FEDERAL DBE PROGRAM CHANGES

What Small Businesses Need to Know and How Latinos In Transit Is Responding

A Message from Christina Villarreal
Executive Director, LIT

CHANGES ARE HAPPENING IN OUR INDUSTRY. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY MEAN.

If you are a small business owner working in public transportation, you may have heard about the significant changes taking place within the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

For some businesses, these changes have raised questions about certification, future contracting opportunities, and what comes next. Others may be hearing about these developments for the first time.

I want to take this opportunity to explain what is happening, why it matters, and how Latinos In Transit (LIT) is responding.

As an organization committed to workforce development, economic opportunity, and small business advancement, we recognize that changes to federal programs can have real consequences for the businesses and professionals who contribute to our transportation industry.

Our responsibility is to make sure our members have access to information, resources, and opportunities to navigate these changes.

WHAT IS THE DBE PROGRAM, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). It was established to help ensure that eligible small businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for federally assisted transportation contracts.

These contracts include projects involving public transit, highways, airports, engineering, construction, consulting, technology, equipment, and other transportation-related services.

For decades, the DBE Program has provided a framework for small businesses to participate in federally funded transportation projects.

Many of these businesses work as subcontractors to larger firms, while others compete directly for contracts with transportation agencies.

For some companies, DBE certification has been an important part of their business development strategy, helping them establish relationships, compete for projects, expand their operations, and create employment opportunities.

Small businesses are not simply participants in our industry. They are an essential part of how transportation projects are delivered.

WHAT HAS CHANGED WITH THE FEDERAL DBE PROGRAM?

In October 2025, USDOT implemented significant changes to the federal DBE certification process, followed by Final Rule in September 2026.

Previously, certain racial and ethnic groups and women were presumed to be socially disadvantaged for purposes of determining DBE eligibility.

Under the revised requirements, that presumption no longer applies.

Business owners must now individually demonstrate that they meet the program's social and economic disadvantage requirements, regardless of race or gender.

This is an important distinction.

The changes do not mean that minority-owned or women-owned businesses are automatically excluded from participating in the DBE Program.

Rather, business owners must establish eligibility through an individualized review under the revised federal requirements.

Existing DBE-certified businesses are also subject to reevaluation.

State certification agencies across the country are working through this process, and the timeline and status of reevaluations vary by state; however all states must complete reevaluations by December 24, 2026, with a possible one-time extension of up to 90 days for good cause.

The DBE Program has not been eliminated. However, the process for establishing eligibility and administering DBE participation requirements has changed significantly.

For businesses that have spent years building their companies and establishing relationships within the transportation industry, these developments deserve attention.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS

Separate from the DBE changes, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed revisions to the size standards used to determine which companies qualify as small businesses for federal programs. The proposal would raise many size limits, consolidate industry categories, and shift some industries from revenue-based to employee-based standards. These changes could affect eligibility and the businesses competing for small business contracting opportunities. The proposal is not yet final.

The public comment period is open through November 20, 2026. Before submitting a public comment, LIT wants to hear from our members about how the proposed changes would affect their businesses. Would they create opportunities for growth, introduce new competitive pressures, or change your eligibility? Please share your perspective with our Small Business Committee, chaired by Anthony Valdiosera, so LIT’s comment reflects the experiences and needs of the members we serve.

HOW COULD THESE CHANGES AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS?

For many small businesses, DBE certification has been one avenue for accessing contracting opportunities within the transportation industry.

Changes to certification and program administration may affect how businesses prepare for future opportunities, maintain eligibility, and work with transportation agencies and prime contractors.

Some businesses may face additional documentation requirements or uncertainty while their certifications are being reevaluated.

Others may experience changes in contracting opportunities or need to explore additional procurement channels.

It is important for businesses to carefully review communications from their certifying agencies and seek clarification when needed.

I also want to emphasize something that should not get lost in this conversation.

A business does not lose its expertise, experience, or value to the transportation industry because federal certification requirements change.

Our small businesses continue to provide essential services, support major transportation projects, create jobs, and contribute to local economies.

Helping these businesses remain informed and competitive is important to the long-term strength of our industry.

DBE Recertification by State 

https://lit.paperturn-view.com/dbe-recertification-status-by-state-lit?pid=ODk8965305 

WHAT IS LIT DOING?

At LIT, our mission is to advance workforce development, leadership, and economic opportunity within the public transportation industry.

As a national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, our responsibility is not to advocate for a political party or administration. Our responsibility is to support the professionals and businesses we serve.

We recognize that federal policy changes can affect businesses regardless of the political circumstances surrounding those decisions.

Our focus is on education, engagement, business development, and ensuring that the experiences of small businesses are part of the broader industry conversation.

