FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIT Contact:

Christina Villarreal

Executive Director

(626) 495-1548

c.villareal@latinosintransit.org

COTA and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler to Host Exclusive Technical Tours at LIT Leadership Summit

Celebrating LIT's 10th Anniversary, the September 10–13 Summit in Columbus will feature behind-the-scenes access to COTA's innovative facilities, transformative mobility initiatives, and visionary leadership.

COLUMBUS, Ohio | September 10–13, 2026

LIT is proud to announce that the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit will be hosted by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) under the leadership of President and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler. As LIT celebrates its 10th Anniversary, the Summit will bring together transit executives, emerging leaders, board members, business partners, public officials, and workforce professionals from across North America for three days of leadership development, collaboration, innovation, and networking.

The 2026 Summit represents more than a milestone celebration. It is a reflection of what intentional leadership development can accomplish.
Few stories embody that mission more than Monica Tellez-Fowler's.
Monica's leadership journey began as a graduate of the LIT Leadership Academy (LITLA). She continued her commitment to the organization by serving on LIT committees before joining the LIT Board of Directors. Today, she serves as President and CEO of COTA, leading one of the nation's most innovative public transportation agencies.

Her journey represents the very purpose of LIT—to cultivate leaders who inspire others, transform organizations, and elevate the public transportation industry.

Under Monica's leadership, COTA has become nationally recognized for strategic investment, customer-focused innovation, workforce development, and regional collaboration. The agency continues to redefine mobility throughout Central Ohio while demonstrating how public transportation can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and stronger communities.

Among COTA's most significant accomplishments is the advancement of the LinkUS Mobility Initiative, one of the nation's most ambitious transportation investments. Through expanded Bus Rapid Transit, safer streets, improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit-oriented development, LinkUS is creating a more connected and accessible future while establishing a national model for regional mobility.

"LIT exists to develop leaders who make a lasting impact on our industry," said Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT. "Few leaders represent that mission more completely than Monica Tellez-Fowler. Watching her journey from Leadership Academy graduate to committee member, Board member, and now President and CEO of COTA has been incredibly inspiring. Her leadership reflects the values of service, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We are honored to celebrate our 10th Anniversary alongside Monica and the outstanding team at COTA."

As host agency, COTA will provide Summit attendees with two exclusive technical experiences showcasing the agency's leadership in innovation, infrastructure, and the future of public transportation. Both tours are available exclusively to registered Leadership Summit attendees and have limited capacity.

Technical Tour #1
Thursday, September 10
On the Move: A Technical Tour of COTA's Evolving Facilities

Participants will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to three of COTA's newest and most innovative facilities while learning how the agency is investing in infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Tour stops include:
• McKinley Avenue Facility & Garage — Explore COTA's newly renovated maintenance and operations facility supporting a modern transit fleet.
• Mobility Assessment Center at Fields Avenue — Visit the state-of-the-art center responsible for evaluating paratransit eligibility and expanding accessible transportation services throughout the region.
• Mobility Center at Rickenbacker — Discover COTA's community-centered mobility hub featuring flexible public spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and innovative mobility solutions.

Technical Tour #2
Friday, September 11
LinkUS West Broad BRT Augmented Reality Tour

Experience the future of transit before it arrives.

This exclusive technical tour offers Summit attendees a unique opportunity to explore the future West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit corridor through COTA's innovative augmented reality experience. Available at three COTA stops along the corridor, participants will use augmented reality technology to visualize planned station enhancements and experience firsthand how the LinkUS initiative will transform mobility throughout Central Ohio.

The immersive tour showcases how technology can help communities envision the future of public transportation while highlighting one of the nation's most ambitious Bus Rapid Transit investments and COTA's continued commitment to innovation and regional connectivity.
Throughout the Summit, attendees will participate in nationally recognized keynote presentations, executive leadership forums, professional development workshops, networking events, industry exhibits, and special celebrations commemorating LIT's first decade of leadership and impact.

Hosting the 2026 Leadership Summit in Columbus provides attendees with an opportunity to experience firsthand how visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and innovative transportation investments are transforming public transit. It also celebrates the remarkable partnership between LIT and COTA while recognizing Monica Tellez-Fowler's inspiring leadership journey—from Leadership Academy graduate to one of the nation's most respected transit CEOs.

Registration for the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit includes access to keynote presentations, educational sessions, networking events, industry exhibits, and the opportunity to register for COTA's exclusive technical tours. Capacity for both tours is limited and available only to Summit attendees.

For more information about the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, hotel accommodations, and the complete conference schedule, visit www.latinosintransit.org.

ABOUT LIT

Founded in 2015, LIT is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering professionals in the transit industry to achieve leadership roles by advancing opportunities for workforce development, mentorship, networking and education.

latinosintransit.org | https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinos-in-transit/