{Covina, CA November 3, 2023} - Latinos In Transit (LIT), a national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the representation of transportation industry professionals, proudly announces the appointment of Christina Villarreal as its first Executive Director. Hailing from Laredo, Texas, Villarreal has played a pivotal role in the organization and is now ready to lead it to new heights.

Villarreal embarked on her journey with LIT in a contract-based capacity, where she quickly demonstrated her unwavering dedication and passion for the organization's mission. Her exceptional contributions have earned her the role of Executive Director.

"Christina has taken LIT to a whole other level. In a short period of time she streamlined LIT's membership process, launched a new website and successfully took over planning and implementation of LIT's major activities and events." said Alva Carrasco, President of the Board of Directors. "Christina has become an integral member of our team and I am delighted that with her leadership, LIT will continue to shine." 

Villarreal brings an impressive track record of more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector, underpinned by a solid educational foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, a master's degree in public administration, and a master's degree in human services. As an active member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits, Villarreal has worked in supporting and advocating for educational programs, providing valuable resources and assistance to communities. She has contributed to city planning commissions and committees, where she played a crucial role in urban development and community revitalization. 

Villarreal also played a pivotal role in safeguarding her community's legacy by dedicating herself to historic preservation. Through her efforts, she brought to light the often-overlooked historical narrative of her community, making it accessible to a wider audience. Her work provided her the opportunity to be a Scholar for the National Trust of Historic Preservation.

These qualifications equip her to steer LIT toward greater success. Since her involvement, the organization has achieved remarkable milestones, including a 300 percent increase in its membership base.

"I am humbled to be given the opportunity to help push the mission of LIT forward,” Villarreal said. “I am extremely grateful for the board of directors for having the confidence in me to implement the organization's strategic plan, and I look forward to working with our organizational members. I am most excited about expanding the programs and services of LIT."

Under her administrative direction, LIT successfully organized the organization's 2023 Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. This summit provided a platform for industry professionals to collaborate, share ideas, and inspire positive change within the transit sector.

Furthermore, Villarreal played a key role in facilitating the 2023 Leadership Academy program, a significant milestone for LIT. Thirty transit industry professionals from across the country participated in the program, and under her guidance, they successfully completed the academy, enhancing their skills and knowledge within the industry.

Villarreal's dedication, extensive experience, and visionary leadership make her the ideal candidate to lead LIT and champion the organization's mission.

(Orlando, FL, October 13) In celebration of the 2023 Leadership Academy's graduating class and scholarship winners, Latinos In Transit (LIT) hosted an awards reception Oct. 9 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. Sponsored by National Express Shuttle & Transit, the event brought together emerging professionals and industry leaders to recognize the outstanding efforts aligned with LIT's mission.

“A lot of thought and effort has gone into curating these programs to help equip the next generation of leaders.  We expect great things from our scholarship recipients and academy graduates. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication and commitment from our board, committee members, sponsors and industry leaders.”  said LIT Board President Alva Carrasco 

The event commenced with a celebration of the 2023 Leadership Academy graduates. In its second year, LIT's Leadership Academy provides training and development opportunities to organizational members aspiring to grow within the transit industry. The academy's curriculum consisted of three tracks with five intensive professional development sessions focused on the specialized technical expertise required for advancement in the sector. As a culmination of their learnings, participants were required to complete a capstone presentation.

“It’s an honor to join Latinos In Transit for our second year as exclusive sponsor of this event,” said Erick Van Wagenen, President & CEO, National Express North America Shuttle & Transit. “We congratulate Leyden Mendez from our Operations team and all the graduates and scholarship recipients and wish them success leading the future of transportation.”

The LIT Board of Directors proudly announced and congratulated the Leadership Academy's Class of 2023, which included the following graduates:

New Careers in Transit

Ana Rodriguez, New Orleans RTA; Caleb Losey, TransitGuard; Vanessa Meza, CapMetro; Anitra Honore, New Orleans RTA; Micheal Candelaria, TransitGuard; Carmen Ruby Galvan, Sunline Transit; Lawrence Trevino, CapMetro; Eder Sanchez, Rocky Mountaineer.

