WTS International celebrated the barrier-breaking contributions of Jannet Walker-Ford, WSP national transit and rail market leader, by surprising her as the first recipient of a new award named in her honor at its annual meeting in New Orleans.

The annual Jannet Walker-Ford Breaking Barriers Award honors a WTS member who has overcome obstacles in their careers and eliminated barriers for others.

“Jannet is widely recognized and respected for her personal devotion to connecting people, mentoring, elevating, recommending, and supporting women in all roles, including attracting the next generation into STEAM and transportation-related careers,” said Sara Stickler, WTS International president and CEO. “She embodies what WTS strives for on behalf of its members, and it’s appropriate to continue recognizing her example and admirable service to our organization.” 

Walker-Ford’s WTS Impact

WTS recruits, retains, and advances women in the transportation industry. Walker-Ford joined the organization in 2002, becoming its first Black board chair in 2022 and leading the most diverse board in the organization’s history.

She just completed her two-year term as chair for WTS and now serves as immediate past chair.

“I’m overwhelmed by this recognition and grateful to WTS and the women in transportation who came before me to make it possible,” Walker-Ford said. “They inspire our continued efforts to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive industry. I’m beyond proud to have this award named in my honor which will recognize the WTS members who continue to break barriers, take risks and lead with intention, empathy, and perseverance to advance women and advance transportation.”