, being managed by the Bureau of Engineering, represents a marked improvement in accessibility for the Los Angeles area.

Connecting Goods The Port of Long Beach is cementing its reputation as the Green Port through a visionary program to build a new on-dock rail 19

facility. This new facility will allow goods to be transported to and from the port directly by train, reducing carbon emissions as well as traffic congestion. In addition, HDR as lead designer has implemented a robust program for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises that ensures the program will advance equity for local, small and minority-owned businesses.

Connecting Communities The San Diego Association of Governments recently opened the Mid-Coast Trolley, which extends the existing public transit line from the U.S-Mexico border to the University of California San Diego, providing a more equitable transit commute.

Back in Los Angeles, LA Metro’s Link Union Station project will redefine mobility in the area. The existing station, which currently serves as a terminal point in the regional rail network, is undergoing a transformation into a run-through station that will revolutionize regional mobility by seamlessly linking travelers to the rail systems, highways, bus routes, and bike/pedestrian paths that connect Southern California.

HDR is dedicated to redefining the mobility landscape of Southern California to meet the needs of generations to come.

We are proud to help visionary owners forge new connections and create more equitable solutions for all communities.

The American Public Transportation Association

Congratulates The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials on another banner year of serving as the THE GREAT CONNECTOR for its members

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MVisMovement.com

M I C R OT R A N S I T: – PLANNING – DESIGN – C O N S U LT I N G – O P E R AT I O N S

2023 Celebrating Women Who Move The Nation

12th Annual COMTO Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast occurred on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. This year we recognized the outstanding contributions of 10 women leading and advancing America’s transportation industry, representing a broad cross-section of multi-modal transportation in both the private and public sectors.

Our workforce is one of our most valuable assets. For that, we must continue supporting our women leaders to ensure we create a diverse workforce that provides opportunities for upward mobility and helps to grow a culture of inclusion and belonging.

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Veronica Castro de Barrera Chair, Board of Directors, Austin Transit Partnership

National Practice Consultant & Vice President, HNTB

Henrika Buchanan

Inez Evans

Captain Zeita Merchant

Raquel Olivier

Joanna M. Pinkerton P.E

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York

President/CEO, Olivier, Inc., Link Transportation Corporation

President and CEO, IndyGo

President/CEO, Central Ohio Transit Authority

Lynda Tran

Veronica Vanterpool

Director of Public Engagement & Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Transportation

Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

Cynthia Guidry Director, Long Beach Airport

Denise Turner Roth

Advisory National Business Line Executive, WSP, USA

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

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MOU Collaborative Partners

Legislative Advisory Using Equity toCouncil Sharpen

Transportation’s Connective Focus Gendis non rerrum dusapiet aute parchicilias ullabor aut ente Jim Tymon, AASHTO executive director consed utem exera nima explibea nit as debiscimo offic toriae necerionse debis expliqu aeraturepro quam quis dolesequatur alitat officipsam erum que etus, quatem inulpa voloria nus int, STATE DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION understand offic to voluptas que possi volupti diorest explit persper ibusdae the need to make transportation systems across the country peraes sit everore non pel eum, si omnitamus enis aut volut more equitable to ensure that they serve every individual in alibus. every community across the United States. unte autetransportation ped exped escius eumGreat repernat.

That nobisti is because is “The Connector,” Icia comnis molorestio volorporem excepedmaterials, eribusantest derbringing people together with the essential goods, chil lenissi nissum ese sunt, tem fugiatis nulparum evellorum supplies, and opportunities that give life to communities across dolum adi rempost iorectus aliae que nit est, inum aligenti testi the country. ad quia quo dolupta tiandiamus experit, unt aut repudae peliati State DOTs know that autmore equitable transportation scilitam, officip suntem volorehent ut pliquo quasi dera dipnetworkaliquiatquam not only improves and solidifies those connections, ictibus, aut audandus quis simolori cuptio. Nem it is also critical to delivering economic and quality et etur suntus molorib uscilla nissiti aturit am, cor sit of odlife eatibus benefits to every person, eostius. no matter their age, gender, circumstances, Evenditis eatemporum a prentiatem. Nem repudam qui bereri ability, or race. necus, simpore nihille scienis voloriasitat amet aditassi delicae

objectives, and ensuring transportation policies provide safety, mobility and access to everyone.

