WTS International and Latinos In Transit sign collaborative MOU
The Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International and Latinos In Transit (LIT) signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring the two organizations will collaborate on mutual goals to better the transportation sector and prepare a next generation of industry leaders and workforce.
Latinos In Transit was founded in 2016 to promote the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities in transportation. Membership is made up 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. Their mission as a multicultural, non-profit organization is to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion and enable the development and advancement of members to executive positions, as well as other positions of influence in the mobility industry.
The MOU outlines several of the mutual objectives of the organizations, including:
- Promoting career opportunities in the transportation sector to a diverse demographic, especially minorities and under-represented in the transit sector
- Furthering the attraction, participation, connection, advancement and recognition of women and minorities in the full transportation industry, including public, private and academia
- Providing professional development opportunities, leadership training, advocacy and educational opportunities to advance the skill sets of a diverse workforce
- Encouraging the participation in organizational leadership activities at an international, national and local level
“Working alongside strategic partners in the transit industry has never been more vital,” said 2022–24 WTS International Board Chair Jannet Walker-Ford. “We look forward to a long relationship with the leadership and members of Latinos In Transit as we strengthen a current and future workforce that is more diverse. WTS International looks forward to serving as a resource to LIT and learning from their community as well.”
WTS International collaborates with its MOU partners to create an industry that is more diverse, inclusive and equitable. LIT joins a group of other WTS standing MOUs within the transportation industry, notably the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), the Eno Center for Transportation (Eno) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB).
“Relationships with organizations like Latinos In Transit, aligned with the WTS mission and vision, are of utmost importance. LIT and WTS have similarities but also bring unique perspectives to the table. We look forward to engaging in specific programs that benefit our members and transportation stakeholders,” said Sara M. Stickler, CAE, president and CEO, WTS International.
“LIT is pleased to partner with WTS International, with whom we share a mission and vision for the advancement of women and minorities,” said Alva Carrasco, president, Latinos In Transit. “In 2021, women earned $0.57 per hour for every dollar non-Hispanic, white men earned. Latinas earned far less. With WTS as a partner, we hope to reduce the gap.”
