Season's greetings WTS!

I was delighted to visit with so many colleagues and friends at last week's holiday party. What a fabulous close to a rewarding year as chapter president! Together, 94 guests enjoyed multimodal and inter-disciplinary networking opportunities and raised $2800 toward WTS MN's educational programs. As the year draws to a close, I'd like to highlight four of our chapter's successes in 2013: 

• 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.
• 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 thanks to our partner Kimley-Horn, and plan to send another pair in 2014.
• We were overwhelmed by recent support from our corporate partners. Our inaugural corporate partner, Kimley-Horn, will be joined in 2014 by ten other firms who have pledged or given $16,000 to WTS MN.

These successes would not have been realized without the dedication of members of the WTS community. Volunteers planned and delivered programs, reviewed scholarships and recognitions nominations, planned Transportation YOU activities and mentored those students, lent wisdom to our strategic planning process, and donated or purchased silent auction items. Much credit goes to our 2013 chapter board; they are a group of bright, enthusiastic, and passionate leaders with a strong sense of vision and commitment to our chapter.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served WTS as president and I look forward to seeing many of you at our programs in 2014.

Best wishes,

On Thursday, November 14, 2014, WTS MN hosted it's 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 hour and a half long training, attendees learned tips and tricks on how to improve their presentation skills, with an emphasis on non-verbal cues.

• 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!
• An audience follows the presenter's breathing. If you're breathing high and talking fast, your audience will mirror the tense behavior.
• 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.

WTS Minnesota 2013 Holiday Party

 

Thanks to all who attended this year's annual WTS Minnesota Holiday Party! It was a night to remember as 94 of our friends and supporters enjoyed music, laughter and networking and raised $2800 toward WTS Minnesota's educational programs.

 

 

 

 

WTS Chapter Leadership Training Overview

Jan Lucke recently accepted the position of Transportation Planning Manager at Washington County. Best wishes to Jan in her new role!