Establishing WTS West Virginia

WTS International is an organization dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of women in transportation-related professions. There are chapters all around the world and, as of last month, now an active chapter in West Virginia. We are WTS West Virginia!

One of our chapter’s most pressing goals is the ability to offer scholarships to students enrolled at West Virginia colleges and universities who are interested in pursuing transportation-related careers. To kick off the scholarship fundraising, we held our first scholarship event on May 22, 2021, a disc golf tournament at Coonskin Park in Charleston.

I had never tried disc golf before but decided this event was the right time to start learning. I was terrible. My much more skilled husband, mercifully, offset my poor performance. We played through with another pair much more skilled at disc golfing, they were not only great to watch, but so patient and helpful as my husband, and I learned how to throw a disc around.

The event also featured a throw-off and raffle prizes, many of which were items donated by local businesses. The support, so far, has been amazing.

What heartened us the most was the turnout for the event, given the newness of our chapter, the expectations were modest, but 40 people registered and came to play! Participants came to Charleston not only from the immediate area, but also as far away as Beckley and Bridgeport.

The best part? I think we now have enough money to offer a scholarship.

Moreover, this event was so successful that I think we are going to do it again in the fall at a disc golf course in the north central part of West Virginia. Keep an eye out for it!

Inaugural leadership team of WTS West Virginia. From L to R: Melissa Thompson, Hannah Costello, Karen Reed, Sondra Mullins, Cynthia Shamblin, and myself.