FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact
Christina Villarreal
Executive Director
c.villarreal@latinosintransit.org

LIT and WTS International Renew National Partnership Agreement at WTS International Annual Conference in Los Angeles

The three-year MOU strengthens collaborative efforts to advance workforce development and leadership in public transportation.

Los Angeles, CA — May 2026 — LIT and WTS International proudly announce the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the WTS International Annual Conference held in Los Angeles, Calif., this month.

The agreement was formally signed by LIT Board Chair Eugenio Bonet, LIT Executive Director Christina Villarreal, WTS International Chair Bridgette Beato, and WTS International CEO and Executive Director Malika Reed Wilkins, Ph.D., reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening workforce development, leadership opportunities, and industry collaboration throughout the public transportation sector.

The updated three-year MOU builds upon the longstanding partnership between the two national nonprofit organizations and expands opportunities for professional development, industry engagement, education, and economic growth initiatives that support public transportation professionals nationwide.

Founded in 2016, LIT has become a leading voice in workforce development and leadership advancement within the public transportation industry, connecting professionals across public and private sectors while creating pathways for career growth, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. WTS International, established in 1977, continues to serve as a global leader in advancing women and strengthening the transportation workforce through leadership development, networking, and education.

“This renewed partnership represents the power of collaboration in shaping the future of the transportation industry,” Villarreal said. “Both LIT and WTS International are deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower professionals, strengthen leadership pipelines, and inspire the next generation of transportation leaders. By working together, we can continue expanding access to mentorship, professional development, and workforce initiatives that benefit the entire industry.”

Under the renewed MOU, LIT and WTS International will continue collaborating on initiatives designed to increase transportation career awareness, support workforce participation and advancement, share industry resources and best practices, and encourage engagement in organizational leadership at the local, national, and international levels.
As part of the partnership, WTS International will continue supporting LIT through conference participation, promotion of LIT programs and scholarship opportunities, collaborative communications, and the exchange of workforce and policy information relevant to the transportation industry.

LIT will similarly support WTS International through event promotion, shared programming opportunities, annual webinars, and participation in the LIT Annual Leadership Summit, including opportunities for WTS leadership to serve as presenters and panelists.

The agreement also reinforces both organizations’ commitment to economic development initiatives, small business engagement, and contractor development opportunities that strengthen the transportation industry as a whole.

About Latinos In Transit
Latinos In Transit (LIT) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing opportunities for professionals in the public transportation industry through workforce development, leadership training, mentorship, and education. LIT continues to expand its reach as it supports individuals and agencies working to build a diverse and skilled transit workforce.

Learn more at www.latinosintransit.org.