WTS
Minnesota Chapter
2013 Annual Report
July 2, 2014
Contents
Message from the President ................................................................................ 1
Board of Directors ................................................................................................ 2
Advisory Board...................................................................................................... 3
Membership ......................................................................................................... 4
Programs............................................................................................................... 5
Recognition Awards ............................................................................................ 10
Scholarships ........................................................................................................ 12
Transportation YOU ............................................................................................ 14
Student Outreach ............................................................................................... 14
Donors ................................................................................................................ 15
Financial Report .................................................................................................. 15
Corporate Sponsorship ....................................................................................... 16
MISSION
Transforming the transportation industry through the advancement of women.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2013 WTS Minnesota Board of Directors is
pleased to provide our members with the chapter’s
2013 Annual Report. This report provides a summary
of the chapter’s activities, growth, and accomplishments over the past year.
Message
from the
President
2013 was marked by an ambitious schedule of networking, educational and professional development
opportunities designed to energize women and foster
meaningful relationships among members of the
transportation industry. While delivering these exceptional experiences to members, the chapter board
provided outstanding organizational support to our chapter. The following pages document a year of notable happenings for WTS Minnesota. Please allow me
to reiterate some highlights here:
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We delivered thirteen multimodal and interdisciplinary programs, including a members-only meet and greet with MnDOT Commissioner
Zelle and a book discussion of the New York Times Best-Seller, Lean In,
with Honorary Member and Hennepin County Commissioner Gail
Dorfman.
In August, we launched our 2014 corporate partnership campaign and
were overwhelmed by the support demonstrated by our corporate
partners. Eleven firms, including our 2013 partner Kimley-Horn,
agreed to partner with our chapter. The $16,000 raised through this
campaign will allow us to expand member benefits and grow our
Transportation YOU mentorship program.
We completed a new chapter strategic plan, which reaffirmed our
mission to transform the transportation industry through the advancement of women and defined goals through which we will
achieve that mission.
Transportation YOU, our mentorship program, is in its second year at
Blaine High School, with double the number of mentees and mentors
over 2012. Last summer, we sent a pair to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the Transportation YOU Summit in DC and plan to send another pair in 2014.
As always, our chapter’s success is a direct result of the many hours committed
by volunteers and our dedicated Board of Directors. I salute the 2013 Board
and thank you for your commitment to the WTS mission of transforming the
transportation industry through the advancement of women!
Fay Simer
WTS Minnesota 2013 Chapter President
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
1
2013
Board of
Directors
PRESIDENT
FAY SIMER STANTEC
VICE PRESIDENT
MOLLY STEWART BOLTON & MENK, INC
SECRETARY
SARA PFLAUM METRO TRANSIT
TREASURER
MORGAN ABBOTT TKDA
PAST PRESIDENT
KATIE ROTH METRO TRANSIT
SCHOLARSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS DIRECTOR
LYSSA LEITNER WASHINGTON COUNTY
PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
ASHLEY VER BURG KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
ROSE RYAN WSB & ASSOCIATES
TRANSPORTATION YOU DIRECTOR
HUNWEN WESTMAN KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES
MARKETING DIRECTOR
BRE GRAND ZAN ASSOCIATES
STUDENT ITSO-WTS LIAISON
YAO LU UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Front: Ashley Ver Burg, Fay Simer, Yao Lu, Katie Roth
Back: Bre Grand, Lyssa Leitner, Morgan Abbott, Molly Stewart, HunWen Westman, Sara Pflaum
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
DONNA ALLAN
PAST PRESIDENT
LAURA AMUNDSON
PARSONS BRINKERHOFF
KRISTIN ASHER
CITY OF RICHFIELD
GINA BAAS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
DEBRA BRISK
HENNEPIN COUNTY
BIZ COLBURN
PAST PRESIDENT
2013
Advisory
Board
WTS Minnesota maintains a group of Past
Presidents and local
transportation leaders
to advise the Board on
Chapter activities and
initiatives.
SANDY CULLEN
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PARKING & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
MARGARET DONAHOE
MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE
MARY GUTE
CH2M HILL
JUDY HOLLANDER
HENNEPIN COUNTY
ANN JOHNSON
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
CONNIE KOZLAK
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
JESSICA LAABS
KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES
STEPHANIE MALINOFF
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
LAURIE MCGINNIS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
DAN MEYERS
URS CORPORATION
SAM O’CONNELL
METRO TRANSIT
LISA RADUENZ
ITERIS
DAWN SPANHAKE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
AMY VENNEWITZ
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
CHARLEEN ZIMMER
ZAN ASSOCIATES
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Membership
The WTS Minnesota Chapter had 100 members at the end of 2013, representing a 31% increase in membership since 2012.
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93% were women
57% were employed by the private sector
43% were employed by the public sector (of which 40% were MnDOT
employees)
We welcome WTS Minnesota Chapter members who joined or returned in
2013:
Kelly Agosto, Hennepin County
Sabri Ayaz, WSB & Associates
Andrea Azary, WSB & Associates
Patricia Bursaw, MnDOT
Alysa Emerson, SRF Consulting Group
Denise Engen, Hennepin County
Rachel Harris, CDM Smith
Tracy Hatch, MnDOT
Katie Haun, Mead & Hunt
Jill Hentges, Metro Transit
Michelle Julius, URS
Arlene McCarthy, Metropolitan Council
Danielle Mohr, WSB & Associates
Kristina Nesse, SRF Consulting Group
Karen Nikolai, Hennepin County
Tara Olds, MnDOT
Kristin Petersen, Zan Associates
Mary Prescott, MnDOT
Krysten Saatela, MnDOT
Heidi Schallberg, Metropolitan Council
Glenn Schreiner, Parsons Brinckerhoff
Jason Staebell, Hennepin County
Nelrae Succio, Hennepin County
Alene Tchourumoff, Hennepin County
Mackenzie Turner Bargen,
City of Minneapolis
Katie White, Metropolitan Council
Jie Yang
Kasey Yoder, WSB & Associates
Charlie Zelle, MnDOT
In September 2013, WTS International announced new reduced rates for public
sector memberships. The reduced rate structure has helped WTS Minnesota
attract and retain public sector members.
Throughout the year, WTS Minnesota held a professional development series
geared towards MnDOT employees to increase awareness of the organization
and its benefits. Two programs were held at MnDOT offices throughout the
year. In addition, WTS Minnesota hosted a members-only reception with
MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle in May. In August, WTS Minnesota held an
event to celebrate the appointment of Sue Mulvihill and Tracy Hatch as Deputy
Commissioners of MnDOT. As a result, in 2013 the number of MnDOT members
increased from 10 to 17.
Moving into 2014, the following membership goals have been established:
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Expand membership by 10%
Increase the involvement of new members in WTS programs, events
and volunteer opportunities
Link new members with the organization through encouraging coffee/lunch with current and new members
Continue to pursue increased public agency membership and participation
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY 4, 2013 | ARE YOU SAYING WHAT THEY ARE HEARING?
(PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM)
On Monday, February 4, WTS
members and friends gathered
for a professional development
program sponsored by TKDA.
Motivational Speaker and Organizational Leadership Coach
Maribeth Overland (Mo) engaged over twenty attendees in
examining their leadership
styles.
Programs
Using the Enneagram personality model, Mo challenged participants to think
about who they are, how they are, and why they are. The engaging session
provided clarity and insight into preferences in communication styles as well as
shed light on improving one's versatility and adaptability in communicating
difficult messages.
MARCH 21, 2013 | MEMBERS-ONLY MEET AND GREET WITH
MNDOT COMMISSIONER CHARLIE ZELLE
On Tuesday, March 21, 2013,
WTS Minnesota offered an exciting Members-Only Meet and
Greet with the state’s new
Commissioner of Transportation, Charlie Zelle. The event,
held at Moscow on the Hill,
offered a unique opportunity to
network with industry leaders,
discuss Commisioner Zelle’s
vision for transportation in
Minnesota, and strengthen the
important relationship between WTS MN and MnDOT.
