Dear WTS Members and Friends,

I might say this every season, but I feel like we are, right now, in the middle of one of my favorite times of year. The rising temperatures, the budding plants, the wafting aroma of waffle cones out of the ice cream shops. Even the thunderstorms and the possibility of a blizzard are exciting in a way that no February storm can be! Soon it'll be graduation season and the energy of interns and new college graduates will revive our spirits.

Spring is also a fun time at WTS. Every April, we honor the contributions of women in the transportation industry at the chapter's annual scholarships and recognitions luncheon. This year, as always, we had much to celebrate, with women being recognized for their roles leading transportation departments, large transit projects, and efforts to diversify the work force. Equally exciting was the overwhelming show of support for our honorees, represented by the many luncheon attendees who had never before attended a WTS program. We'll continue to recognize the advancement of women with a late April reception celebrating MnDOT's Director of Engineering Services Nancy Daubenberger and Acting State Bridge Engineer Bev Farraher.

In May, we look forward to the national conference in Chicago. With the financial support of our local corporate partners, we will have easily the largest Minnesota delegation I can remember. At the end of the month, we have a special opportunity just for members - a chance to chat with Met Council (Employer of the Year!) Chair Adam Duininck.

We also have a couple of passionate young members, Sofia Puerto and Krista Stippelmans, spearheading an effort to re-start a mentorship program. Take advantage of their energy and provide them with input via the survey! (See below for more information.) We hope to have the program rolled out this summer.

Spring! Aren't you just bursting with anticipation? See you out there!

Corporate Partner Spotlight: Kimley-Horn

In our largest event ever, 160 WTS members, supporters, and partners honored the 2015 award winners at the Annual Scholarships and Recognitions Luncheon. Thank you to everyone who attended. If you were not able to join us, below is a summary of our great honorees! Details on the scholarship winners, who were also recognized, can be found in the last newsletter. More details can be found on the WTS Minnesota website.

 Award winners, from left: Tracy Hatch, Christine Beckwith, Molly Stewart, Sue Mulvihill, Kristin Thompson and Pat Calder.

Scholarship winners, from left: Mandi Spradling, Anna Potter and Kristin Carlson (not pictured: Chelsey Palmateer).

Member of the Year: Kristin Thompson, Metro Transit

For most of the past decade, Kristin Thompson has played a key leadership role in making the WTS Minnesota chapter the strong and high-quality organization it is today. Her leadership by example, both in and out of the office, serves as a strong example for younger women coming up in the agency.

Women of the Year: Tracy Hatch and Sue Mulvihill, MnDOT  

In MnDOT's history, there has only been one other woman Deputy Commissioner, and never a pair as dynamic as Sue and Tracy. In July 2013, Commissioner Charlie Zelle appointed two women to the Deputy Commissioner role - Susan Mulvihill as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Engineer and Tracy Hatch as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer.

Employer of the Year: Metropolitan Council

Metropolitan Council and its two operating divisions focused on transportation issues, Metro Transit and Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS), have worked diligently to create programs to support and encourage a diverse workforce including the advancement of women in transportation. The nomination highlights the positive trend in women moving into leadership positions at Metro Transit, Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS). Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council employees that attended the luncheon are shown as a group below.

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award: Pat Calder

Back in 1995 the then Manager of the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity said we need to build our DBE program.  Pat Calder took that on as a personal challenge.  Creating change in government is not always easy and surely changing peoples' mind about a system that was around for years seemed daunting.  But she did it. The bottom line is her leadership in promoting the transportation field is outstanding and she is a tireless advocate for promoting and assisting women and minority small businesses.

Innovative Transportation Solutions Award: Christine Beckwith for the METRO Green Line