Vineis's and O'Meara's experiences illustrate one of WTS's greatest strengths: the capability to both cause and adapt to change. WTS was created to enhance the professional opportunities for women in the industry and to win recognition for their increasing involvement in the field. WTS has done that. And after more than 25 years of arduous advocacy, WTS is now an international organization of more than 3,600 transportation professionals. These women and men populate some 35 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and now the United Kingdom. But its early victories had to be won against daunting odds.

Out of the blocks ... and into the fire
"Initially, there were questions about the organization's viability. But the industry underestimated the determination of those pioneering women," explains Sunnie House, current WTS International president and a senior vice president at Willdan. "There was a well-entrenched old-boy network, along with many rigid societal prejudices that actually influenced our organization's name. Juxtaposing ‘women' and ‘transportation' in a professional context put a lot of the establishment off at first. And people wondered why this ongoing organization was called a ‘seminar,' suggesting a single event. As confusing as it was, that name was chosen for a very good reason.

"In the early days, companies and agencies would rarely pay for or even grant time for women to attend professional meetings, especially ones focusing on women. However, they would support ongoing educational "seminars." They probably thought the women were learning typing or dictation. But we of the Women's Transportation Seminar were actually learning about leadership, advancement and networking. Then once we became successful and known in the industry, we didn't want to lose our hard-earned brand identity. But now we mostly just go by the initials ‘WTS.' And I wear that name like a badge. It speaks directly to the struggles, resolve and resourcefulness of those early women pioneers."

The results of that hard work persist today. WTS is arguably the most vibrant and effective professional organization in transportation.

"WTS has done an amazing job," says Dr. Martin Wachs, professor of city and regional planning and of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California — Berkeley. "While raising awareness of women's issues, it has created a wonderful sense of community, shared values and commitment that other professional organizations must now struggle to match. Many organizations are a bit more ‘human' because of the WTS example. And there are women in positions of power who wouldn't be there if not for WTS.

"As someone who advises Ph.D. and master's degree candidates, I find the mentoring and advising function that WTS performs to be the most immediately meaningful and satisfying. I encourage my students to become members because WTS gives them a shared sense of purpose and community. It also supports them directly through scholarships. The effect WTS has had on the industry is profound."

WTS has built its reputation through a time-tested formula: Its organizational structure is strong, yet flexible, and three principles are considered sacred: