I was pleased to see so many at our Annual Conference last month in Seattle, Washington.  Nearly 350 attendees came from the US and abroad for three days of interactive sessions listening and learning from some of the leading voices in the transportation industry and beyond...and celebrating the accomplishments of women in transportation!   Of course, the major news of the event was the launch of the WTS Foundation- a landmark event that included the participation and support of former US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.  During the conference we raised approximately $20,000 to support the Foundation’s efforts and its reserves of nearly one million dollars.  Congratulations to the newly elected WTS Foundation Board.

Together with Executive Director Diane James and Vice President Terry Gruver, I had the honor to meet with the new US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and key members of his staff during a recent visit to Washington, DC.  It was a tremendous opportunity to reinforce WTS, its mission, the value of our programs, scholarship and other services that contribute to strengthening the transportation industry.  We also secured firm support for the launch of the WTS Foundation and, moving forward, will explore ways in which we can assist DOT in its missions and continue to serve as an independent venue for the discussion of policy and issues affecting the industry.

As we move into the summer season, we will continue to focus on our committee work, preparing for the next cycle of nominations for the International Board, and further exploring an innovative research project to benchmark how women are faring in certain segments of the transportation industry.

As I celebrate one year in France, I thank you for your continued support of WTS and our mission to advance women.

Meilleures Salutations,

Elaine Dezenski