Leading in Middle Management

Jose Vega, AC Transit; Jennifer Lopez Ibrahim, GHD; Abel Ruiz, MARTA; Jesus Valenzuela, MV Transportation; Leyden Mendez, National Express; Marco Zhanay, Transdev; Fabian Campos, WSP; Ricardo Vega, AC Transit; Donato Perez, Nelson/Nygaard; Clara O’brien, Sound Transit; Jorge Quintana, Foothill Transit; Roberto Lopez, New Orleans RTA; Elizabeth Martin Maldonado, Sound Transit; Bryan Ochoa, L.A. Department of Transportation. 

Making of an Executive

Hilda Mercedes, CSI Compliance; Inmer Hernandez, Transdev; Julio Badia, Transdev; Niorka Mendez-Almonte, MEVA Transit; Norma Zamara, Transdev; Vincent Parker, MV Transportation; Yolanda Rodriguez, New Orleans RTA; Erika Finnestead, Ozark Regional Transit.

Scholarship Recipients

LIT honored 12 scholarship recipients during the program, whick initiated in 2022. The scholarship's purpose is to create opportunities for individuals pursuing degrees and/or certifications from accredited educational institutions in a public transit-related field of study. LIT collaborated with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the North American Transit Alliance (NATA) to secure additional funds for scholarship awards.

Out of more than 80 applications received, an evaluation committee selected 12 individuals for a scholarship. The 2023 scholarship recipients are:

• LIT Scholarship - Bobby Gomez: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Daniel Segura: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Sergio Lopez: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Ron Rodney: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Jesus Hinojosa: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Emily Cadena: $1,500

• LIT Scholarship - Catalina Arreola: $500

• LIT Scholarship - Andrea Gavilanes: $500

• LIT/PRT Scholarship - Lourdes Alvarez: $2,500

• LIT/PRT Scholarship - Zoe Rodriguez: $2,500

• LIT/PRT Scholarship - Joyce Lewis: $1,500

• LIT/NATA Scholarship - Dominique Vitti: $2,500

Since 2019, LIT has collaborated with MV Transportation, Inc. to contribute funds to the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) scholarship program. Rodrigo Gutierrez was awarded the LIT/MV Transportation scholarship in the amount of $10,000.  Rodrigo is a senior at UCLA and is majoring in Urban & Regional Planning. 

Marking a successful year for the organization, LIT has expanded its programs across the United States. To continue its mission, LIT's strategic plan focuses on increasing accessibility for advancement and development opportunities for its members. Planning for the 2024 Leadership Academy and scholarship program is already underway, and the organization invites those in the transit industry to become a member of the organization to take advantage of these opportunities. To learn more about becoming a member of Latinos In Transit, visit www.latinosintransit.org.

 

Fernandez is this year's honoree for her dedication and vision.

Sept. 26, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) –  Latinos In Transit (LIT) is pleased to announce Nuria  Fernandez, Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as this year’s recipient of the Founders Award. The award was presented to her after she delivered a keynote speech to 300 registered attendees at LIT’s 2023 Leadership Summit luncheon in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23, 2023. 

Fernandez is this year's honoree for her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to community engagement in the transportation industry.

Regarding the honor, Administrator Fernandez noted, “I want to thank Latinos In Transit, ‘mi gente’, for presenting me with this honor. So many of us have similar and shared experiences on our professional journeys in this industry, but one thing is certain: Latinos In Transit has transformed our lives and outlook for the future. Muchas gracias!”

Before joining the FTA, Fernandez served as chair of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Executive Board from 2019-2020. During her tenure, she ensured LIT had a seat at the table by supporting the signing of a collaborative agreement between LIT and APTA. This was a crucial step that led to LIT being recognized in the transit industry as an advocate for professional development of industry professionals.

