Going Above and Beyond - MTS Employees Take Part in Women’s Transportation Seminar

MTS employees active in WTS include (from L to R): MTS Bus Transportation Division Manager Latosha Hardage, Supervisor of Passengers Services Beverly Neff, MTS Rail Manager of Capital Projects Mike Diana, Manager of Support Services Amanda Denham, and MTS Bus COO Executive Assistant Kena Teon

For some MTS employees, the work doesn’t end after a full eight-hour day on the job. Advancing a career in the transportation industry can often include a larger time commitment. Many MTS employees make this sacrifice to help advance their careers, and to advance the greater good of the transit industry. About a dozen MTS employees do this is through the Women’s Transportation Seminar– an organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.

With more than 6,500 members internationally, including both women and men, WTS has top notch professional programs, networking opportunities, and access to industry and government leaders. MTS employees are taking advantage of the opportunities.

MTS Supervisor of Passenger Facilities Beverly Neff has been a member of WTS for eight years and sees the networking and educational seminars as a great benefit. “Sometimes I’ll go to the ‘lunch and learn’ events even if the topic doesn’t necessarily directly impact my job. It helps me understand the bigger picture about how transit is connected to other projects and initiatives.”

Neff added that WTS also allows her to network with many of the transportation consultants in San Diego. “It’s important to develop relationships with the consultants. Even if I’m not working with them now, I can have that professional relationship already established.”

MTS Rail Manager of Capital Projects Mike Diana has been a WTS member since 2011. His interests have somewhat changed since he first got involved from networking to mentoring. “My whole thing was networking when I first joined,” he said. “But I’ve really taken an interest in the mentoring opportunities at WTS. I like speaking to college students about working in the transportation industry. I try to help them understand how to move from writing a resume to starting a career in transportation.”

Education is not only a critical part to start any career out of college, but also to career advancement in the workplace. “WTS has been key in educating myself on the different modes of transportation outside of MTS Bus,” said Kena Teon, a six-year WTS member and executive assistant to MTS Bus Chief Operating Officer Bill Spraul. “I appreciate and find beneficial that WTS continuously obtains seminar/ program speakers that are not only educated, but have the experience as well.”

WTS benefits can help ignite new learning, grow a professional network and help give back to the industry that has given MTS employees career paths, stability in life, and an opportunity to grow. For those interested in WTS membership, talk with your manager or supervisor and visit the organization’s website at: www.wtsinternational.org/sandiegocounty.

Some of the key benefits MTS employees are getting out of WTS include:

• Educational Opportunities
  • WTS offers educational seminars, career-focused guidance and preparation, and a leadership training program. This training offers interaction with industry leaders, and challenges their analytical and creative skills.
• Networking
  • WTS offers opportunities to interact with industry peers, distinguished speakers and fellowship opportunities. WTS gives members valuable exposure to critical and timely transportation issues.
• Mentoring
  • Mentors are very important for agencies like MTS day-to-day work, but also for career development and defining a career path. WTS offers mentoring programs to share career success stories, build long-term relationships, and an opportunity to learn from the women who have established careers in transportation.