APRIL 2, 2013 | THE WOODBURY DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
On Tuesday, April 2, nearly 20 WTS members and friends gathered for a
lunchtime presentation on the Woodbury Drive Improvement Project by Bill
Klingbeil.
The event, sponsored by HR
Green, provided insight into
how a roadway expansion project can improve water quality,
increase drinking water supply,
accommodate
additional
modes of traffic, and beautify a
corridor...all within a constrained right of way.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Programs
APRIL 10, 2013 | ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECOGNITIONS LUNCHEON
Each year, WTS Minnesota recognizes members of the local community for
their achievements in the transportation field, and awards scholarships to
women pursuing transportation careers. Nearly 80 colleagues and friends gathered at Jax Cafe to celebrate with our winners at the annual awards luncheon.
JUNE 5, 2013 | CONNECTED VEHICLES AND USDOT’S STRATEGIC PLAN
DEVELOPMENT EFFORT (JOINT PROGRAM WITH ITS MN AND NCITE)
June marks the annual WTS Minnesota, ITS Minnesota, and NCITE
joint luncheon. Nearly fifty attendees came to hear how Minnesota is involved in the international development of connected
vehicles. James Pol, Team Leader
for the Program Management
and Evaluation at US DOT, shared
insight in the developing world of
connected vehicles, which included the strategies in getting newly developed
technologies out of the research phase and into deployment. Pol highlighted
the importance of professional organizations like WTS in helping to educate our
nation's professionals about emerging technologies like connected vehicles.
JUNE 12, 2013 | MAKING CAREER CONNECTIONS: WTS @ MNDOT SPEED NETWORKING EVENT
WTS Minnesota members and friends gave speed networking a try at Axel's
Bonfire in Roseville as a part of our chapter's Making Career Connections:
WTS@MnDOT series. Attendees enjoyed mixing and mingling over appetizers
in a structured setting. Every four minutes, the ringing of a gong signaled rotation, allowing for eight unique
connections to be made
throughout the hour-long
event. After each gong, a new
prompt was provided to help
guide conversations focused
on mentorship.
Don't worry if you missed
out—with such great feedback
from attendees, WTS MN may
offer this event again in the
future!
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 15, 2013 | LEAN IN BOOK DISCUSSION
Over 20 WTS members and friends gathered
at the Ridgedale Library for a book club discussion of Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In,
which has created a national buzz and
spurred discussion about how women can
overcome barriers in the workplace. Ann
Johnson and Biz Colburn led a lively discussion of the book as it relates to experiences
in the transportation industry. Attendees
discussed the importance of being engaged
in our work, sitting at the table, and speaking up to share our ideas. The group also had an honest discussion about the
successes and challenges in advancing in our field and negotiating for jobs and
promotions. The discussion left attendees feeling inspired and encouraged to
pursue our professional and personal goals while supporting others as we work
together to advance women in the transportation industry.
Programs
AUGUST 3, 2013 | MINNEAPOLIS BRIDGES BICYCLING TOUR
WTS Minnesota hosted a bicycling tour for over 20 attendees
of Minneapolis bridges. Great
weather and a great turnout
made for a fun morning as the
group toured locations including
the I-35W Bridge (presented by
MnDOT Bridge Engineer Nancy
Dauben-berger), Stone Arch
Bridge (presented by Morgan
Abbott), Northern Pacific Bridge
Number 9 (presented by Rose Ryan), 10th Ave Bridge (presented by Ashley
Slominski), and Washington Avenue Bridge.
AUGUST 26, 2013 | HAPPY HOUR FOR TRACY HATCH AND SUE MULVIHILL
WTS Minnesota hosted a happy hour reception honoring two new members of
MnDOT's executive management team—Susan Mulvihill and Tracy Hatch—at
Moscow on the Hill. In July 2013, Susan Mulvihill was named deputy commissioner and chief engineer. Tracy Hatch was named deputy commissioner, chief
operating officer, and chief financial officer.