To implement that vision, AASHTO developed a multimodal and multidisciplinary Equity Task Force in 2022 to provide tools and resources to state DOTs to assist them with establishing equity as a core value, while also mapping out a series of transportation equity research projects.

To fully integrate equity into the transportation planning process, AASHTO’s Center for Environmental Excellence, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and COMTO are developing an Equity Community of Practice to provide a forum to share information, experiences, and best practices related to institutionalizing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the transportation industry.

Transportation is, at its heart, connects aut rendictem veliquo ssiniendis autwhat quuntia am est, sinctet re-us to everyone Transportation is, at its pel is que et fugia volores quatiate doluptatia sam quo beatatem heart, what connects love, we do, and est, sernatibus eicit odit quam, iumwe ipidene voluptieverything onsequia us to everyone we love, consed modiosanti dersper aeritas et quis dolecum il molupis everything we do, and everything we need. et, veles non reperch icaeris endisquodi alitin cuptisciis sanda everything we need. poreris ipsum doluptatia sit endament eni cusdaeperi ditiur, inum sinvenimet voluptum idita aceped que nobis eumquThe American Association ossum repration nobis disquamOfficials aut aut atiamenis pos of Statedolor Highway and Transportation and its members min porepti ullabo.

Nam dolecestenti autempostion cus acknowledge that some actions of the past – in terms of eatur sinvenditio.

Nemquasin programming, planning,rerum design,voluptassus construction, operations, and maintenance of state transportation systems – have negatively quiam exerum fugit eatias iumquas sequo enditi utas esciis impacted low-income communities, minority neighborhoods, et faceaturis expe et ipsanto que acese re cus nonsent and people of color. We also recognize that the legacyquodi of those nienecu llabor in sam ut perovites ataand planimu santiamtonam ipid actions persist disparities today are working correct quasimil modici tem utescia ne quis eumquodis nus aut alignis them in a variety of ways. dolores dis alia pratur autem aut quaerum asperitio te consend i One step towards that goal occurred in November 2020, when the AASHTO Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution pledging to engage in the vital work of advancing racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Subsequently, AASHTO identified equity as a fundamental value within its five-year strategic plan – promoting diversity in all AASHTO activities, collaborating with traditional and non-traditional partners to support equity and social justice 24

By developing and implementing a broad “equity lens,” U.S. mobility networks now and in the future can be re-tailored to more effectively serve the needs of all individuals, from all walks of life, living in communities large and small, urban and rural, allowing everyone to enjoy the economic and quality of life benefits transportation delivers to the nation every single day.

Jim Tymon in the executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

MOU Collaborative Partners

Legislative Advisory Council The CUTA Awards:

Celebrating EDI Initiatives Within Canadian Public Transit Gendis non rerrum dusapiet aute parchicilias ullabor aut ente consed utem exera nima explibea nit as debiscimo offic toriae necerionse debis expliqu aeraturepro quam quis dolesequatur LAST YEAR CANADA EXPERIENCED unprecedented alitat officipsam erum que etus, quatem inulpa voloria nus int, population growth with over one million new Canadians offic to voluptas que possi volupti diorest explit persper ibusdae choosing to call our cities home. Acknowledging diversity peraes sit everore non pel eum, si omnitamus enis aut volut in public transit and improving representation is essential to alibus. promoting equity in Canada’s growing and increasingly diverse communities. unte nobisti aute ped exped escius eum repernat.

Icia comnis molorestio volorporem exceped are eribusantest derHistorically underrepresented communities often more chil lenissi nissum ese sunt, tem fugiatis nulparum evellorum likely to rely on public transit for their mobility needs. An dolum adi rempost aliae que nit est, inumdecisions aligenti testi unfortunate result ofiorectus underrepresentation is that ad quia quo dolupta tiandiamus experit, unt aut repudae affecting transit systems may fail to reflect the diverse peliati scilitam, officip ut volorehent ut pliquo quasi dipperspectives andsuntem experiences of the communities theydera serve. ictibus, aliquiatquam aut audandus quis simolori cuptio.

Nem The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is the voice et etur suntus molorib uscilla nissitidecided aturit am, cor sittoward od eatibus of public transit in Canada.