Through our Small Business Program, LIT is identifying ways to help members better understand these changes, access reliable resources, and strengthen their connections throughout the transportation industry.

We also recognize that before developing additional initiatives, we need to understand what our small business community is actually experiencing.

That is why we are asking businesses across the country to share their experiences with us.

https://fs8.formsite.com/QIMth5/vlcvb8iex0/index

OUR SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE: LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT

An important part of LIT's efforts will involve our Small Business Committee, chaired by Anthony Valdiosera, a member of the LIT Board of Directors.

The Small Business Committee plays an important role in advancing our commitment to economic development and creating opportunities for small businesses throughout the public transportation industry.

With the changes taking place within the federal DBE Program, I believe this committee has an opportunity to play an even greater role in understanding the challenges our members are facing and helping identify meaningful ways LIT can support them.

Working alongside LIT leadership, the committee will help evaluate the information gathered through our National DBE Small Business Impact Survey and explore opportunities to strengthen educational resources, industry partnerships, and business development connections.

We recognize that not every business faces the same challenges.

Some may be navigating certification changes. Others may be concerned about contracting opportunities, access to capital, or maintaining relationships with larger firms.

Our goal is not simply to identify these challenges, but to understand where LIT can make a meaningful difference.

Under Anthony's leadership, the Small Business Committee will be an important resource as we continue strengthening our Small Business Program and identifying opportunities to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of businesses within our industry.

We want our Small Business Program to be shaped by the needs of the businesses we serve, and that begins by listening to them. 

Want to join the Small Business Committee? Contact Committee Chair Anthony Valdiosera .

FIVE AREAS WHERE LIT IS FOCUSING ITS EFFORTS

1. Understanding the Impact on Small Businesses

LIT is launching a National DBE Small Business Impact Survey to gather information directly from businesses about certification challenges, contracting opportunities, financial concerns, and other effects they may be experiencing.

We want to hear from businesses that have experienced challenges, those that have seen no changes, and those that may have identified new opportunities.

2. Providing Education and Resources

LIT is exploring educational sessions and resources to help businesses understand the revised DBE certification requirements, available technical assistance, and alternative contracting opportunities.

Our goal is to connect members with reliable information and knowledgeable professionals who can help answer their questions.

Link to Small Business Tool Kit

3. Strengthening Industry Connections

Relationships are an important part of business development.

LIT will continue identifying opportunities to connect small businesses with transportation agencies, prime contractors, consultants, and other industry partners.

We want our small business members to be recognized for their capabilities, experience, and the value they bring to transportation projects.

4. Bringing Small Business Experiences to Industry Leaders

Information collected through our survey will help LIT identify common concerns and communicate aggregated findings to transportation agencies, industry organizations, and federal policymakers.

We believe meaningful conversations should be informed by the actual experiences of the businesses affected.

Our intention is to provide factual information, encourage constructive dialogue, and help identify practical solutions.

5. Supporting Long-Term Business Growth

Beyond the immediate DBE changes, LIT remains committed to helping small businesses develop relationships, strengthen their competitiveness, access professional development, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

Our commitment to small business development extends well beyond any single federal program.

NATIONAL DBE SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY

Your Experience Matters. We Want to Hear From You.

To better understand what is happening across the country, Latinos In Transit is asking small business owners and transportation professionals to participate in our National DBE Small Business Impact Survey.

Whether you are currently DBE-certified, previously certified, pursuing certification, or operating a small business without DBE certification, we encourage you to participate.

Through this survey, we hope to better understand:

• How businesses are navigating the revised certification requirements.

• Whether contracting opportunities have been affected.

• What challenges businesses are experiencing.

• What resources and assistance are needed.

• How organizations like LIT can provide meaningful support.

The information collected will help guide our Small Business Program and inform discussions with transportation agencies, industry partners, and policymakers.

Participation is voluntary. Individual responses will be treated confidentially, and public findings will be reported in aggregate unless permission is given to share a specific business's experience.

We cannot accurately represent the challenges facing small businesses unless we hear directly from them.

COMPLETE THE NATIONAL DBE IMPACT SURVEY

https://fs8.formsite.com/QIMth5/vlcvb8iex0/index

Estimated completion time: 5–7 minutes.

Continue reading here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eqbqvCxHqPS7Bz35cCMk1N5q3Nc3K8VEZGtvEvlVCsU/edit?usp=sharing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact

Christina Villarreal, LIT Executive Director

Raquel OLIVIER Announces $10,000 Scholarship in Honor of Transit Leader Nuria I. Fernandez at 2026 LIT Leadership Summit

Latinos In Transit to invite industry and community partners to help grow scholarship fund supporting the next generation of public transportation professionals

Covina, CA — September 12, 2026 — Latinos In Transit (LIT) recognized Raquel Olivier, CPA, MBA, Founder and President/CEO of Olivier, Inc., as a recipient of the LIT Legacy Award during the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit in Columbus, Ohio, honoring her continued support of LIT’s programs, services and mission to develop the next generation of public transportation leaders.

