Latinos In Transit (LIT) and the New Mexico Transit Association (NMTA) announced a strategic partnership dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the public transit industry.

The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Jan. 29, outlining a framework for mutual cooperation between the two organizations.

"Our collective efforts in the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities have the power to create positive change in the transportation industry,” said LIT President Herold Humphrey. “We are very excited for this MOU with the New Mexico Transit Association and look forward to working on collaborative changes together. This MOU signifies our commitment and shared accountability for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Details of the Partnership

The MOU is set to remain in effect for five years, during which LIT and NMTA will collaborate closely to shape the public transit industry positively for Latinos and other minorities in the workforce.

This includes activities such as developing programs, content, and speakers for conferences, meetings, and webinars; promote events and news to each membership base; participate in meetings and events; and cooperate on identifying and developing potential research problem statements related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Latino/other minority transportation-related issues, among others.

“New Mexico Transit Association is excited to partner with Latinos In Transit to continue to develop and advance Latinos and other minorities into leadership roles to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the transportation industry,” said NMTA President Elizabeth Carter.

This partnership marks one of several MOUs that LIT plans to execute in 2024. LIT's current strategic partners include influential entities such as the American Public Transportation Association, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, Women's Transportation Seminar, MV Transportation, KEOLIS, National Express, and the Texas Transit Association.