Latinos in Transit names new president, board officers

Latinos In Transit (LIT) named its new president, as well as officers for its 2020 through 2022 board of directors.

Alva Carrasco, who serves as transit and rail market lead, zero emissions bus for Northern California, at WSP USA will take on the role of president, with the remaining slate of new LIT board officers including VP Salvador Llamas, COO for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District; Board Secretary James E. Saenz, sr. operations advisor to the COO for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Treasurer Aida B. Berry, sr. manager, civil rights programs, Title VI, at Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority; and ex-officio board member Milo Victoria, president and CEO at Victorious Gold Partners LLC.

“The professional growth, development, and advancement of our members is my top priority. In the next two years, we will partner with our board and corporate advisory members to continue momentum for LIT on the national level,” said Carrasco.

Formed in 2016 to promote the advancement of Latinos to executive positions, as well as other positions of influence within the transportation industry, LIT continues to grow its influence and membership. Under the leadership of outgoing President Milo Victoria, LIT’s membership has grown to more than 400 members nationwide and countless followers on social media.

In September, it held its Inaugural Leadership Summit in Newport Beach, Calif., which featured top public transit leaders from across the nation, including Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA) and Federal Transit Administration Region 3 Administrator Terry Garcia Crews.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Latinos accounted for 16.1% of the 146.3 million employed people in the U.S. In the transportation and utilities industries, 17.2%, or over four million workers are Latinos.

To sustain expansion in the transit industry, LIT has established a strong partnership with the private sector, non-profit, and union communities. Most recently, the board established a Corporate Advisory Committee that will provide guidance and assistance to the elected officers and board, as well as provide advocacy on relevant program planning; training and leadership development; industry issues; and strategic fundraising to ensure its sustainability.