CUTA to work eostius. better representation through EDI initiatives, including a diversity in public transit Evenditis eatemporum a prentiatem.Acknowledging Nem repudam qui bereri partnership and memorandum aditassi delicae necus, simpore scienis voloriasitatrepresentation amet of understanding (MOU) with nihille and improving is essential aut rendictem veliquo ssiniendis aut quuntia am est, sinctet reCOMTO that has been in to promoting equity in Canada’s growing pel is since que et2021. fugia volores quatiate doluptatia sam quo beatatem place est, sernatibus eicit odit quam, ium ipidene volupti onsequiadiverse communities. and increasingly One such initiative included consed modiosanti dersper aeritas et quis dolecum il molupis changes to the CUTAicaeris Awards. et, veles non reperch endisquodi alitin cuptisciis sanda Each year, CUTA celebrates the achievements of transit poreris ipsum doluptatia sit endament eni cusdaeperi ditiur, agencies and the businesses that support them through the inum sinvenimet voluptum idita aceped que nobis eumquannual CUTArepration Awards Ceremony.

In October 2022, CUTA ossum dolor nobis disquam aut aut atiamenis pos created a new award category.

The Equity Diversity min porepti ullabo. Nam dolecestenti autempostionand cus eatur Inclusion Award was designed recognize transit agencies that sinvenditio.

Nemquasin rerum to voluptassus made strides toward creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace transit system. quiam exerum fugit and eatias iumquas sequo enditi utas esciis et faceaturis expe et ipsanto re cus quodi The inaugural winners of theque EDIacese award werenonsent The Toronto nienecuCommission llabor sam ut(TTC) perovites planimuTransit santiamService nam ipid Transit andata Edmonton quasimil modici tem utescia ne quis eumquodis nus aut alignis (ETS). Both winners are examples of Canadian transit agencies dolores dis aliathe pratur aut quaerum te consend that recognize needautem for positive changeasperitio and are taking sig- i nificant steps to promote EDI efforts internally. The inaugural award was presented by the President of the COMTO Toronto and Region chapter. It’s CUTA’s hope that by highlighting some of the most notable EDI projects from across Canada, we can stimulate collective change in Canada and abroad.

26

Triunity, Inc. honors and appreciates The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. . .

as the Voice of Equity in Transportation.

Triunity, Inc. is a professional services firm, providing engineering and program management /construction management (PM/CM) services for some of the nation’s most challenging transportation and infrastructure projects.

At Triunity, we are committed to client satisfaction, high quality work, and employee professionalism while adding value to our community and industry.

Seattle

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MOU Collaborative Partners

Legislative Advisory Council LIT fosters community by helping make meaningful connections

Gendis non rerrum dusapiet aute Summit parchiciliaswill ullabor aut ente attendees to mentors, transportation LIT’s annual Leadership connect consed utem exera nima explibea nit as debiscimo offic toriae leaders, knowledge sharing and resources to continue advancing growth opportunities necerionse debis expliqu aeraturepro quam quis dolesequatur for involoria public . alitatLatinos officipsamand erumother que etus,minorities quatem inulpa nustransit int, offic to voluptas que possi volupti diorest explit persper ibusdae By Megan Perreronon pel eum, si omnitamus enis aut volut peraes sit everore alibus.

THE nobisti TRANSPORTATION IS ALL ABOUT conunte aute ped exped INDUSTRY escius eum repernat. nections–connecting riders to jobs, social services, opportuniIcia comnis molorestio volorporem exceped eribusantest derties, their communities and their loved ones.

Latinos In Transit chil lenissi nissum ese sunt, tem fugiatis nulparum evellorum (LIT), nonprofit to promoting theinum advancement dolumaadi rempostdedicated iorectus aliae que nit est, aligenti testi and development of Latinos and other minorities in transporad quia quo dolupta tiandiamus experit, unt aut repudae peliati tation, is also all about connections.

Whether it’s knowledge scilitam, officip suntem ut volorehent ut pliquo quasi dera dipsharing, networking, or LIT simolori connectscuptio. its members ictibus, aliquiatquam autadvocating, audandus quis Nem to the people and resources they need to not only grow in their et etur suntus molorib uscilla nissiti aturit am, cor sit od eatibus careers but to also support and uplift one another. eostius.

One way LIT accomplishes this is through the annual Leadership Summit, taking place Sept. 22-23, 2023, in the WashingEvenditis eatemporum a prentiatem.

