The Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International and Latinos In Transit (LIT) announced they have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring the two organizations will collaborate on mutual goals to improve the transportation sector, according to WTS International's news release.

LIT was founded in 2016 to promote the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities in transportation. Membership is made of public and private transportation professionals who meet regularly to network, share information, and celebrate the professional development of all members.

The MOU outlines the mutual objectives of the organizations, including:

• Promoting career opportunities in the transportation sector to a diverse demographic, especially minorities and under-represented in the transit sector.

• Furthering the attraction, participation, connection, advancement, and recognition of women and minorities in the full transportation industry; including public, private, and academia.

• Providing professional development opportunities, leadership training, advocacy, and educational opportunities to advance the skill sets of a diverse workforce.

• Encouraging the participation in organizational leadership activities at an international, national, and local level.

“Working alongside strategic partners in the transit industry has never been more vital,” said Jannet Walker-Ford, 2022-24 WTS International Board chair. “We look forward to a long relationship with the leadership and members of Latinos In Transit, as we strengthen a current – and future — workforce that is more diverse. WTS International looks forward to serving as a resource to LIT, and learning from their community as well.”

LIT joins a group of other WTS standing MOUs within the transportation industry, notably the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), the Eno Center for Transportation (Eno), and the Transportation Research Board (TRB).

“Relationships with organizations like Latinos In Transit, aligned with the WTS mission and vision, are of utmost importance. LIT and WTS have similarities, but also bring unique perspectives to the table. We look forward to engaging in specific programs that benefit our members and transportation stakeholders,” said Sara M. Stickler, president/CEO of WTS International.