Save the Date: LIT Sets Date, Location for 2023 Summit
LIT Set to Begin 2023 Leadership Academy
Thirty-five industry professionals from various experience levels and backgrounds were selected as the 2023 class in the program's second annual year.

Now in its second year, the LITLA Committee plans to implement new strategies to catapult the success of the program to expand its opportunities for Latinos and other minorities in the transit sector.
Photo: LIT
The Latinos In Transit Leadership Academy (LITLA) announced the 2023 LITLA Class members selected to participate in the program.
The program is divided into three different development program tracks: Making of An Executive, Leading in Middle Management, and New Careers in Transit, according to LIT's news release.
The 35 participants selected come from both the public and private sector from across the country.
The 2023 LITLA Class participants for each track are:
New Careers In Transit
Alfonso Reyes - National Express (CA).
Anitra Honore - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA).
Ana Rodriguez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA).
Eder Sanchez - Rocky Mountaineer (CO).
Michael Candelaria - TransitGuard (CA).
Caleb Losey - TransitGuard (CA).
Stephany Garcia - National Express (VA).
Henry Suarez - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA).
Carmen Ruby Galvan - SunLine Transit Agency (CA).
Martin Rodriguez - Gold Coast Transit District (CA).
Lawrence Trevino - Capital Metro (TX).
Vanessa Meza - Capital Metro (TX).
Leading In Middle Management
Jose Vega - Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (CA).
Ricardo Vega - Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (CA).
Jorge Quintana - Foothill Transit (CA).
Jennifer Lopez Ibrahim - GHD Group (WA).
Abel Ruiz - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (GA).
Jesus Valenzuela - MV Transportation (CA).
Leyden Patricia Mendez - National Express.
Roberto Lopez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA).
Elizabeth Martin- Maldonado - Sound Transit (WA).
Clara O’brien - Sound Transit (WA).
Marco Zhanay - Transdev (NY).
Fabian Campos - WSP (CA).
Bryan Ochoa - Los Angeles Department of Transportation (CA).
Donato Perez - Nelson/Nygaard (TX).
Making of an Executive
Hilda Mercedes - CSI Compliance (TX).
Inmer Hernandez - Transdev (NY).
Julia Cesar Badia Hernandez - First Transit (Puerto Rico).
Niorka Mendez-Almonte - Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MA).
Norma Zamora - First Transit (TX).
Vincent Parker - MV Transportation (TX).
Yolanda Rodriguez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA).
Erika Finnesteed - Ozark Regional Transit (AZ).
Violet Ayala - Utah Transit Authority (UT).
“We could not be more excited to bring forward the participants of our second leadership academy," said Herold Humphrey, LITLA Committee chair. "We continue to promote the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities in transportation and the academy provides a great platform for us to do so. This class is made of public and private transportation professionals from across the nation who are dedicated to their professional development. We look forward to celebrating their graduation later this year."
Each track consists of five modules. There will be one module held each month for a period of five months starting in March 2023. The modules will be taught virtually by industry leaders. There will be a team project and presentation required to graduate from the academy.
The 2023 LITLA program year will begin with an orientation to welcome the 2023 class participants.
More Management

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
Read More →
OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent
Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.
Read More →