About WTS Wisconsin
Who We Are
WTS Wisconsin is a chapter of WTS International, a professional organization dedicated to transforming the transportation industry through the advancement of women. We welcome all transportation professionals — women and men — who share our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Our membership spans the state of Wisconsin, with organizational centers in Madison and Milwaukee. We're always eager to grow our reach and welcome participation and leadership from industry professionals in other communities across Wisconsin.
Our History
WTS Wisconsin has been championing women in transportation for over 35 years.
It all began in February 1989, when the Wisconsin DOT and WTS International co-sponsored a reception in Madison to introduce the idea of a Wisconsin chapter. The response was immediate — more than 70 women and men showed up, and from that gathering, a dedicated group of transportation professionals formed the Wisconsin WTS Chapter Development Steering Committee. Just a few months later, the Wisconsin Chapter officially joined the national organization, and we've been growing ever since.
In 2024, we proudly celebrated our 35th Anniversary, reflecting on decades of meaningful impact and looking ahead with renewed energy. As we move into 2026, we remain more committed than ever to attracting, sustaining, connecting, and advancing women's careers in transportation.
What We Do
WTS Wisconsin is focused on making a real difference for transportation professionals at every stage of their career. Our work centers on three core areas:
High-Quality Programming We offer professional development events, educational programs, and industry discussions designed to benefit transportation professionals and move the field forward.
Networking & Advancement We create meaningful opportunities for members to connect with peers, mentors, and leaders across the transportation industry helping women build the relationships that advance careers.
Peer Support We bring together professionals at similar stages in their careers, fostering a community where members can share experiences, offer encouragement, and grow together.
WTS Wisconsin
2025-2026 Board of Directors
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President
Sara Schoenmann, WisDOT
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Vice President
Brenda Schoenfeld, HNTB
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Secretary
Jamie Dalheim, KL Engineering
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Treasurer
Amanda Stellberg, HNTB
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Historian
Rachel Burnham, SRF
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Past President
Julia Busch, HDR
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Member at Large
Tina Guillama, Michael Baker
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Member at Large
Amanda DiAmico, MSA
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Member at Large
Kathleen Matson, HNTB
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Member at Large
Cassie Olson, Michael Baker
Our Mission
WTS attracts, sustains, connects and advances women’s careers to strengthen the transportation industry. To fulfill this mission, WTS operates under a specific vision with core values, goals, and guiding principles behind all of its activities and programs.
Our Vision
Equity and access for women in transportation.
Our Guiding Principles
WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.
Advancing women in transportation is key to building the transportation industry.
A strong international organization enables members, chapters and communities within WTS to achieve our shared vision.
WTS can shape future generations of transportation leaders.
WTS is committed to ethical leadership, integrity and respect for all.
The WTS spirit of community, inclusiveness, and mutual support is one of our greatest assets.
Code of Conduct
The WTS Wisconsin chapter is focused on our mission to transform the transportation industry through the advancement of women. To accomplish our mission, it’s important that we create a professional and welcoming environment where every member of our organization and event attendees are treated with respect and free of harassment or discrimination.
All members, including staff, volunteers, member or their affiliates, are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct policy and must agree in order to participate in any WTS-WI-sponsored event.
*By participating in a WTS WI sponsored event you are agreeing to abide by the Code of Conduct.
Expected Behavior
Similar to expectations in a working environment, professional behavior is expected at all times and in all circumstances. If you are unsure how to conduct yourself, follow the golden rule; treat others as you would like to be treated.
The following are expected behaviors at WTS WI sponsored functions:
Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
Avoid demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
Discuss differences and critique ideas in a non-confrontational manner.
Respect rules, policies, and property of WTS Wisconsin and its contracted event presenters, facilities, and vendors.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Unacceptable Behavior
Harassment, bullying, microaggressions, intimidation, and/or insinuations that are hurtful or interfere with an attendee’s experience are unacceptable behaviors.
Examples of unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:
Intimidating, threatening, lewd, or offensive behavior or speech – including jokes.
Expressed or implied threat of physical harm.
Harassment in any form, including bullying, intimidating, or disparaging comments related to gender, gender identity or appearance, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, or political views.
Unwelcome sexual attention, including sexualized comments, jokes, advancements, inappropriate touching, or groping.
Destruction of personal property, event site, or materials.
Drinking in an irresponsible manner.
Falsely reporting violations of the Code of Conduct.
Retaliating against another participant for reporting a violation of the Code of Conduct.
Illegal activity or forms of harassment not covered above. WTS Wisconsin reserves the right to determine what constitutes as unacceptable behavior and the actions it will take to address incidents that occur.
Reporting Violations
As a professional organization, we expect all members to follow the code of conduct. If the code of conduct is violated, consequences will be enforced.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or venue security.
If any attendee believes they or another attendee has been subject to conduct that violates the Code of Conduct, or witnesses such conduct, they should report the violation to WTS Wisconsin Staff while on-site at the event or as soon after the event as possible. All reported concerns will be treated seriously and investigated.
By participating in a WTS WI sponsored event you are agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in any the following:
Verbal warning,
Expulsion from the event without refund and notification of the attendee’s employer,
Ban from future WTS event and/or
Notifying appropriate authorities.
A violation that is deemed especially egregious may result in automatic expulsion and a ban from future WTS WI sponsored events without warning.
WTS Wisconsin will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report a violation.