Alva Carrasco, President of the LIT Board of Directors, surprised Fernandez with an announcement, “Nuria is an inspirational leader and a role model to so many people. She embodies LIT’s mission and vision”. “With Nuria’s help, [LIT] has opened many more doors than we ever imagined.” 

The Founders Award is a prestigious recognition and symbolizes the highest honor within LIT. It’s presented to individuals or organizations who have made exceptional contributions, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of LIT. Recipients of this award are celebrated not only for their historical significance but also for their enduring influence, as their legacy serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the organization's roots. They are visionary leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who helped lay the foundation for LIT's success, and whose dedication and commitment continue to inspire and guide others.

Past honorees include Terry Solis, 2018; Flora Castillo, 2019; and MV Transportation Inc., 2021.

(June 2023) Transportation Research Board- Is a public transportation problem keeping you up at night? Help guide the direction of future research on public transportation in the U.S. Submit your problem statements for TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program by June 30.

Transportation leader partners with industry non-profit to advance opportunities in transit industry

 

BOSTON – APRIL 26, 2023 - Latinos In Transit, today announced Keolis North America (Keolis) as its newest business partner to drive future opportunities for workers in public transit organizations. Together, Latinos In Transit and Keolis will leverage their broad industry networks to create opportunities for education, mentoring, and professional development among employees, industry professionals, and those seeking employment.

“We are very proud to call Keolis a partner in our efforts to promote professional advancement in the transportation industry. Together we plan to build new relationships with organizations that create workforce development opportunities,” said Alva Carrasco, President of the Board of Directors of Latinos In Transit. “As an industry, we need to develop innovative partnerships to help build a steady pipeline to careers in transportation.”

“Critical to that work is recruitment, retention, and providing a pathway for career development that extends across all levels within our business. This partnership will help us to further improve on the processes we already have in place,” said Keolis CEO David Scorey.

As part of Keolis’ partnership with Latinos In Transit, two Keolis employees will be nominated to enroll in the Latinos In Transit Leadership Academy. This program supports 35 participants in exploring management practices, finance, procurement, labor relations, and regulatory compliance as they relate to the public transportation industry. Additionally, Keolis will partner with Latinos In Transit to develop new workforce development opportunities specific to future leaders across the United States.

The Latinos In Transit Leadership Academy (LITLA), a program that gives participants the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of public transportation and learn about management practices, finance, procurement, labor relations and regulatory compliance, announced the 2023 LITLA Class members selected to participate in the program. The program is divided into three different development program tracks: Making of An Executive, Leading in Middle Management, and New Careers in Transit. The 35 participants selected come from both the public and private sector from across the country. The 2023 LITLA Class participants for each track are:

New Careers In Transit

● Alfonso Reyes - National Express (CA)

● Anitra Honore - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA)

● Ana Rodriguez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA)

● Eder Sanchez - Rocky Mountaineer (CO)

● Michael Candelaria - TransitGuard (CA)

● Caleb Losey - TransitGuard (CA)

● Stephany Garcia - National Express (VA)

● Henry Suarez - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA)

● Carmen Ruby Galvan - SunLine Transit Agency (CA)

● Martin Rodriguez - Gold Coast Transit District (CA)

● Lawrence Trevino - Capital Metro (TX)

● Vanessa Meza - Capital Metro (TX)

Leading In Middle Management

● Jose Vega - Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (CA)

● Ricardo Vega - Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (CA)

● Jorge Quintana - Foothill Transit (CA)

● Jennifer Lopez Ibrahim - GHD Group (WA)

● Abel Ruiz - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (GA)

● Jesus Valenzuela - MV Transportation (CA)

● Leyden Patricia Mendez - National Express

● Roberto Lopez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA)

● Elizabeth Martin- Maldonado - Sound Transit (WA)

● Clara O’brien - Sound Transit (WA)

● Marco Zhanay - Transdev (NY)

● Fabian Campos - WSP (CA)

