Mentoring Program
WTS-OC is now accepting applications for the
2025-2026 Mentoring Program!
The application deadline is June 26, 2025.
Mentoring Program
Throughout the one-year program term, the Mentoring Committee provides structure and support to help foster the one-on-one mentoring relationship and hosts group activities and professional development workshops.
FAQs:
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1-year term from September 2025 to June 2026
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2-3 hour commitment per month
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Activities include professional development workshops, social mixers and group events
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Mentees should have 1-7 years of experience in the transportation industry
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Mentors should have 8 or more years in a transportation-related field
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Monthly connections can be as formal as shadowing your mentor at an industry event, or as informal as getting together over a cup of coffee
Program admittance is limited and priority will be given for those who apply early.
Mentees must be, or must become, WTS members to participate by the beginning of the 2025/2026 Mentoring Term.
About the Program
WTS encourages the professional development of its members and promotes the industry recognition of women in transportation. For WTS-OC, these goals are realized in part through our Mentoring Program, which matches up-and-coming transportation professionals and college students whose studies focus on transportation with an accomplished industry professional.
Want to join?
Are you looking for a trusted advisor or a seasoned transportation professional to help you grow your career by sharing their industry insights? who is ready to give back? Are you looking to “give back” to the next generation of transportation professions? If so, join the WTS-OC Mentoring Program!
Be a Mentee:
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Develop and enhance professional skills
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Receive career guidance
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Network with transportation professionals
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Get ongoing support from WTS-OC mentoring committee
Be a Mentor:
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Give back and strengthen future leaders
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Enhance leadership and mentoring skills
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Network with other industry leaders
Questions?
Please contact Mentoring Committee Chair, Stephanie Oslick: wtsocmentoring@gmail.com | (213) 361-1733.
2024/2025 Mentoring Program in Review
We began our Mentoring term with great enthusiasm and excitement!
The 2024/2025 Mentoring Program commenced in September 2024 with 37 pairs (our largest group to date!), beginning with the Mentee Orientation and Term Kick-off. The orientation empowered incoming mentees with essential resources, expectations, and valuable tips. We emphasized the importance of mentees taking charge, as this program is centered around their growth. Panel speakers included Lacey Lorentzen (HDR Assistant Transportation Business Group Manager), Jon Rohrer (HDR Construction Services Managing Principal), Avi Shah (HDR Transit Section Manager), and Shiva Wooton (HDR Transportation Project Manager). Thank you HDR for sponsoring the Mentee Orientation!
During the Term Kick-off event, we were privileged to have Jeff Mills who is the Director, Capital Project Delivery at OCTA as our keynote speaker. Jeff shared his insights and personal journey. Thank you HNTB for sponsoring the Term Kick-Off event!
Our first Mentoring Mix and Mingle (both mentees and mentors) was held in October 2024 at the Rock-n-Brew in Tustin. These mingles allow our Mentoring Program participants to have time for informal discussions to get to know each other better. The ice breaker and costume contest were a great way to share our creativity. Thank you Kimley-Horn for sponsoring the Mentoring Mingle!
The Fall Mentee Workshop in December 2024 was timely as we discussed Navigating Annual Reviews and Goal Setting. The keynote speaker was Annie Lucero (Mark Thomas Human Resources Leader) and panel speakers included Bo Burick (DoorTwo Principal Consultant), Flora Diaz (AIX Deputy Project Manager), and Ann Johnston (Psomas Principal/Vice President). Thank you Psomas (and our speakers) for sponsoring the Fall Mentee Workshop!
A New Mentors/Mentee Forum began in March 2025 with the launch of a Discord Server to foster and facilitate communication among our mentees. We plan to expand and include Mentors during the 2025/2026 Mentoring Program.
The Mentoring program (both mentors and mentees) participated in the WTS-OC Membership Appreciation event in April 2025. This industry event was a great opportunity to connect and network with colleagues.
The Spring Mentee Workshop in April 2025 was facilitated by keynote speaker Christina Byrne, HNTB Director of Industry Relations and Strategic Engagement, and focused on networking and communication skills and tips. The hands-on exercises were very helpful and discussion points from “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie shared timeless best practices. Thank you HNTB for sponsoring the Spring Mentee Workshop!
Celebrating the achievements of our graduates from the previous term in June 2025, we were honored to hear from Jennifer Bergener, Deputy CEO of OCTA. The dedication of 37 mentor/mentee pairs throughout the year, marked by personalized mentoring, engaging events, workshops, and networking, was truly commendable. Thank you for your dedication and participation in the program – we couldn’t do it without you!