Nem repudam qui bereri ton, D.C., area and hosted by the Washington Metropolitan aditassi delicae necus, simpore nihille scienis voloriasitat amet Area Transit Authority (WMATA). summit, designed aut rendictem veliquo ssiniendis autThe quuntia am est, sinctetfor remid-level managers and those ready to make the next step in pel is que et fugia volores quatiate doluptatia sam quo beatatem their career, will offer attendees opportunities to connect with est, sernatibus eicit odit quam, ium ipidene volupti onsequia national, regional and local aeritas transportation officials, ilCEO’s and consed modiosanti dersper et quis dolecum molupis transportation decision makers from across the country. et, veles non reperch icaeris endisquodi alitin cuptisciis sanda

$350. A hotel block will be offered. Sponsorship opportunities may still be available. Please visit LIT’s website at www. latinosintransit.org/leadership-summit to register, find sponsorship information, and hotel block information.

About the Author Megan Perrero is a board member for Latinos In Transit and serves as the partnerships and engagement specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center. She is also active in APTA and participates in the APTA Marketing and Communications Committee.

poreris ipsum to doluptatia eni cusdaeperi ditiur, LIT is excited build off sit of endament last year’s successful summit, which inum sinvenimet voluptum idita aceped que nobis eumqutook place in Dallas, Texas, and was hosted by Dallas Area ossum dolor repration nobis aut aut pos Rapid Transit.

Attendees can disquam expect a day andatiamenis a half packed min porepti ullabo.

Nam dolecestenti autempostion cus eatur with breakout sessions, keynote speakers, a leadership luncheon sinvenditio. rerumand voluptassus and plenty ofNemquasin time to connect network with LIT members and partners at two receptions. Topics will include success quiam fugit eatias iumquas sequojourney enditi utas esciis stories exerum from industry leaders about their to the C-suite, et faceaturis expe et ipsanto que acese re cus nonsent quodi making diversity, equity, and inclusion a core component at the nienecu llabor level, sam utrecruitment perovites ata planimu santiam nam ipid organizational and retention best practices, quasimil modici tem utescia ne quis eumquodis nus aut alignis and thought leadership. dolores dis alia pratur autem aut quaerum asperitio te consend i To receive the lowest registration price, visit LIT’s website and become a member today. Memberships range from individuals to multi-tiered options for organizations. Early bird registration for members is $250; early bird registration for non-members is

28

ABOUT LATINOS IN TRANSIT Founded in 2016, Latinos In Transit (LIT) was created to promote the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities in transportation. Membership is made of public and private transportation professionals from across the nation who meet regularly to network, share information and celebrate the professional development of all members. latinosintransit.org linkedin.com/latinosintransit

ON THE ROAD TO A MORE CONNECTED FUTURE For over five decades, Cubic Transportation Systems has been at the forefront of connecting communities from San Francisco to New York, and Milwaukee to Los Angeles, with equitable transportation solutions. Our success and longevity are built on the diversity of our team, which brings together bright minds from all backgrounds around the world.

We are proud to collaborate with our partners and suppliers to innovate technology and raise communities, advancing mobility for all. Join us on this journey towards a better, more connected future.

cubic.com/transportation

CTS COMTO Accelerate Ad.indd 1

• Ben Franklin Bridge • Walt Whitman Bridge • Commodore Barry Bridge

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• Betsy Ross Bridge • PATCO

A World-Class Agency Where Diversity is Valued We embrace diversity in every element of our operation.

From ensuring that we remain on the forefront of providing contracting opportunities to MBEs, WBEs and DBEs to continuing to grow as an employer of choice for diverse communities across the region, the DRPA stands strongly committed to ensuring that we reflect and respect all of the communities which we serve.

Since 1994, the year the Authority implemented its non-discrimination programs, we have paid more than $405 million to certified minority, women, disadvantaged and veteran-owned businesses.

To learn more about employment or contracting opportunities, visit drpa.org

Chairwoman Cherelle L. Parker | Vice Chairman Jeffrey L. Nash CEO John T. Hanson DRPA IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

MOU Collaborative Partners

Legislative Advisory Council

Gendis non rerrum dusapiet aute parchicilias ullabor aut ente consed utem exera nima explibea nit as debiscimo offic toriae necerionse debis expliqu aeraturepro quam quis dolesequatur alitat officipsam erum que etus, quatem inulpa voloria nus int, offic to voluptas que possi volupti diorest explit persper ibusdae peraes sit everore non pel eum, si omnitamus enis aut volut alibus. unte nobisti aute ped exped escius eum repernat.