Olivier, Inc. is a professional consulting firm supporting the construction and operational sectors of public transit, aviation, education, municipalities, healthcare and other industries. Founded by Olivier, the firm focuses on delivering solutions in areas including project and program support, project controls, workforce development, client sustainability and quality assurance.

During the LIT Leadership Luncheon, Olivier expanded that legacy of support by announcing a $10,000 scholarship contribution in honor of Nuria I. Fernandez, one of the nation’s most respected public transportation leaders and a longtime supporter of LIT.

The scholarship recognizes Fernandez’s decades of leadership and public service and celebrates her selection for induction into the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The APTA Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals whose long and distinguished careers have made extraordinary contributions to public transportation.

Fernandez served as the 15th Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration and has held senior leadership positions across some of the nation’s largest transportation organizations. 

She also served as Chair of APTA’s Board of Directors and has been a longtime champion of professional development and expanding opportunities for future transportation leaders.

Her relationship with LIT has been equally meaningful. Fernandez helped ensure LIT had a voice within the broader public transportation industry and supported the collaborative relationship between LIT and APTA. In 2023, LIT presented Fernandez with its Founders Award, the organization’s highest honor, following her keynote address at the LIT Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

“Raquel’s $10,000 commitment represents exactly what the LIT Legacy Award is intended to recognize — someone who does more than support our organization in words, but invests in the people and programs that will shape the future of our industry,” said Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT. “It is especially meaningful that this scholarship will carry Nuria’s name. Nuria helped open doors for LIT, and now, through Raquel’s generosity, we have an opportunity to open doors for students who will become the next generation of public transportation professionals. Our goal is not to stop at $10,000. We are asking our industry partners, members and friends to help us build upon Raquel’s extraordinary gift and grow this scholarship into something that can create opportunities for students for years to come.”

LIT Calls on the Industry to Build Upon the $10,000 Gift

LIT will open the scholarship fund to additional contributions from individuals, businesses, transit agencies and industry partners, with Olivier’s $10,000 commitment serving as the foundation of the campaign.

LIT invites the public transportation community to join Raquel Olivier in honoring Nuria Fernandez’s legacy by investing in the professionals who will carry the industry forward.

Every contribution will help LIT expand the scholarship’s reach and provide greater educational opportunities to students pursuing careers connected to public transportation.

Help Us Build the Next Generation of Transit Leaders

Donate to the Nuria I. Fernandez Scholarship Fund and help us build upon the first $10,000.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/nuria-i-fernandez-scholarship-fund 

Scholarship Applications to Open in January

LIT’s Scholarship Committee will administer the scholarship and select recipients through a competitive application process. A call for applications will open in January 2027 for students pursuing an eligible course of study that provides a career pathway into the public transportation industry.

Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, application deadlines, award amounts and the selection process will be announced by Latinos In Transit prior to the opening of the application period.

About Raquel Olivier and Olivier, Inc.

Raquel Olivier, CPA, MBA, is the Founder and President/CEO of Olivier, Inc., a professional consulting firm supporting major public and private-sector organizations. Olivier has built her company around workforce development, client sustainability, quality assurance and solutions that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Olivier is also active within the transportation industry, including leadership and service through the American Public Transportation Association and the American Public Transportation Foundation.

About Nuria I. Fernandez

Nuria I. Fernandez is a nationally recognized public transportation executive with more than three decades of leadership in the industry. Her career has included serving as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, General Manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Chief Operating Officer of the New York Metropolitan Transportation 

Authority, and senior leadership roles with the Chicago Transit Authority and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Fernandez was selected as a member of the 2026 APTA Hall of Fame, recognizing her distinguished career and lasting contributions to public transportation.

About Latinos In Transit

Latinos In Transit (LIT) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing workforce and economic development within the public transportation industry through leadership development, mentorship, scholarships, professional development, networking and programs that create pathways into transportation careers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Christina Villarreal, Executive Director, LIT 

A Decade of Impact: LIT Celebrates 10 Years at 2026 Leadership Summit in Columbus

Four-day Summit hosted by COTA marks LIT's 10th anniversary, celebrates Leadership Academy graduates, honors a decade of partners, and passes the baton to the San Francisco Bay Area for 2027.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 16, 2026) – LIT closed its four-day 2026 Leadership Summit, capping a milestone year that marks 10 years of impact for the organization. Hosted by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) from September 10-13, the Summit carried the theme Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence, Leadership, and Impact. Every part of the program honored the people, agencies, and partners who built LIT over its first decade.

