COTA named to Parity.Org’s best companies for women to advance list for third year in a row

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is one of 43 organizations in the country named to Parity.org’s Best Companies for Women to Advance List.  

Parity.org is an impact organization working to eliminate the racial and gender gap in corporate leadership. The Parity List recognizes organizations that are implementing cultures, policies and programs that ensure women have significant opportunities to reach their full professional potential. Equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of COTA’s mission, and this recognition demonstrates the organization continues to demonstrate success in achieving its EDI goals, says the agency.

“COTA is built on a foundation that ensures the organization represents the community and customers it serves,” said COTA Chief Equity Officer Monica Jones. “COTA is committed to mapping out strategies that allow us to acquire diverse talent from outside of the company. A great emphasis is also placed on efforts that cultivate growth and advancement internally, particularly with women, through training and mentorship programs. While the personal and professional achievements of our employees are the greatest satisfaction, we are honored to receive this national recognition.” 

Under COTA President/CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton’s leadership, 42 percent of COTA directors today are women. COTA has also established workforce development initiatives that continue to provide a pipeline of talent from local communities. Those initiatives include tuition reimbursement for all full-time employees earning college degrees or other higher education that helps them advance in their careers, as well as job training opportunities for students, women, minorities and formerly incarcerated individuals with construction partners at COTA’s primary transit facility renovation. 

“The parity problem is complex –– but it’s not insurmountable,” said Cathrin Stickney, Parity.Org founder and CEO. “The extraordinary performance of this year’s honorees proves that a genuine commitment and focus, coupled with the right tools, measures and practices, will absolutely move the needle toward fairness.”