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Api Appulingam, PE, AAE
President, WTS Philadelphia
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June was a celebratory month! Pride, Juneteenth, and our 45th Anniversary to name a few. On Friday, June 21st we officially celebrated our anniversary - have we come a long way since 1979 or what? Women went from not being permitted to participate in professional organizations unless the activities were deemed educational, to today... we exist to attract, connect, and help advance women’s careers; the organization’s reason for existence became its mission.
During the anniversary celebration we continued the spirit of our mission by offering headshots to our board, committee, and student chapter members (thank you to chapter sponsor, Stokes Creative Group, Inc.!) Did you know that you make your decision to trust someone within 100 milliseconds of seeing their face? In an era where first impressions are often made online, a good professional headshot not only gives you a better look but will also get you noticed by peers, clients, and prospective employers. And while it’s important to be relatable, a selfie, a vacation photo or a cute dog’s photo (all of which I see in my network) doesn’t exactly convey trust, professionalism or who you are. Does your headshot ace first impressions?
We have certainly hit it out of the ballpark with our chapter sponsors, and I look forward to celebrating them in a few weeks at our premier Summer Lovin’ event!
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Special thanks to our 2024 Sapphire Sponsors for their abundant support in our 45th year! | |
WTS Philadelphia is one of the most vibrant chapters in an international organization linking more than 40,000 transportation professionals! | | |
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WTS International, originally named Women’s Transportation Seminar, launched in 1977. Women were largely discouraged from participating in professional associations – unless the activities were deemed educational. So a group of pioneers whipped up a plan to escape the office – typically during lunch – under the guise of attending a seminar. The goal: to advance women who worked in all levels of transportation, as well as the very industry itself. Sure, there was a learning component… but there was an even greater emphasis on forging connections. WTS Philadelphia emerged two years later on June 21, 1979.
Thank you to our founding members, sponsors, supporters, and most importantly to the volunteer board (past & present) who have helped shape our chapter into what it is today!
Check out photos from our board and committee members' anniversary celebration!
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If you are interested in joining or sponsoring our chapter, contact us! | |
Preparing for the Future of Transportation with PennDOT | |
PENNDOT'S NATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE (NEVI)
On June 12th, we teamed with ASHE Delaware Valley to learn about PennDOT’s plans, priorities, and ongoing work on emerging mobility, technologies, and alternative fuels that will shape the future of Pennsylvania’s transportation system via the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI).
Click here to read more!
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Lessons in Crisis Management Passed Down to our
Emerging Leaders | |
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On June 12th, our Emerging Leaders were joined by WTS Philadelphia Treasurer, Jaclyn Whelan, for a discussion on Crisis Management. Jaclyn used her experience in Structural Engineering and the Rail industry to provide context to our group regarding what a crisis, and a successful response to a crisis, can look like.
The group left prepared to apply the lessons learned in this discussion to any part of their lives, both personal and professional!
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Learn from a Leader (LFAL): Learn How to Unlock Your Power of Persuasion | |
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On June 26th, we hosted a LFAL panel centered around strategies and tips that can aid in professional negotiations. Our experts shared their experiences and past stories related to salary discussions, contract and teaming negotiations, and balancing expectations.
Click here for more info and to see photos!
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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION: Demonstrating the Power and Value of Women in Infrastructure
Elena M. Fisher, AICP, ENV SP
Envision Program Manager
The Philadelphia Department of Aviation (DOA) Envision verification for the design and construction of its Taxiway J Rehabilitation is one of only 12 United States airports to receive Envision verification for infrastructure projects and the first in the state. Read more!
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NAVIGATING CAREER CROSSROADS WITH CONFIDENCE
July 31st, 4:30 - 6:30PM
Lansdale Borough Hall
Speakers:
Emilie Albert, PE - HNTB
Judith Stern Goldstein, RLA, ASLA - Gilmore & Associates
Heather Reibeling, PE - AECOM
Linda Saris - LEAP for Education, Inc.
Jaclyn Whelan, PE - Conrail
Moderator:
Shiny Mathew, PE, ENV SP - JMT
Click here for more details and to register!