What began as a call for a space where transit professionals could grow and lead has become a national nonprofit and one of the fastest-growing organizations in the transit industry. The 2026 Summit reflected that growth, with a record number of sponsors, 55 LIT Leadership Academy graduates, and a Legacy Awards program recognizing the partners who have stood with LIT since the beginning.

"Ten years ago, LIT started as an idea that our industry needed a place where transit professionals could grow, lead, and lift each other up. This week in Columbus showed how far that idea has come," said Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT. "We opened with COTA's technical tours, putting our attendees on the ground at COTA's facilities and on the LinkUS West Broad BRT corridor through an augmented reality experience. Our training tracks took on the issues agencies face every day: operator retention, succession planning, employee engagement, federal compliance, rider experience, and using AI to turn data into answers. Café Con LIT brought national voices together live from the Summit on how voter-approved initiatives are moving America's transit projects forward. Our small business leaders had their own space at the CEO Luncheon, and our members recognized the agencies, individuals, and firms driving our mission at the Annual Membership Meeting. 

“Saturday was the heart of it all. We celebrated 55 LIT Leadership Academy graduates, heard their ideas firsthand, and honored the corporate and association partners who have been part of our story for a decade. Then COTA passed the baton to MTC for the 2027 Leadership Summit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ten years of impact is measured in the careers we have helped launch, the leaders we have helped build, and the small businesses we have helped grow. None of this happens without COTA, our sponsors, our board, and the volunteers who gave their time all week. To everyone who helped build these first ten years: thank you. The next 10 start now," said Villarreal.

Highlights by day

Thursday, September 10: Networking and Connection The day opened with a COTA technical tour and a golf networking event.Daniel E. Street, founder of The Red Knight Group, headlined the Small Business CEO Luncheon. Afternoon sessions featured speakers from the Transit Workforce Center, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), COTA, WSP, the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, the Maryland Transit Administration, and CareerMP, along with an unfiltered conversation with Elizabeth Solis-Campana of The Solis Group. Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla joined COTA leadership at the opening reception, which closed with a LIT Family Feud game sponsored by The Solis Group. Team LIT Alliance, led by Alva Carrasco, took the win over The Solis Group team, led by Urisa Carillo.

Friday, September 11: Knowledge and Growth. Attendees explored the LinkUS West Broad BRT corridor on an augmented reality tour before Café Con LIT, Live from the Summit! The panel featured Monica Téllez-Fowler, President and CEO of COTA; Veronica Vanterpool, SVP and Americas Transit Lead at AECOM and former Acting FTA Administrator; and Michael Pimentel, Executive Director of the California Transit Association. Afternoon training sessions included Mitch Savoie Hill on networking, the Transit Workforce Center on frontline workforce development, Greg Bradley on building a leadership toolkit, and John Maglio of ETA on using AI to get instant answers from agency data. The evening closed with the speakeasy, a 1920s-themed mystery event.

At the Annual Membership Meeting, LIT presented its 2026 member awards:

• Transit Agency of the Year: Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA)

• Member of the Year: Aida Berry, WSP

• Ambassador of the Year: Stephanie Daniels, Valley Metro

• Small Business Member of the Year: ABRAC, LLC

Saturday, September 12: Leadership and Legacy The Opening Plenary featured welcomes from COTA's Monica Téllez-Fowler and Columbus City Councilmember Nicholas J. Bankston, remarks from Small Business Title Sponsor Olivier Inc., and a keynote on emotional intelligence from Mitch Savoie Hill. Leadership Academy teams then presented their work in panel sessions.

At the HNTB-sponsored Leadership Luncheon, Diana C. Mendes, HNTB's Corporate President for Infrastructure and Mobility Equity, delivered the keynote. LIT board member and Academy alumnus Juan Higuera reflected on his leadership journey, and fellow LITLA participants Seline Magtoto (HNTB), Rafael Regan (San Francisco Bay Ferry), and Alexander Houck (Maryland Transit Administration) spoke for each Academy track. The luncheon closed with COTA passing the baton to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the 2027 Leadership Summit in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The evening's LIT Legacy Gala and Awards Night, sponsored by WeDriveU, was the centerpiece of the anniversary celebration. LIT celebrated its 55 Leadership Academy graduates and recognized 10 years of partnership with its Legacy and Partner Awards.

2026 Legacy Award Winners: MV Transportation (LIT's first corporate member), ABRAC, LLC, Hitachi, Gillig, HDR Engineering, HNTB, Bradley Consulting and Training, Keolis America, New Flyer of America, Olivier Inc., Terravanta, The Solis Group, Transdev North America, TransitGUARD Inc., TSI (Transportation Solutions and Innovations), and WeDriveU.

