WTS International stands as a pivotal organization dedicated to the advancement of both the transportation industry and the women who are essential to its leadership. Understanding its mission and vision provides key insights into how WTS empowers Women In Transportation careers.
Mission: Strengthening Transportation Through Women’s Advancement
The core mission of WTS International is clear and impactful: to attract, sustain, connect, and advance women’s careers to ultimately strengthen the transportation industry. This multifaceted mission addresses critical aspects of professional development and industry growth. By attracting women to the field, WTS ensures a pipeline of talent. By sustaining their careers, the organization fosters long-term contributions. Connecting women creates vital professional networks, and advancing their careers elevates women into leadership positions. This holistic approach directly contributes to a more robust and dynamic transportation sector.
Vision: Equity and Access for Women in Transportation
WTS International’s vision is powerfully stated: Equity and access for women in transportation. This vision underscores the organization’s commitment to creating a level playing field where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. Achieving equity means addressing historical and systemic barriers that have limited women’s participation and advancement in transportation. Ensuring access means opening doors and creating pathways for women to enter, excel, and lead in all facets of the industry, from planning and engineering to policy and management.
Guiding Principles: Foundational Commitments
Several guiding principles underpin WTS International’s operations and strategic direction:
- Global Advancement of Women for Public Good: WTS operates internationally with a focus on shaping the future of transportation to benefit the public by globally advancing women’s roles. This highlights a commitment to both gender equity and societal benefit through improved transportation.
- One WTS: Unified Support System: The concept of “One WTS” emphasizes a unified, aligned organization dedicated to supporting students, members, and chapters. This internal cohesion ensures consistent support and resources across all levels of the organization.
- Women’s Advancement as Key to Transportation Progress: WTS recognizes that advancing women in transportation is not just a matter of equity but is fundamental to advancing the entire transportation sector. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce is seen as essential for innovation and progress.
- Ethical Leadership and Integrity: WTS is committed to ethical leadership, integrity, and respect for all. These values are crucial for fostering trust and credibility as the organization shapes future generations of transportation leaders.
- Collaborative Community Engagement: WTS actively collaborates with corporations, public agencies, associations, and learning institutions within the transportation community. These partnerships amplify WTS’s impact and extend its reach across the industry.
Core Values: Operating Principles in Action
WTS International’s success is rooted in its core values, which serve as operating principles in all its activities:
- Collaboration: Recognizing the power of teamwork, WTS cultivates a collaborative culture, actively seeking partnerships within and outside the organization. This belief in “better together” drives impactful initiatives and broader reach.
- Future-Focused: WTS embraces change and innovation, driven by long-range goals but remaining agile to adapt to new opportunities and challenges. This future-oriented approach ensures the organization remains relevant and effective in a dynamic industry.
- Professionalism: WTS prioritizes delivering high-quality benefits and services to its members and the community, operating with honesty, transparency, and integrity. Responsible actions and a commitment to members are central to their professional ethos.
- Inclusion: WTS is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment where all individuals are valued and respected. This inclusive culture fosters belonging, encourages diverse perspectives, and ensures contributions are valued from all members, reflecting the importance of diversity and inclusion for women in transportation careers.
A History of Championing Women in Transportation
Since its inception in 1977 as the Women’s Transportation Seminar, WTS International has been at the forefront of promoting women in the transportation industry. Originating from a time when women’s participation in professional associations was limited, WTS emerged as a proactive response. Founding women leaders created supportive networks through “seminars,” fostering career advancement and advocating for a more diverse and equitable transportation landscape. This historical context underscores WTS’s long-standing commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in transportation.
