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LIT PROGRAMS |
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A Historical Narrative of Programs and Milestones Latinos In Transit (LIT) was founded in 2016 by Terry Solis and Flora Castillo to foster professional growth within the transit sector. |
The Founding VisionWith the shared belief that professional development and networking could help transit industry professionals rise to leadership roles in transit, Solis and Castillo laid the groundwork for an organization that would empower its members to thrive. Under the leadership of Milo Victoria, LIT’s first Board President, the organization began its journey of creating meaningful change within the public transportation industry. Latinos In Transit welcomes membership, participation in programs, and scholarship applications from anyone regardless of who they are. |
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| Early Leadership and GrowthIn its early years, LIT focused on building a strong foundation by providing mentorship and networking opportunities. As the organization grew, Alva Carrasco, the first female Board President, played a pivotal role in guiding LIT toward becoming a nationally recognized organization that services the transit industry. |
Partnerships The organization’s growth was further bolstered by MV Transportation, LIT Founding Corporate Partner, which provided critical seed funding to support the launch of LIT’s programs and initiatives. Throughout the years, LIT forged formal partnership agreements with leading organizations and companies in the transportation industry, including:
These partnerships have helped amplify LIT’s mission and expand programming for its members across the public and private transit sectors.
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Establishing Programs and Expanding the Mission In 2018, LIT hosted its inaugural Leadership Summit, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring professionals to share insights and strategies for success. The Summit quickly became the organization’s flagship event, setting the stage for broader initiatives. |
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| As LIT expanded, it launched programs such as scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and workforce development initiatives. By 2021, LIT introduced the Leadership Academy, a groundbreaking program designed to prepare members for executive roles in public transportation. |
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In 2023, Christina Villarreal was appointed as the organization’s first Executive Director, ushering in a new era of professionalization and growth. Villarreal’s leadership has been instrumental in increasing LIT’s membership, amplifying its national presence, and enhancing its programming to meet the evolving needs of the transit industry workforce. |
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A Legacy of Milestones
In 2024, Herold Humphrey was elected as LIT’s Board President, bringing a renewed vision and strategic leadership to the organization. Under his guidance, LIT reached new heights, surpassing 500 members and solidifying its reputation as an industry advocate for workforce development. Highlights of the year included:
- Leadership Academy Growth: Graduating its third cohort, which included participants in a new Board Transit Leader track.
- Leadership Summit in Portland, Oregon: Summit program expanded to two and a half days, featuring the first-ever "Contigo" mentor pair-up program and a live-streamed Café Con LIT.
- Small Business Program Restructure: LIT restructured its Small Business Program to provide first-hand support to its small business members, offering enhanced tools and resources to foster their success in the transit industry.
- Scholarships and Awards: Distributing $40,000 in scholarships and celebrating industry champions who embody LIT’s mission.
The year also marked significant governance advancements, with the establishment of new committees and the Avanzando Workforce Task Force to address critical industry challenges.
In 2025, LIT reaffirmed its commitment to serve the public transportation workforce by creating programs that address workforce shortages impacting the entire industry. By launching its Mentorship Program and Guidebook and Small Business Toolkit, LIT has scaled its efforts to meet the growing demand by making these resources free and accessible to all transit organizations and individuals interested in advancing their careers in public transportation. These initiatives highlight LIT's dedication to supporting a knowledgeable workforce for the future of the industry.
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LIT Programming Today and the Road Ahead
Looking ahead, LIT remains committed to empowering future leaders, supporting small businesses, and advocating for a more prepared transit workforce. Its story is one of resilience, progress, and the unwavering belief that LIT's mission and programs drive innovation and success.
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