AUGUST 29, 2013 | MAKING CAREER CONNECTIONS: WTS @ MNDOT
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
On Thursday, August 29, 2013, WTS Minnesota partnered with Amy Friebe of
the University of Minnesota to provide members and friends with professional
writing training. In this Making Career Connections: WTS@MnDOT event, participants improved upon their business writing basics.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Programs
SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 | INTERCHANGE TOUR
WTS joined Hennepin County
Commissioner Gail Dorfman
for a site tour of The Interchange. Knutson contractor
Renee DuFour provided project updates and perspectives
on being a woman contractor.
George Fantauzza provided
insights into project development from early funding identification stages to project
construction. The group toured the active construction site and saw behindthe-scenes looks at the facility that is scheduled to open in 2014. Following the
event, a celebratory happy hour for Honorary Member Gail Dorfman was held
at nearby Darby’s patio.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 | TRANSPORTATION YOU BREAKFAST
Thanks to the generous support of WTS members, friends, and corporate partners, WTS Minnesota was able to send a student and mentor from the local
Transportation YOU mentorship program to the D.C. Summit in June. Ethel
Banks (student at Center for Engineering, Math, and Science) and Lisa Rasmussen (Kimley-Horn and Associates) returned with enthusiasm for the program
and the transportation industry. The two shared their experience at a program
sponsored by Kimley-Horn and Associates. The two discussed their experiences at the Summit, from the behind-the-scenes action and meeting policymakers to the professional tips and technical skills they learned.
NOVEMBER 1, 2013 | ANNUAL STUDENT PROGRAM: LINKEDIN PANEL DISCUSSION
WTS Minnesota headed to Republic at Seven Corners for a session on how to
make the most out of the networking tool LinkedIn. Panelists Christine
Wiegert, Vice President of Marketing/Business Development at TKDA and Mark
Sorenson-Wagner, Director of Career Services in the College of Science and
Engineering at the University of Minnesota provided insights for professionals
and students on how to make the most of LinkedIn in a panel discussion facilitated by Ashley Ver Burg, Transportation Planning Analyst at Kimley-Horn and
Associates, Inc.
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
NOVEMBER 14, 2013 | MAKING CAREER CONNECTIONS: WTS @ MNDOT
PUBLIC SPEAKING
On Thursday, November 14, 2014, WTS MN hosted its final Making Career
Connections: WTS@MnDOT program of the 2013 series. Kathy Ziegenfuss presented to a group of 15 attendees at MnDOT's Central Office. In the 90-minute
training, attendees learned tips and tricks on how to improve their presentation skills, with an emphasis on non-verbal cues.
Programs
Attendees took away valuable lessons for use in their professional lives. The
pause was discussed as a powerful technique to improve a presenter's perceived level of intelligence...just make sure to close your mouth when using the
pause! Eyes tend to follow a presenter's hands. Be sure to position yourself in a
way that your audience can see your hands...and don't place them in areas to
which you don't want to draw attention.
DECEMBER 11, 2013 | HOLIDAY PARTY
Thanks to all who attended this year's annual WTS Minnesota Holiday Party! It
was a night to remember as nearly a hundred of our friends and supporters
enjoyed music, laughter and networking and raised $2,800 toward WTS Minnesota's educational programs.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Recognition WOMAN OF THE YEAR
GAIL DORFMAN
Awards HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER
WTS Minnesota’s
Recognition Awards
program provides an
opportunity to recognize excellence in our
field and raise the
profile of WTS in
Minnesota.
Commissioner Dorfman has illustrated her leadership for
transportation as Mayor of the City of St. Louis Park and
through her 14 years on the Hennepin County Board. She
has become known as a strong and effective advocate for
transit, especially on Southwest LRT, and as someone who
can build bridges on divisive community issues, work
effectively with local, state, and federal government
leaders, and articulate a big picture enhancing the linkage
between transit and development.
Throughout her career in public service, Commissioner Dorfman has not shied
away from difficult issues or complex challenges. She has made substantial
contributions to affordable housing, ending homelessness and improving
access to mental health treatment and services. Commissioner Dorfman
articulates a vision of “healthy communities” and believes that transportation
and transit planning play a critical role in providing people access to housing
and job opportunities. She has shown a great willingness to stick with a project
from the early planning stages through to opening day. She is also committed
to bringing under-represented groups to the table to participate in
transportation planning and always seeks to make room at the table for new
voices, especially encouraging participation by women and minorities.