Icia comnis molorestio volorporem exceped eribusantest derchil lenissi nissum ese sunt, tem fugiatis nulparum evellorum dolum adi rempost iorectus aliae que nit est, inum aligenti testi ad quia quo dolupta tiandiamus experit, unt aut repudae peliati scilitam, officipPlace, suntem ut and volorehent ut pliquoGood: quasi dera dipPeople, Public ictibus, aliquiatquam aut audandus quis simolori cuptio. Nem Equitable Transportation Connects et etur suntus molorib uscilla nissiti aturit am, cor sit od eatibus Us All eostius.

Therese McMillan EvenditisWatkins eatemporum a prentiatem. Nem repudam qui bereri MTI Trustee; Retired Executive Director, Metropolitan aditassi delicae necus, simpore nihille scienis voloriasitat amet Transportation Commission (MTC) Association ofsinctet Bay reaut rendictem veliquo ssiniendis aut & quuntia am est, Area Governments (ABAG) pel is que et fugia volores quatiate doluptatia sam quo beatatem est, sernatibus eicit odit quam, ium ipidene volupti onsequia TO MOVE IS TO LIVE. Ataeritas the Mineta Transportation Institute consed modiosanti dersper et quis dolecum il molupis (MTI), arereperch committed to endisquodi increasing mobility for all by imet, veleswe non icaeris alitin cuptisciis sanda proving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience poreris ipsum doluptatia sit endament eni cusdaeperi ditiur,of our nation’s transportation Together, we create a more inum sinvenimet voluptumsystem. idita aceped que nobis eumquconnected world.

In this op-ed, MTI Trustee Therese McMillan ossum dolor repration nobis disquam aut aut atiamenis pos explores the ullabo. true interdependence of people, places, cus and eatur the min porepti Nam dolecestenti autempostion public good—and how transportation connects them all. sinvenditio. Nemquasin rerum voluptassus People need Place—but how do they get there? Transportation quiam exerum fugit eatias iumquas sequo enditi utas esciis connects people to places they need to be. Places we learn and et faceaturis expe et ipsanto que acese re cus nonsent quodi grow and play and live. nienecu llabor sam ut perovites ata planimu santiam nam ipid quasimil modicibecome tem utescia quis they eumquodis nus alignis Singular Places Citiesnewhen connect.

Noaut matter dolores aliaplaces praturand autem aut quaerum asperitio consend the size dis of the the space they take up, it istethe gath- i ering and linkage that define a city, as well as the network of opportunities within it. A city’s well-being is rightly measured by opportunities like housing, jobs, and education. However, it is not just about the existence of opportunities but how they are intentionally shared. This connection comes from inclusive and equitable transportation and creates a Community.

30

The place/people/community dynamic relies on complex connections. Mobility connects people to opportunities, but the scale of transport defies any singular definition of “connection” and how to achieve it.

How do we define community? Sometimes, it is local—when a parent drives their child to school. Sometimes, it is global—ordering something from the other side of the world. Within this layered environment of infrastructure, systems and institutions, we must remember that people are at the heart of what we do.

People are the Public. The public interest must advance the public good. This good must be afforded to everyone, consciously and deliberately. When policy or practice fails public interest, there are major consequences. The inhumane rise of homelessness is a stark example. If a city cannot provide basic shelter, something has gone wrong. When multiple parties cannot deliver the public interest—transportation, housing, education, healthcare—we must collectively own that failure.

Together is the only way forward. By sharing wins and failures, establishing a common vision through different talents, we can build trust and commit to positive change. We can utilize transportation as the great connector, with equity, accessibility, and inclusivity before all else.

GCRTA: Connecting the Community to skills and training required to succeed in the transportation industry.

Through a partnership with Cuyahoga Community College, we offer: • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • GED and adult diploma programs • College and career readiness workshops • Women in Transition services • Workforce Success course Get on track to a rewarding career with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority!

Visit rideRTA.com/careers.

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

COMING 2025

MOU Collaborative Partners

Legislative Advisory Council

Many of the country’s urban highways Gendis non rerrum dusapiet aute parchicilias ullaborwere aut ente consed utem exera nima explibea as debiscimo offic toriae built through existingnit Black and Hispanic necerionse debis expliqu aeraturepro quam quis dolesequatur communities. This TRB report aims to provide a alitat officipsam erum que etus, quatem inulpa voloria nus int, framework to ensure that transportation funding offic to voluptas que possi volupti diorest explit persper ibusdae are an equitable peraes sit decisions everore non pelmade eum, in si omnitamus enismanner. aut volut alibus. unte nobisti aute ped exped escius eum repernat.