2026 Partner Award Winners: California Transit Association, Texas Transit Association, BuildIT, COMTO National, WTS International, and APTA.

The night closed with a 10th birthday celebration with mariachi, followed by the Gala After Bash, sponsored by MV Transportation and New Flyer.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

LIT thanks host agency and Opening Reception Sponsor COTA and transit agency sponsor DART, along with Small Business Title Sponsor Olivier Inc., Leadership Luncheon Sponsor HNTB, Registration Sponsor Gillig, After Bash Sponsors MV Transportation and New Flyer, Family Feud and CEO RAW Sponsor The Solis Group, Café Con LIT Sponsor Sound Transit, Secret Speakeasy Sponsor TSI, Exhibit Sponsors New Flyer, BuildIT, and TY Lin, session sponsors WSP and South Central Regional Transit District, and golf sponsors New Flyer, 

BuildIT, HDR, Lamar Advertising, VST Engineering, Stacy Witbeck, ETA, The Montez Group, PMG, ABRAC, MRR & Associates, and Avail Technologies.

LIT also thanks Transdev, WeDriveU, AECOM, Hitachi, Burns, El Dorado, Elford, Mid Ohio, MeVa Transit, GRTC, North County Transit District, Texas Transit Association, Veo Ride, CMP, and Busstuf for supporting this year's programming.

About LIT

For 10 years, LIT has empowered professionals in the transit industry to achieve leadership roles by advancing opportunities for workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education. A national nonprofit, LIT's programs include the Leadership Summit, LIT Leadership Academy, Mentorship Program, Scholarship Program, Small Business Program, Ambassador Program, and Workforce Development. Learn more at latinosintransit.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIT

Contact:

Christina Villarreal

Executive Director

LIT Announces Diana C. Mendes of HNTB as Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Leadership Summit

National transportation leader to headline the Leadership Luncheon in Columbus as LIT marks its 10th anniversary.

(Columbus, Ohio) — July 31, 2026 — Latinos In Transit (LIT) today announced that Diana C. Mendes, FAICP, Corporate President, Infrastructure and Mobility Equity at HNTB Corporation, will deliver the keynote address at the Leadership Luncheon during the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit. The luncheon takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown and is sponsored by HNTB.

The Leadership Luncheon — "Leaders Who LIT the Way" — is one of the Summit's signature gatherings, bringing together transit executives, agency leaders, small business partners, and emerging professionals from across the country for a shared conversation on leadership in public transportation.

Mendes brings more than 35 years of experience in the infrastructure industry. As HNTB's Corporate President of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity, she works with federal, state, and local agency leaders to shape transportation and mobility policy. An HNTB Fellow, she previously served as the firm's Mid-Atlantic Division President, overseeing operations and client service across six states and the District of Columbia, and as HNTB's national transit and rail market sector leader. Earlier in her career she led the largest transit design and consulting practice in North America as a senior executive at AECOM.

Mendes was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to serve on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity. She has taught the National Transit Institute's Advanced Environmental Justice seminar as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University and is a frequent speaker at national industry convenings. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Mount Holyoke College and a master's in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania.

"Diana has spent her career lifting up the people around her — mentoring colleagues across this industry and, from her seat at one of the nation's largest prime firms, opening real doors for small and disadvantaged businesses," said LIT Executive Director Christina Villarreal. "Transit-oriented development represents significant economic opportunity, and Diana has been intentional about making sure small businesses are positioned to compete for that work rather than watch it pass them by. That is the kind of leadership we want our members to see up close in our 10th anniversary year, and we are grateful to HNTB for sponsoring the Leadership Luncheon and standing alongside LIT in this work."

The 2026 Leadership Summit takes place September 10–13, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, hosted in partnership with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). The Summit closes out a yearlong celebration of LIT's 10th anniversary and features four days of programming across networking, technical training, and leadership and workforce development.

Registration is open atwww.latinosintransit.org.

About Latinos In Transit

Latinos In Transit (LIT) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances workforce development and economic development across the public transportation industry. LIT delivers national training programs, professional development pathways, mentorship offerings, and strategic partnerships that equip transportation professionals with the skills, resources, and networks needed for career success. As LIT marks its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the organization continues expanding its national footprint and strengthening its impact on America's mobility workforce.

LIT Legacy Membership Award Announcement

Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership

As LIT celebrates its 10th Anniversary, we are honored to introduce the inaugural LIT Legacy Membership Award—a distinction reserved for our private sector partners whose unwavering commitment has helped build the foundation of our organization.

Since our founding in 2016, LIT has grown from a bold vision into a national organization serving nearly 700 paid members across North America. While our membership records began in 2020, our paid membership program officially launched in 2021, and our modern membership structure was formalized in 2022. Throughout that journey, a select group of industry partners chose to invest in LIT year after year, believing in our mission long before our growth and national recognition.