MEMBER OF THE YEAR
STEPHANIE MALINOFF
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
Stephanie’s steadfast commitment to the Minnesota Chapter's efforts and service as a committee volunteer strongly
impacted the chapter’s major initiatives in 2012. Over the
past twelve years, Stephanie has taken numerous leadership positions in the chapter, serving five different roles on
the board.
In 2012, Stephanie committed her time and expertise to
help promote two major chapter initiatives. As a committee member planning
the 30th Anniversary Gala, Stephanie offered her event planning experience to
coordinate on-site logistics at the event venue. She performed this with grace
and aplomb, helping ensure that the raffle, silent auction, fundraising efforts,
multimedia presentations, and event hospitality were coordinated throughout
the evening. In addition, Stephanie led efforts to plan a year-long curriculum
for WTS Minnesota's new Transportation YOU program. Stephanie thought bigpicture to provide students an introduction to the breadth of opportunities
within the transportation field, and then delved into the details organizing lessons plans and incorporating meaningful discussion topics for teenagers. Her
thoughtfulness and dedication have shaped this into a successful program.
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
ZAN ASSOCIATES
Zan was formed in 2001 and is certified in Minnesota as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Central Certification Program (CERT), and WomanOwned Business Enterprise (WBE). The firm provides expertise in strategic
planning, public affairs, and training related to community, environmental, and
transportation policies and projects. Zan’s excellent reputation and commitment to transportation planning and engagement has continually led to a large
increase in project retention over the past few years. The majority of their employees are women and multiple are also minorities. Zan president Charleen
Zimmer has been an active member with WTS at both the national and local
level. She continually contributes both time and resources to multiple WTS
Minnesota events and always encourages her employees to be active in WTS.
Multiple Zan employees have served on the WTS Minnesota Board.
Recognition
Awards
ROSA PARKS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
JILL HENTGES AND KARYSSA JACKSON
DISTRICT COUNCILS COLLABORATIVE OF ST PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS
The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are preparing for the launch of the region’s second light rail line, the Central Corridor—or Green Line. In order to
effectively engage a representative body of the regional transit system’s users
to gain input on this update, the District Councils Collaborative (DCC) of Saint
Paul and Minneapolis combined forces with Metro Transit to implement the
Trusted Advocates Program as a part of the Green Line connecting bus service
restructuring study. To gain substantive, meaningful feedback on transit service
plans, leaders were hired on as Trusted Advocates to represent and engage
their friends, families, neighborhoods, and communities. Nine advocates were
selected: on behalf of Somali, Southeast Asian, Somali, African-American, lowincome, youth, disabled, and heavily transit-dependent communities.
INNOVATIVE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS AWARD
HIGHWAY 61 HASTINGS BRIDGE
MNDOT
MnDOT is committed to developing and deploying innovative solutions that
minimize construction impacts to citizens while improving their quality of life.
This commitment was put to the test when a project began to replace a Mississippi River bridge crossing on Highway 61 in Hastings. MnDOT used many innovative solutions to work within the difficult construction realities, create additional bike and pedestrian access to the river and regional park systems, and
integrate the design into the historical context of the community.
The bridge will be the longest free-standing tied-arch bridge in North America.
In order to maintain the river crossing throughout the entire construction period, MnDOT constructed the bridge one half mile up the Mississippi and used
barges to float it to its location. The construction of the main span up river and
the float down-river to the site, the aesthetics of the bridge tying into the
downtown Hastings cityscape, and the ability to maintain the river crossing
throughout construction have all contributed to the success and innovative
spirit of this project. A time lapse video was created of the 'float' process.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Scholarships
Each year, WTS Minnesota awards scholarships to promising women students
pursuing a career in transportation. Our chapter’s scholarship program is central in our efforts to advance women in transportation. In 2013, two scholarships were awarded to graduate students.
