The Latinos In Transit’s (LIT) board appointed four new board members to help lead the organization into an exciting year of growth and expanded programming in 2025. 

After a nationwide call for applications from its members in November 2024, candidates from across the country were evaluated and selected for their participation and alignment with LIT’s mission and strategic goals.

New Board Members

The newly appointed board members are:

• Monica Téllez-Fowler, CEO/President of COTA -Monica Téllez-Fowler is an accomplished transit leader who graduated from the inaugural LIT Leadership Academy in 2022 and has since actively contributed to the organization through panel discussions and service on LIT’s Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee. Beyond her professional achievements, she is dedicated to community service, supporting underrepresented groups through various nonprofit and volunteer roles. She will serve on the Finance, Budget, and Audit Governing Committee.

“I am incredibly honored to join Latinos In Transit’s board of directors. As a lifelong public transportation customer, I know firsthand how access to transit is a pathway to prosperity. I am proud of this opportunity to advocate for equitable, innovative transportation solutions that uplift all our communities and ensure that our diverse voices shape the future of mobility,” Téllez-Fowler said.

• Rosa Medina-Cristobal, Sr. VP/Chief Human Resources Officer for DART - Rosa Medina-Cristobal brings over 25 years of experience in public administration to the board. She has significantly impacted the public sector and public transportation at agencies such as VIA Metropolitan Transit and Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority. Starting as a human resources (HR) intern with the city of Grand Prairie, she advanced her career through various roles in both HR and transit operations before assuming her current role as sr. VP, human resources, at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). 

• Jose Hernandez, Sr. Marketing Manager at Southern California’s Metrolink - Jose Hernandez has been an active member of LIT since 2022, contributing to the Marketing & Communications Committee and enhancing the Leadership Summit experience. As a panelist at the 2023 Leadership Summit and "Café con LIT" events, he has supported member engagement and professional development. Currently with Metrolink, Hernandez leverages his industry connections to advance transportation equity and community engagement, while working to expand LIT’s influence in Southern California. 

• Anthony Valdiosera, CEO/President of VST Engineering - Anthony Valdiosera brings over 15 years of expertise in the transportation and transit industry, specializing in the design and project management of rail, road, and highway projects. As a dedicated member of LIT’s Small Business Committee, he has been instrumental in building strategic partnerships and fostering collaboration on the West Coast, advancing LIT’s mission to empower diverse communities in the transit sector. In his upcoming role as chair of the Small Business Committee in 2025, he will lead initiatives to support small businesses and champion diversity within the industry.

LIT’s Existing Board

The addition of the new board members brings the total board count to 15 voting members and one non-voting member. 

The board composition now includes nine male members and seven female members, with representation across key sectors: eight members from public transit agencies, five from the private sector, two from small businesses, and one from the nonprofit sector.

In alignment with LIT’s strategic plan, the selection committee utilized an evaluation matrix to ensure diverse regional representation. 

The 2025 board now includes five directors from the West, four from the Southwest, three from the Southeast, three from the Midwest, and one from the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Efforts will be focused on expanding representation in the Northeast region for 2026. Individuals from the Northeast interested in joining the board are encouraged to engage with LIT committees in 2025.

The newly appointed board members will join the current LIT officers and directors, including Herold Humphrey as President; Elizabeth Carter as VP; Eugenio Bonet as Treasurer; Megan Perrero as Secretary; and Carmen Garcia, Rick Pulido, Jose Feliciano, Mariela Garcia-Colberg, Lina Aragon, Ivan Rodriguez, and Dietter Aragon as directors. 

Hector Vargas will serve as a non-voting director. LIT ex-officio members include Milo Victoria and Alva Carrasco, who continues to provide invaluable guidance and support.