These organizations did more than maintain a membership—they became trusted partners. Their continued support has helped LIT expand leadership development, workforce initiatives, professional education, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and national networking for transportation professionals across the United States and Canada.

The LIT Legacy Membership Award recognizes those private sector organizations whose consistent membership renewals and enduring partnership have left a lasting impact on LIT's first decade. Their investment has strengthened not only our organization, but also the future of the public transportation industry.

2026 LIT Legacy Membership Award Honorees

Legacy Honorees

• MV Transportation - LIT’s First Corporate Member

• ABRAC

• Gillig

• HDR Engineering

• Hitachi

• HNTB

• Bradley Consulting & Training

• Keolis America

• New Flyer of America

• Olivier Inc.

• Terravanta

• The Solis Group

• Transdev North America

• TransitGUARD Inc.

• TSI 

• WeDriveU

To each of our Legacy Members, thank you for believing in LIT from the beginning and for standing beside us as we have grown into a national voice for leadership, workforce development, and innovation in public transportation.

Your loyalty has helped shape our first decade, and your partnership will continue to inspire the next generation of transportation leaders.

Your legacy is forever part of the LIT story.

Join Us for the Celebration

As one of our 2026 LIT Legacy Membership Award Honorees, your presence is requested at the LIT 10-Year Anniversary Gala, where you will be recognized on stage as we celebrate a decade of impact, leadership, and partnership.

The Gala is part of the LIT Leadership Summit, taking place September 10–13, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

To ensure we properly recognize your organization, please let us know who will be accepting the award on your company's behalf by emailing f.uribe@latinosintransit.org.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Red Carpet & Doors Open: 7:00 PM

• Attire: Formal

• Presenting Sponsor: WeDriveU

The evening will commemorate LIT's 10th Anniversary while also celebrating the LIT Leadership Academy Graduation and honoring outstanding individuals and organizations through our annual Industry Awards.

We sincerely hope you will join us for this unforgettable evening as we celebrate 10 years of impact, recognize the partners who have helped make that impact possible, and look ahead to the future of LIT together. Your presence will make this milestone celebration even more meaningful. To confirm who will be accepting the award on your company’s behalf, please email f.uribe@latinosintransit.org.

Looking forward to celebrating together at the Summit.

Christina Villarreal

LIT Executive Director

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/

Request for Proposals

2027 Leadership Summit Host Sponsor

Deadline to Submit: July 27, 2026

Submit to: c.villarreal@latinosintransit.org

Latinos In Transit (LIT) invites public and private transit/transportation organizations to submit their interest in hosting the 2027 LIT Leadership Summit. 

Hosting the LIT Leadership Summit in your community provides an opportunity to showcase your organization while supporting a nonprofit organization that is committed to empowering professionals in the transit industry to achieve leadership roles by advancing opportunities for workforce development, mentorship, networking and education. Since 2016, LIT has pushed its mission to create programming that lays a foundation to achieve professional growth and leadership development opportunities. LIT continues to enhance its annual Summit for its rapidly growing membership, providing its members with the professional skills, mentoring, and networking opportunities that advocate for the next generation of transit leaders. The Summit focuses on education through sharing best practices and thought leadership, as well as establishing meaningful connections and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

LIT’s network of members, partners and supporters spans across the nation. The Summit is anticipated to attract over 400 attendees. As the host organization, you will be positioned at the forefront of leaders and emerging professionals in the transit industry before, during, and after the conference. Leading up to attendees arriving, the host organization receives substantial exposure, including being featured in the Summit advertising campaign. With additional media exposure, the host organization and host city will be able to grow its audience. The host organization will have the opportunity to highlight a mission critical project, service and/or infrastructure during a technical tour. After the event, the host city/organization will have created an impact on attendees that will further help promote the host organization and its engagement within the community. In addition, the event will result in economic impacts to the local economy through contracting local businesses and an uptick in business from Summit attendees.

Submitting a letter of interest to host the 2027 LIT Leadership Summit will put your organization at the front and center of passionate transit industry professionals from around the nation, providing an opportunity to highlight mission critical projects, services, and community benefits.   

The LIT Leadership Summit is traditionally held in September during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15).  We are looking for a host organization that will be able to provide a destination with excellent access to public transportation and other shared mobility options. We invite organizations interested in being the host of the 2027 Leadership Summit to respond with a letter of interest and a proposal based on activities required to host the Summit.  

The selected host will be announced at the 2026 Leadership Summit in Columbus, Ohio, on September 11, 2026. 

Please submit proposals to c.villarreal@latinosintransit.org.