WTS MINNESOTA GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
CHELSEY ARMSTRONG
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA HUMPHREY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Chelsey Armstrong is currently completing her first
year in urban and regional planning at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She's also an intern
with Metro Transit and has previously worked for
HOURCAR and the city of Savage. As an undergraduate student at Miami University Chelsey received honors in the business and geography programs. Chelsey hopes to have a career helping to
make alternative transportation solutions a viable
option for all people.
WTS MINNESOTA GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
XUAN DI
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Xuan Di is a PhD student in the Civil Engineering
Department at the University of Minnesota and is
a fellow in the department. While at the U of M,
her research on improving traffic signal operations
with vehicle infrastructure integration lead to her
authoring a paper that was published in the Journal of Transportation Research Record. Xuan has
been involved heavily in the Interdisciplinary
Transportation Student Organization (ITSO) and
WTS Minnesota.
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Transportation YOU doubled in size in 2013, with 5 students participating in the
2012-2013 inaugural year and 12 students signing on in the fall for the 20132014 school year.
The 2012-2013 school year program was rounded out with four meetings, once
per month from January through April. Shawn Haag led the January meeting,
with discussion on traffic safety leading up to the Distraction Dodger video
game developed by the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) at the University of Minnesota. In February, the girls rode a Metro Transit bus from a park and
ride in Blaine to the Metro Transit headquarters where they got (from Kristin
Thompson, Katie Roth, Julie Johanson, Chad Loeffler, Steve Mahowald,
Chelsey Armstrong, and Marilyn Porter) a tour of the transit control center,
learned about route planning, and were introduced to the variety of jobs offered by Metro Transit. The March meeting centered on an activity provided by
Community Design Group, in which the girls decided how to allocate limited
right-of-way to accommodate the many interests of a fictional community, with
the aid of scaled cross section elements. The school year ended with a celebratory breakfast where the girls and mentors talked about what they took from
the program and provided feedback for future planning.
Transportation
YOU
The chapter’s Transportation YOU mentorship program (a
national, hands-on,
interactive program
that offers young girls
ages 13-18 an introduction to a wide variety of transportation
careers)
Ethel Banks, class of 2014, was chosen to participate in the national Transportation YOU Summit in Washington, D.C. in June, accompanied by mentor Lisa
Rasmussen. Ethel and Lisa returned from the 5-day event inspired and enthusiastic about the people they met, the facilities they saw, and the transportation
industry as a whole. Ethel and Lisa shared stories of their adventures with the
chapter, showing supporters the benefits of their time and funds.
Over the summer, Marie Cote, Jackie Dylla, Laurie McGinnis, Sara Pflaum, and
Lisa Rasmussen met to discuss format and content for the 2013-2014 school
year, planning a broad range of topics and brainstorming ways to attract more
girls and mentors. The program continued to partner with the Center for Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (CEMS) at Blaine High School, having built a
solid foundation and feeling there were many girls yet to reach. The year started with new topics showcasing the range of transportation work to the two
returning students. In October, Marie Cote and Mona Elabaddy led a discussion on roundabouts—when they are appropriate, why they work, and how to
drive them. In November, Shawn Haag organized a tour of the University of
Minnesota for the students, which included hearing about the work of CTS
from director Laurie McGinnis, experiencing the driving simulator in the
HumanFirst lab with researcher Nichole Morris, and testing beams and columns in the structures lab with professor Cathy French. The year ended with a
lesson on stormwater management, facilitated by Rhonda Pierce. The twelve
students and ten mentors (Andrea Arnoldi, Marie Cote, Mona Elabbady, Katie
Garceau, Sara Pflaum, Rhonda Pierce, Lisa Rasmussen, Jessa Trboyevich, and
Kim Zlimen) will continue to meet through the spring of 2014.
Thank you to all of the members and friends and corporate partners who have
taken an interest and contributed to the cultivation of the next generation of
transportation professionals!