● Bryan Ochoa - Los Angeles Department of Transportation (CA)

● Donato Perez - Nelson/Nygaard (TX)

Making of an Executive

● Hilda Mercedes - CSI Compliance (TX)

● Inmer Hernandez - Transdev (NY)

● Julia Cesar Badia Hernandez - First Transit (Puerto Rico)

● Niorka Mendez-Almonte - Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MA)

● Norma Zamora - First Transit (TX)

● Vincent Parker - MV Transportation (TX)

● Yolanda Rodriguez - New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (LA)

● Erika Finnestead - Ozark Regional Transit (AR)

● Violet Ayala - Utah Transit Authority (UT)

“We could not be more excited to bring forward the participants of our second leadership academy. We continue to promote the advancement and development of professionals in transportation and the academy provides a great platform for us to do so. This class is made of public and private transportation professionals from across the nation who are dedicated to their professional development. We look forward to celebrating their graduation later this year,” said Herold Humphrey, LITLA Committee Chair.

Each track consists of five modules. There will be one module held each month for a period of five months starting in March 2023. The modules will be taught virtually by industry leaders. There will be a team project and presentation required to graduate from the academy. The 2023 LITLA program year will begin with an orientation to welcome the 2023 class participants. Now in its second year, the LITLA Committee plans to implement new strategies to catapult the success of the program to expand its opportunities for all.

JACKSONVILLE, FL. (February 24, 2023) – Ivan A. Rodriguez-Seda, JTA’s Chief of Staff, was elected to the Latinos In Transit (LIT) Board of Directors.  LIT Membership is made of public and private transportation professionals from across the nation.

“For the JTA, it is important to be engaged and active in our industry’s trade association that contribute so much in advancing ideas and best practices that push the envelope forward in areas such as innovation, mobility, equity, and others that improve the services for our customers,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “For JTA to be part of an organization that has a clear vision of driving for mobility services, while creating a network to advance professional development, is an honor.”

Rodriguez-Seda started at the JTA in 2013 as a Government Relations Officer and has held various positions in the authority. During his tenure at the JTA, he has been an active contributor in advancing JTA’s signature projects and initiatives, working on projects such as the Route Optimizations Initiative (ROI), the Bus Rapid Transit First Coast Flyer, the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C), among others, supporting with advocacy and grants strategies that helped secure millions in federal and state funding.  In August 2022, he was named Chief of Staff.  

Selected in 2020 to Mass Transit Magazine’s, 40 Under 40 class, Rodriguez-Seda has over 15 years in public service, with extensive experience in policy, legal, advocacy, and governance, among others, and is an active member of numerous national and statewide trade associations and organizations. Currently, he also serves on the Regional Council for Leadership Florida’s Northeast Chapter.

“We are proud and overjoyed to have Ivan join the LIT Board of Directors,” said Alva Carrasco, LIT President of the Board of Directors. “LIT is experiencing rapid growth and with Ivan’s leadership and expertise, we look forward to strengthening our foundation and to growing to new heights.”   

WMATA will host the LIT Leadership Summit Sept. 22-23, in Washington, D.C.

(Los Angeles, CA, January 29, 2023) Latinos In Transit (LIT) is excited to announce the next Leadership Summit will take place Sept. 22-23, 2023, in the Washington, D.C. area. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will be this year’s host.

The announcement was made at a joint COMTO DC and LIT lunch and learn event at WMATA’s headquarters. WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke made the announcement while discussing the agency’s current service and operations as well as potential capital improvements. Clarke noted that WMATA’s workforce is the backbone of the agency and region.

"We are elated to announce the 2023 LIT Leadership Summit will take place at our nation's capital. Having WMATA be the Summit host is just icing on the cake,” said LIT President Alva Carrasco.

Sponsorship opportunities will be made available in the coming weeks and programming announcements will be made in the coming months. Those interested in a sponsorship or would like to submit a session proposal may contact Leadership Summit Committee Chair Oscar Gonzalez at summit@latinosintransit.org.