THE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB) has Icia comnis molorestio volorporem exceped eribusantest derpublished and continues to work on a robust array of products chil lenissi nissum ese sunt, tem fugiatis nulparum evellorum that address transportation-related social equity topics through dolum adi rempost iorectus aliae que nit est, inum aligenti testi its cooperative research programs, consensus studies, e-cirad quia quo dolupta tiandiamus experit, unt aut repudae peliati culars, webinars, and conferences. A compendium of the scilitam, officip suntem ut volorehent ut pliquo quasi dera dipmost recent products, a listing of current and upcoming ictibus, aliquiatquam aut audandus quis simolori cuptio. Nem projects, and related committees and panels can be found et etur suntus molorib uscilla nissiti aturit am, cor sit od eatibus at through the QR or link below. eostius.

One of TRB’s many current efforts is a consensus study report Evenditis a prentiatem.

Nem repudam quiforbereri tentativelyeatemporum titled Data, Metrics, and Analytic Methods aditassi delicae necus, simpore nihilleTransportation scienis voloriasitat amet Assessing Equity Impacts of Surface Funding aut rendictem veliquo ssiniendis aut quuntia am est, sinctet rePrograms. The study is funded jointly by TRB and the U.S. Depel is que of et fugia volores quatiate doluptatia quocommittee beatatem partment Transportation (USDOT) and thesam study est, sernatibus eicit odit quam, ium ipidene volupti onsequia is chaired by Ashby Johnson, Executive Director of Capital consed dersper aeritas et quis dolecum il molupis Areamodiosanti Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) in et, veles non reperch icaeris endisquodi alitin cuptisciis sanda Austin, Texas. More information about the study’s scope, poreris ipsum doluptatia endament eniiscusdaeperi committee members,sitand meetings available atditiur, through inumthe sinvenimet voluptum idita aceped que nobis eumquQR or link. ossum dolor repration nobis disquam aut aut atiamenis pos The ofullabo. the study is to identify and advise on opportunimin scope porepti Nam dolecestenti autempostion cus eatur ties for using equity-related data, metrics, and analytic methods sinvenditio. Nemquasin rerum voluptassus to better inform decisions for allocating and programming federal surface transportation funds to sequo enhance equity underquiam exerum fugit eatias iumquas enditi utasforesciis served communities.

To carry out the study, committee et faceaturis expe et ipsanto que acese re cus the nonsent quodi has been examining USDOT programs and processes for funding nienecu llabor sam ut perovites ata planimu santiam nam ipid surface It hasne focused most on discretionary quasimiltransportation. modici tem utescia quis eumquodis nus aut alignis grants, believes those areaut most likely toasperitio have thetegreatest doloresas disitalia pratur autem quaerum consend i impacts on equity for underserved communities. In doing so, the committee has examined the applicability of a variety of data, metrics, and methods to USDOT grant design and decision-making criteria. Based on its review and assessments, the committee will make recommendations on the most promising methodological approaches and other considerations for analyzing equity impacts considered at the national, state, and local levels.

32

In his remarks at the 2022 TRB Annual Meeting, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the role that transportation has had in the history of equity and inequity in America, and noted that “every transportation decision is inherently, in many ways, a decision about equity.” Buttigieg discussed the opportunities researchers have to shape transportation policy as a tool to build fairness and equity in society, the billion dollars the administration will use to help reconnect communities split by past transportation decisions, USDOT putting equity into their criteria for grants, and other ways new transportation investments can positively impact the daily lives of Americans.

According to Chair Johnson, “This study will enhance USDOT’s ability to consider and evaluate equity considerations in their grantmaking processes from grant conception to grant award and monitoring. Our recommendations are intended to be immediately actionable and highly impactful to all levels of grant applicants and recipients.” Added TRB Executive Director Victoria Sheehan, “Transportation investment decisions play a critical role in determining equity outcomes. This report will allow those selecting projects to fully assess the degree to which a project will expand mobility and job opportunities for those in underserved communities.”