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SUMMER LOVIN'
July 17th, 5 - 8PM
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
It’s summertime and that means we are gearing up for our premier invitation-only summer event! We can’t wait to celebrate our wonderful sponsors with an evening of food, drinks, networking, and fun!
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Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of WTS with the vision for full equity and access for women in transportation. The WTS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee sets strategic goals and actionable solutions to attain equity and access. This column will highlight how our partner organizations are focusing on and celebrating EDI - a great learning opportunity and way to share resources with our members. | |
RECOGNIZING OUR PAST PRESIDENTS | |
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In honor of Women’s History Month and WTS Philadelphia's 45th anniversary, our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is highlighting 45 female transportation pioneers, leaders and rising stars throughout the year. Look back with us to the 1990's at the seven spectacular women of WTS Philadelphia who held the role of Chapter President from 1989-2000, numbers 29 through 35 on our list of 45 women for our 45th! A big “thank you” to these women who helped to make our chapter what it is today!
Click here to read more!
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WE SHOW UP - LOUDER WITH PRIDE | | |
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The WTS Philadelphia ED&I Committee celebrated Pride Month this June! This month is a celebration of LGBTQ2IA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, two-spirit, intersex, and ally/asexual) culture, identity, and contributions to our world. They created a Pride Month map to guide folks to take a bike ride or walk along a route to learn more about LGBTQ2IA+ history in our great city of Philadelphia!
Click here to read more!
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LGBTQ2IA+ Member Spotlights | |
Check out this feature on two WTS Philadelphia chapter members who are also members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community: Eileen DellaVolle (below, left) & Chelsea Beytas (below, right)! | |
CELBRATING THE GRANDMOTHER OF JUNETEENTH: Opal Lee’s Journey of Activism & Advocacy
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In honor of Juneteenth, WTS Philadelphia is delighted to spotlight Opal Lee. Ms. Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in organizing local Juneteenth celebrations and advocating for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. Her dedication earned her the title: The Grandmother of Juneteenth.
Click here to read more!
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Our Student Outreach program has three sides:
Transportation YOU (TrYOU): a STEM Outreach program for girls ages 13 - 18
Student Chapter: a college-based community that focuses on preparing regional students to be active & successful members of the transportation industry
Scholarships: annual program that awards individuals at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels who are interested in pursuing careers in transportation.
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MENTORSHIP MATTERS!
Cultivating Confidence & Access to Opportunities | Collaboration with Men Who Care of Germantown (MWCOG) | |
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On June 4th, TrYOU collaborated with Men Who Care of Germantown (MWCOG) to teach young community members about STEM opportunities. MWCOG is a non-profit community-based organization established to serve and enrich the community in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
Click here to read more!
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Introducing Civil Engineering to 5th Graders | |
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On June 7th, TrYOU mentors volunteered at Blackwood Elementary School and conducted three fun and engaging activities with over 30 fifth graders. The students had a blast with the civil engineering principles introduced to them to improve our everyday lives!
Click here to read more!
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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE UPDATE | Help Us Meet Our 45th Anniversary Goal of Awarding $25K to Deserving Students! | |
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Is your company interested in sponsoring a scholarship for one of our well-qualified applicants planning to pursue careers in transportation after finishing their studies? In 2023 we awarded over $20k in academic scholarships with the support of the Primera Engineers’ Foundation who contributed with a $3k scholarship as well as the many sponsors and participants of the annual Golf Outing! Now help us award even more scholarships in our 45th year.
We are also seeking volunteers to join the scholarship committee or to be an application reviewer. Duties begin in early November!
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Your support helps create real change! Reach out to Scholarship Chair, Theresa Loux, for additional information. | |
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Airport Design Consultants, Inc. (ADCI) is a premier aviation consulting firm with over 80 professionals dedicated to airport planning, design, and construction management services. ADCI is well-known for providing innovative and collaborative solutions to support infrastructure development at over 60 airports, including Philadelphia International (PHL), Northeast Philadelphia (PNE), Lehigh Valley International (ABE), and Harrisburg International (MDT) Airports.