At a minimum, proposals must include the following information:

Letter of interest from the CEO/General Manager or designee

Historical narrative and background on the interested organization(s)

Sponsorship amount and budget narrative on how the sponsorship will be provided (monetary, in kind, both). Please provide specific details on valued amounts for in-kind contributions. 

Destination description, accessibility, and hospitality services available

Closest airport location and public transit information

Optional: Any previous experience hosting/sponsoring similar, large-scale in-person events/conferences

Proposal deadline is July 27, 2026. 

Background Information

About the LIT Leadership Summit
This will be LIT’s seventh Leadership Summit. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leadership Summit returned in 2022 in Dallas, Texas, and was hosted by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The event drew more than 150 registrants, featured a sold-out Leadership Luncheon with 200 attendees, nine sponsors, four breakout sessions, three keynote speakers (including influential local and national elected officials), a technical tour, a networking breakfast, and two receptions. The 2023 Summit was hosted by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority and also drew a sold-out audience. In 2024, TriMet in Portland, Oregon, served as host sponsor and welcomed a sold-out audience of 350 attendees. In 2025, Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted the Summit and welcomed 230 attendees. Looking ahead, LIT expects more than 300 attendees at its upcoming Leadership Summit in Columbus, Ohio, taking place September 10–13, 2026. The Leadership Summit is open to anyone interested in professional growth, networking, and advancing the future of the transportation industry—members and non-members alike are welcome to attend.

Attendees consist of emerging transit professionals and industry leaders from both the public and private sector. Traditionally hosted in September, the Summit kicks off mid Thursday late afternoon with registration and an opening reception. Friday features committee meetings, Leadership Academy presentations, and an awards ceremony. Saturday is scheduled with a packed itinerary that includes breakout sessions, a keynote speaker, a luncheon, a closing plenary, and a technical tour. The Summit concludes on Saturday evening with a closing reception. 

 
Host and Sponsor
As the host and sponsor of the Summit, it is recommended to include a combination of monetary and in-kind contributions with a minimum value estimated at $35,000. Host sponsors will be featured as the lead sponsor of the opening reception and branded throughout the Summit. Past concession packages have included monetary sponsorship, as well as in-kind contributions such as transportation, design/graphics, printing services, swag, facility usage, etc. The 2027 Leadership Summit budget will vary by location. It is our goal to find a sponsor organization that can provide the hospitality resources needed to best leverage our partnership. The organization that submits the most comprehensive sponsorship partnership, and can meet the needs of hosting the Summit, will be awarded the opportunity to host the 2027 Leadership Summit. 

Summit Location
The organization submitting a proposal should emphasize the desire to host the Summit in their community. This should include amenities that the host destination provides. (Example: Access to airports, accommodations, public transportation, event venues, entertainment, food services, walkability). For this reason, cooperation with state and/or regional departments of the local tourism board is imperative. This cooperation helps in arranging pre- and post-conference exploratory outings and providing news-making sessions to our members. It is highly recommended that bids come from a joint proposal from transit/transportation related agencies in collaboration with the host destination’s Convention and Visitors Bureau to best showcase your destination. 

Proposals that wish to sponsor the Summit but do not wish to designate a specific location as the host destination are welcome as well. In this case, LIT would designate the Summit destination.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIT Contact:

Christina Villarreal

Executive Director

(626) 495-1548

c.villareal@latinosintransit.org

March 10, 2026

New Community 5K Event Celebrating Mobility and Transit Careers Coming to Memory Grove Park

Salt Lake City, UT — A new community event encouraging health, community connection, and career awareness is coming to Salt Lake City this year. LIT will host the inaugural LIT 5K Run, Walk, or Roll at Memory Grove Park, inviting community members of all ages and abilities to participate in a fun and meaningful outdoor experience.

The event will take place at 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, offering participants the chance to run, walk, or roll along one of the most scenic park pathways in the country. Surrounded by beautiful mountain views and peaceful trails, Memory Grove Park provides the perfect setting for this energetic and inclusive event.

Designed for all fitness levels, participants can choose between a 5K (3.1 mile) route or a 1-mile option, making the event accessible for runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families, students, and community members.
“This event is about bringing people together,” said Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT. “We want to celebrate community, encourage healthy activity, and introduce people to the many career opportunities that exist in public transportation and technology.”

A Race with a Purpose
The LIT 5K is more than just a race. The event aims to raise awareness about the important role public transportation plays in everyday life and highlight career pathways in fields such as engineering, technology, planning, operations, and communications.

Participants are encouraged to show their creativity and community pride by wearing transit-themed or STEM-inspired outfits, including agency gear, safety vests, or creative designs representing buses, trains, and mobility.

Event Highlights
5K Run/Walk/Roll A professionally timed 5K race for participants who want to compete or track their finish time.