This study is likely to be publicly released in Fall 2023 and will be available for free through the QR or link. TRB will work with COMTO to publicize its release to COMTO members. https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/snap/ SocialEquityUnderservedPopulation.pdf https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/data-metricsand-analytic-methods-for-assessing-equity-impacts-of-surfacetransportation-funding-programs https://nap.nationalacademies.org

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Long Beach Transit has been serving some of the most diverse cities in the nation for 60 years. We're proud that our leadership, employees and hiring practices reflect the communities we connect every day. ridelbt.com

MOU Collaborative Partners

Supporting Minority Women in Leadership Navigating the “Glass Cliff” Ebony Venson Communications & Programs, WTS International WOMEN AND MINORITY LEADERS are driving the transportation industry’s future. They are leading more businesses than before, breaking down barriers, and pushing the industry towards equity with new and exciting innovations. But despite these modest changes in representation, women—especially women of color—remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles across the transportation industry. And women continue to face an uphill battle in advancing their careers and achieving equity in the field.

Research shows that women and people of color are more likely to be propelled into leadership positions during moments of crisis and turmoil. This phenomenon is commonly known as the “Glass Cliff,” and represents the invisible barriers women and minorities navigate in the workplace. These obstacles disproportionately affect Black women, who frequently receive much less support, compensation, and resources than other women at their level.

As WTS International and COMTO work together to advance equity in the field, we must play an active role in leading the paradigm shift that provides further support and resources to minority women leaders. It is vital for our organizations to prioritize professional development, mentorship, and advocating for key issues that affect the needs of minority women. By focusing on these priorities, we can help the present and next generation of transportation leaders navigate and prevent these challenges as they advance in their careers.

We recently gathered over a thousand women in Atlanta, Georgia for our 2023 Annual Conference to further explore the deep connection between equity and transportation. Together we strategized ways our organization can better support minority women, who sit at the heart of institutionalizing equity in the transportation industry. We have a responsibility not only to guarantee minority women are represented, but to create an environment where they are supported and given the tools needed to succeed.

Lean more about WTS International at www.wtsinternational.org 34

...Women—especially women of color—remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles across the transportation industry.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO COMTO

FOR ITS 52ND ANNUAL MEETING AND TRAINING CONFERENCE!

The Missouri Department of Transportation is proud of its partnership with COMTO. Together, we build connections with Missouri’s minority and disadvantaged communities. ● ●

MoDOT is now hiring in all areas of transportation at www.modot.org/careers.

Upcoming Design-Build projects—including multiple bridge bundles and improvements to Interstate 70—offer contract opportunities to DBEs across the state.

Want to learn more? Contact MoDOT’s External Civil Rights division at: DBE@modot.mo.gov.

Diversity.

We draw on experience across cultures, generations, and oceans to encourage innovative transportation solutions.

North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia/Oceania: RATP Dev is present in 16 countries where our 107 subsidiaries operate and maintain innovative and safe transport systems.

Our diversity connects us to the world "Joining a company that values diversity is not just about being in a workplace that is representative of the world we live in, but about being part of a community that celebrates and embraces our differences.”

Ibrahima Toure

Chief Development Officer

www.RATPDevUSA.com contactbd@ratpdev.com

Fixed Route, Paratransit, and Streetcar Operations and Management

Celebrating diversity and opportunity

RTD is proud to join COMTO in supporting diversity, inclusion, and opportunity within the transportation industry. Together, we make lives better through connections.

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Until we get there, we’ll get you there.

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DTW DETROIT. TRAVEL THE WORLD. NONSTOP. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is here to help you reconnect to the world. With more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents, DTW is the gateway to your next journey.

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National Scholarship Program

COMTO Chapters

Make a Donation

Please reach out to your local chapter for open scholarship opportunities.

COMTO’s National Scholarship Fund allows us to award multiple academic scholarships to minority undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a variety of careers.

COMTO’s National Scholarship Program supports our strategic goal of ensuring the continuing legacy of minorities in transportation. COMTO annually awards multiple national academic scholarships, ranging from $500 to $6,000 each to minority graduate and undergraduate students from across the country.

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CALLING ALL EQUITY CHAMPIONS! COMTO and Transportation: two great connectors. At COMTO, we believe in the power of transportation to bring people, communities and ideas together. As a member of COMTO, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a network of professionals and advocates who share the same passion for building a more connected, accessible and equitable transportation system.

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