Click here to read more.
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A.D. Marble, a DBE/MBE/WBE-certified firm with over 38 years of experience throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, specializes in water resource engineering and environmental and cultural resource compliance.
To learn more about us and our services, visit www.admarble.com.
Click here to read more.
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From focusing on results to staying true to yourself, navigating a successful career journey requires a combination of skill, mindset and values. These timeless principles are essential for career development in the evolving landscape of the transportation industry. Here, we delve into our keys to career development.
Click here to read more.
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Hunt Engineering Company is excited to announce a new corporate office location and a Philadelphia branch office to give us more space for our continued growth and expansion of services. Our corporate office is still rooted in Malvern, PA with our employees enjoying new office space in the Lindenwood Corporate Center just off Routes 202 and 29. In late 2023, we also opened a new branch office located in the historic Commandant's Building at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Click here for our updated contact information.
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Project Update: PA Turnpike Widening MP312-MP316
As the Pennsylvania Turnpike pushes forward with its mission to implement a Total Reconstruction of its toll road system, JBC Associates, Inc. (JBC) is providing Construction Inspection services for a 5-mile section of the turnpike from MP 312 to MP 316 (SR 100/Pottstown Pike to Valley Hill Road) in Chester County.
Click here to read more.
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JMT team members from the eastern PA offices hosted the ACEC/PA TQI Shared Intern Program participants within the Philadelphia Office on June 13, 2024. The TQI Shared Intern Program is an initiative being sponsored by ACEC/PA to enrich the normal intern experience and provide additional knowledge and insight to the various aspects of the engineering industry.
Click here to read more.
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NTM Engineering, Inc. (NTM) is proud to announce the addition of Namita Sinha, MS, EIT, as our new Environmental Director. With over 21 years of experience, Namita brings a wealth of project management and environmental experience to the team. Her strong background in the transportation and private sector will adapt seamlessly to NTM’s client base.
Click here to read more.
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PHL has kicked off a new initiative to infuse stellar customers service throughout its 16,800 plus workforce throughout the airport. The program is a project of the Guest Experience Stakeholder Council and PHL’s Guest Experience department, led by Leah Douglas, Director and Elizabeth Moselle, Assistant Director. It kicked off with a Pep Rally, marching bands and employee awards. Read more.
Click here to read more.
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Susquehanna Civil is a DBE, WBE, SDB certified firm, committed to delivering Public Sector Transportation Infrastructure engineering and support services to our valued client partners.
Click here to read more.
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TPD has undergone a complete brand refresh, including a revised logo, new website, new URL and updated company name. For many years we have been unofficially known as TPD, and as we celebrate our 35th anniversary this year, we are commemorating the fact that we have been more than just “traffic planners and designers” for close to 30 years by making the official leap to adopt “TPD” in place of “Traffic Planning and Design, Inc.”
Click here to read more.
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The National Park Service and the Independence Historical Trust are renovating Benjamin Rush Garden in Philadelphia to be the new home of the Bicentennial Bell. Urban Engineers, a long-time supporter of the Trust, provided Urban Video Productions (UVP) services to document the construction of the bell's new structure. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.
Click here to read more.
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Carol Martsolf, PE, PMP, CPTD, LEED AP, who serves as the Chief Learning Officer at Urban Engineers, has achieved another significant accomplishment by obtaining the Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) certification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). ENV SPs are recognized as experts in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Click here to read more.
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Visit our website for exciting opportunities with our partners!
Current openings include positions with:
City of Philadelphia | Envision Consultants | FHWA
Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia | RS&H | TPD
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If you'd like to post a job opportunity, please complete this form.
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New job, or updates for your contact information? Make sure to update your account information on the WTS International portal! Click here to login and verify/update! | |
WTS Philadelphia | Contact Us
The Philadelphia Chapter of WTS was formed by 12 women on June 21, 1979. Since its formation, the Chapter has focused on promoting the development and advancement of women and minorities in the transportation industry.
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