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Student
Outreach
CTS CAREER EXPO
On March 5, WTS hosted a brown bag to help prepare students at the U of M
for the CTS Career Expo taking place later that day. Panelists Sandy Cullen and
Morgan Abbott gave tips for attending the expo and helped students come up
with 1-2 minute “elevator speeches”. Additional WTS volunteers, including Michael Corbett, Molly Stewart, and Ashley Ver Burg reviewed attendee resumes, participated in roundtable discussions and/or staffed an Expo booth.
CAREER PANEL AT UMN SUMMER CAMP
WTS participated in a career panel at a University of Minnesota summer camp
for high school girls who are interested in science and engineering professions.
We were lucky to have three professionals in the transportation field come to
share their education and career experiences with the girls. A big thanks to
Janelle Borgen, Molly Stewart, and Ted Schoenecker for taking the time to
come and participate in the panel. The girls asked many great questions about
topics including studying languages for professions, preferred classes for career
opportunities, and what panel members enjoy most about their jobs. This was
a great opportunity to spread the WTS mission of advancing women in transportation professions by sharing our experiences with the next generation of
smart and talented women!
ITSO PARTNERSHIP
WTS Minnesota’s collegiate-level student outreach efforts are focused on our
ongoing partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Interdisciplinary Transportation Student Organization (ITSO). ITSO consists of undergraduate and
graduate students studying transportation-related disciplines, including civil
engineering, urban and regional planning, and urban studies. By partnering
with WTS and other professional organizations, ITSO forges connections between students and professionals in the transportation field. WTS Minnesota’s
sponsorship of ITSO raises student awareness of our organization and promotes future membership.
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WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
INDIVIDUAL MONETARY DONORS
Wanda Kirkpatrick
CORPORATE MONETARY SPONSORS
Kimley-Horn and Associates
HR Green, Inc.
TKDA
WSB & Associates
2013
Donors
SILENT AUCTION DONORS (INDIVIDUAL)
Karen Allen
Kristin Asher
Laura Amundson
Bre Grand
Sandy Cullen
Susan Haigh
Ann Johnson
Connie Kozlak
Lyssa Leitner
Wanda Kirkpatrick
Stephanie Malinoff
HunWen Westman
Charlie Zelle
Charleen Zimmer
SILENT AUCTION DONORS (CORPORATE)
Center for Transportation Studies
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
CH2M Hill
Chaska Valley Family Theater
Fogo De Chao
HR Green
Kimley-Horn and Associates
Minnesota Twins
TKDA
Wildfire Grill
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
15
Financial
Report
INCOME
Membership Dues
Monthly Programs
Miscellaneous
Grant
Corporate Partnership
Interest
Total 2013 Income
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
Silent Auction / Raffle Donations
Sponsorship/Membership Donations
Total 2013 Scholarship Donations
EXPENSES
Monthly Programs
Travel / Board Member Training
Supplies/Communication
Marketing
Scholarship Luncheon
Holiday Party
Transportation YOU
Total 2013 Expenses
Corporate
Partnership
16
$4,110.00
$3,627.97
$2,599.35
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.92
$13,338.24
$2,775.08
$25.00
$2,800.08
$1,708.68
$3,010.24
$612.28
$89.41
$2,282.55
$2,959.41
$1,121.79
$11,784.36
WTS Minnesota would like to give a special thank-you
again to Kimley-Horn and Associates, for being a corporate partner again in 2013. As an advocate-level
sponsor for WTS Minnesota, Kimley-Horn continues
to lead the way in elevating our organization's ability
to deliver thoughtful programs, facilitate industry
connections, and cultivate the next generation of transportation professionals.
Kimley-Horn's partnership in 2013 allowed WTS Minnesota to provide wellrounded and engaging programs for members of our transportation community
and create opportunities for educational growth and networking among our
members and friends. Additionally, their partnership allowed us to expand
member benefits and grow our Transportation YOU mentorship program,
which will continue our successful partnership with Blaine High School into the
2013-2014 school year. It is with sincere gratitude that WTS Minnesota thanks
Kimley-Horn for demonstrating their support of our mission of transforming
the transportation industry through the advancement of women by partnering
with WTS in 2013.
WTS MINNESOTA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Women’s Transportation Seminar
Minnesota Chapter
wtsinternational.org/mn