1-Mile Community Route A relaxed option for families, beginners, and those who simply want to enjoy the park while supporting the event.
Limited Edition Medal The first 100 participants to cross the finish line in the 5K will receive a special commemorative medal celebrating the first-ever LIT 5K.

Awards Awards will be presented to the Top Overall Male and Female finishers, with additional recognition for Best Transit-Inspired Outfit.
Bib & Packet Pickup Participants will receive information about packet pickup times and locations by email prior to the event.

Who Should Participate
The LIT 5K welcomes:
● Runners and walkers of all experience levels
● Families and community members
● Students interested in STEM and technology careers
● Health and fitness enthusiasts
● Mobility advocates and transportation supporters

About Latinos In Transit
LIT is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding leadership opportunities and career pathways in the public transportation industry. Through mentorship programs, professional development, and workforce initiatives, the organization works to strengthen communities and build the next generation of transportation leaders.

Event Sponsor
The inaugural LIT 5K Run, Walk, or Roll is proudly presented by Keolis, whose support helps advance workforce development and career opportunities in transportation.

For race details and registration, visit: http://www.latinosintransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact

Christina Villarreal

Executive Director

c.villarreal@latinosintransit.org

LIT Concludes Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program, Celebrating Emerging Leaders in Public Transportation

Latinos In Transit (LIT) proudly announces the successful completion of its inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program, a six-month leadership development initiative designed to empower and equip emerging professionals across the public transportation industry.

The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education. Through 12 comprehensive virtual sessions, participants engaged in SMART goal setting, individual development planning, industry trend analysis, leadership and soft skills development, networking expansion, job shadowing, community engagement strategies, and long-term career planning.

This inaugural cohort included professionals representing major transit agencies, engineering firms, consulting organizations, and emerging industry leaders:

Roxana Beyranvand, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
Tomas Bolivar, Chicago Transit Authority
Alma Cervantes, Metra
Stephanie Daniels, Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority
Tamara D. Hunté, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Gonzalo Armijos, The Solís Group
Elena Lasheras, VST Engineering
Carina Solis, TriMet
Nicolas Uribe, Student

Throughout the program, participants strengthened not only their technical knowledge but also their leadership clarity and professional confidence. 

“Participating in the inaugural Navigate Mentorship cohort through LIT was exactly the mentorship support I had been seeking, providing a structured and inspiring space to grow with intention,” said Roxana Beyranvand, Director, Rider Experience Team, MTA. “The journey strengthened my leadership purpose and focus, while also fostering meaningful relationships with incredible peers across other agencies that I truly value.”

Similarly, the impact of the program extended beyond professional development. 

“The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was truly educational, productive, and career changing, as it was marked by meaningful mentorship, honest conversations, and shared knowledge,” said Tamara D. Hunté, General Superintendent East/West, MARTA. “Being one of the first graduates of such a remarkable and rewarding program will have a lasting impact on me and my career trajectory that I will forever take pride in and always cherish.”

A defining component of the Navigate Mentorship Program was the Capstone Project, designed to challenge participants to think strategically about their professional brand and future positioning within the industry. To complete the program, each participant was required to develop a formal conference proposal aligned with their area of expertise, professional network, and long-term career goals.

This capstone experience required participants to:

• Identify a relevant industry topic reflective of their expertise.

• Develop a compelling session proposal suitable for a professional conference.

• Clarify their target audience and learning objectives.

• Demonstrate subject matter credibility.

• Update and refine their CVs.

• Present themselves in a professional and competitive manner to stand out among industry peers.

The conference proposal process was not simply an academic exercise—it required participants to envision where they want to lead, how they want to contribute, and how they can leverage their network and resources to position themselves as thought leaders in public transportation. By refining their resumes and professional narratives alongside their session proposals, graduates strengthened both their confidence and their visibility within the industry.

“The Navigate Mentorship Program was created to be intentional, rigorous, and transformative,” said Christina Villarreal, Executive Director, LIT. “We wanted participants to walk away not only with mentorship conversations, but with tangible deliverables that elevate their professional presence. The capstone project challenged them to think like industry leaders—how to present ideas, how to position themselves competitively, and how to step into spaces where their voices belong. This cohort has demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership our industry needs.”

Rather than a traditional certificate, graduates received a Customized Professional Blueprint—a forward-looking, individualized roadmap designed to keep them on track with the goals and objectives established throughout the program. This blueprint outlines refined career goals, leadership development priorities, networking strategies, and measurable next steps to ensure continued growth well beyond the six-month cohort.

The success of the inaugural Navigate Mentorship cohort reflects LIT’s broader mission to strengthen the pipeline of leadership in public transportation and to create meaningful, measurable workforce development opportunities nationwide.

For more information about the Navigate Mentorship Program or to become a member of LIT, visit www.latinosintransit.org.

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.