LIT is excited to build off of last year’s successful summit, which took place in Dallas, Texas, and was hosted by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The event saw more than 150 registrants, a sold out Leadership Luncheon with 200 attendees, nine sponsors, four breakout sessions, three keynotes, a technical tour and two receptions.

(Los Angeles, CA, October, 16) In celebration of the 2022 Leadership Academy’s inaugural graduating class and scholarship winners, Latinos In Transit (LIT) hosted an awards reception on October 10 at the Hilton Seattle, in Seattle Wash. Sponsored by National Express, the event gathered emerging professionals and industry leaders to honor efforts driven by the mission of LIT. The reception program highlighted 28 Leadership Academy graduates and six scholarship recipients.

“The board of directors has been working towards this day for more than two years. The event highlighted the passion and dedication that LIT and our partners have towards LIT’s mission,” said Alva Carrasco, LIT Board President.

The event kicked off its program by commemorating the 2022 Leadership Academy graduates. In its inaugural year, LIT’s Leadership Academy was launched in an effort to provide training and development opportunities to organizational members who are pursuing growth opportunities within the transit industry. Academy curriculum consisted of five intensive professional development sessions that focused on specialized and technical expertise needed to advance in the sector. As a requirement for completion of the academy, participants were required to complete a paper and project presentation as a culmination of what they learned.

The Latinos In Transit Board of Directors announce and congratulate the Leadership Academy’s Class of 2022. Graduates include: Christian Andrade - Sound Transit; Diana Gosnell - Sound Transit; Jacob Miskimens - Transit Guard; Anthony Napoles - WSP; Antonio Perez Ramirez, Jr. - AC Transit; Alexander Victoria - Transit Guard; Diego Carrillo - Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority; Robert Diaz, AC Transit; Linda Espinosa - National Express; Grace Ferguson - City of Santa Clarita,Calif.; Angel Gonzalez - IndyGo; Tamara Hunte - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Esteban Martinez - HNTB; Jose Peraza Odonez - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Reyna Padilla - Sound Transit; Grace Perez - AC Transit; Robert Reyes - AC Transit; Tania Santana - National Express; Valerie Valero - Sound Transit; Joe Aguilar - AC Transit; Carl Atencio- Rocky Mountaineer; Christina Fonseca - Sound Transit; Juan Higuera - Sound Transit; Michelle Jorgensen - National Express; Javier Perez - Sound Transit; Maria Reyes - New Flyer; Cherly Suddeth - AC Transit; and Monica Tellez-Fowler -C-TRAN.

The second part of the program honored six scholarship recipients. In 2022, LIT launched a new scholarship program to support students in their pursuit of educational advancement. The purpose of this scholarship is to create opportunities for individuals pursuing degrees and/or certifications from accredited educational institutions in a public transit-related field of study. LIT was very fortunate to collaborate with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the North American Transit Alliance (NATA) in securing additional funds for scholarship awards.

With more than 70 applications submitted, a judging committee awarded six individuals with $2,500 scholarships each. The 2022 scholarship recipients are: LIT Scholarship- Mario Delgado - Metro Mcallen, Texas; LIT Scholarship- Jasmine Zamora - City of Oakland; LIT Scholarship- Erica Casillas - Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority; LIT/PRT Scholarship - Jonathan Bonilla - WHED Co; LIT/PRT Scholarship- Adriana Reyes - Pittsburgh Regional Transit; and LIT/NATA Scholarship - Ricardo Vega- AC Transit.

Finishing off a banner year for the organization, LIT has scaled its programs to serve industry professionals across the United States. In an effort to continue its mission, LIT’s strategic plan is focused on increasing professional advancement and development opportunities to its members. Planning for the 2023 Leadership Academy and scholarship program is now underway, and the organization invites those in the transit industry to become a member of the organization in order to take advantage of advancement opportunities that come with being a LIT member. To learn more about becoming a member of Latinos In Transit, visit www.latinosintransit.org.