WTS International at Virginia Tech

VTTI is committed to advancing both the transportation industry and the professional women who are a growing part of it. In this endeavor, VTTI is happy to sponsor the Virginia Tech Chapter of WTS International. Under the mentorship of VTTI research faculty members Drs. Myra Blanco and Charlie Klauer, the Virginia Tech Chapter of WTS seeks opportunities to link young professionals with leaders in the transportation sector for mentorship, access, and networking. Since its inception in 2015, the Chapter has hosted several events in support of this effort.

About WTS International

WTS International was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women in transportation who realized that women's careers would benefit from professional development, encouragement and recognition to support their advancement in transportation professions. Now, after more than 40 years of growth and development, WTS is an international organization with more than 6500 members (including women and men) and 79 chapters. Through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal.

WTS, which stands for Women's Transportation Seminar, was so named when it was founded in 1977, a time when women couldn't get subsidized for association memberships unless those associations were educational. But times have changed, and now joining an association is an opportunity women and men can take advantage of in order to work together and benefit each other in their careers.

For more information about WTS, visit the WTS International website.

Upcoming Events

Drive Your Career Forward: How to Become a Competitive Candidate

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m. • Assembly Hall, The Inn at Virginia Tech

Everyone is welcome to join us for a fireside chat, followed by a networking reception with light refreshments and vehicles on display.

Alba Colón will share her lessons learned from Hendrick Motorsports, General Motors, and SAE International. As an engineer and recruiter, Alba has gained insight from years of experience and will be sharing her knowledge while answering your questions.

How to become a competitive candidate
What soft skills you need
How to enhance both your skill set and interview skills
The importance of critical thinking
Teamwork and work ethics
Business skills

Hendrick Motorsports employs a wide range of backgrounds—including engineering, business, communications, computer science, cybersecurity, manufacturing and transportation—and this is your opportunity to explore them further!

Please register if you plan to attend. Registering will help us in preparing enough refreshments for all attendees.

Alba Colón

Alba Colón earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM), where her passion for engineering and motorsports took root. As a proud alumna, she maintains a strong connection to her alma mater, serving as the Chair of the UPRM School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board, where she works to strengthen industry partnerships and support the next generation of engineers.

Currently, Colón is the Director of Technical Partnerships at Hendrick Motorsports, where she plays a pivotal role in the success of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions. Her multifaceted responsibilities include overseeing the Team Operations Center, fostering key technical collaborations, recruiting top engineering talent, and driving the organization's sustainability initiatives.

Before joining Hendrick Motorsports, Colón spent over two decades at General Motors, where she held various roles, including NASCAR Cup Series Program Manager for Chevrolet. Under her leadership, Chevrolet became a dominant force in NASCAR, achieving 286 race wins, 12 driver championships, and 14 manufacturer titles. Since transitioning to Hendrick Motorsports, her contributions have been instrumental in securing 63 race wins and two driver championships, further solidifying her legacy in motorsports.

Colón's exceptional contributions have garnered numerous accolades. In 2017, she received the STEM Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for her commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Additional honors include the Game Changers Award from the Sports Business Journal (2018), the Kate Gleason Award from ASME (2021), and the Rodica Baranescu Award for Technical and Leadership Excellence from SAE International (2023). That same year, she was also recognized with SAE International's Contributor of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to section management, further highlighting her dedication to the organization and its mission.

A longstanding and dedicated member of SAE International, Colón's involvement spans decades. Her journey began as a member and officer of the UPRM SAE chapter, where she founded the university's Formula SAE team. Over the years, she has held roles as a competitor, mentor, organizer, and judge for Formula SAE events. Colón has also served in leadership positions within SAE, including the Board of Directors, the Fellows Committee, and the Foundation's Annual Giving Committee. She is an active member of both the SAE Detroit Section and the SAE Carolina Section, where she currently serves as Chair until May 2025, contributing to the professional development of engineers and students alike.

Beyond her work with SAE, Colón serves on advisory boards for several engineering schools, leveraging her expertise to guide academic programs and foster industry collaboration. Her dedication extends to mentoring Formula SAE teams and individual students, empowering the next generation of innovators and engineers.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Colón is a member of Women in Motorsports North America, where she supports initiatives to create opportunities for women across all areas of motorsports. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the STEAM Sports Foundation, promoting the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into education.

Through her distinguished career, Colón has become a symbol of technical excellence, leadership, and advocacy. Her commitment to advancing engineering, fostering diversity, and inspiring future generations underscores her profound impact on the motorsports industry and beyond.

Past Events

Women in Transportation 2022: Roads, Rails, Runways, Riverways – What's your path to a career in transportation?

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 • Virtual

The Virginia Tech Chapter of WTS joined with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to host a panel discussion.

More information can be found on the WTS 2022 website. A recording of the webinar is also available.

2018 Women's History: Celebrating Women in Transportation – Land, Air, and Sea

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 • USDOT Atrium, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC

To fulfill its mission of advancing both the transportation industry and the professional women who are a growing part of it, the Virginia Tech Chapter of WTS joined with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to co-host their second bi-annual event 2018 Women's Month: Celebrating Women in Transportation – Land, Air, and Sea.

Event information and photos can be found on the WTS 2018 website.

2016 Women in Transportation Seminar – The Future of Transportation

Thursday, August 28, 2016 • The Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

In 2015, the Virginia Tech Student Chapter of WTS was founded. to support our new generation of women in transportation professions. To celebrate this new chapter, a group of transportation leaders gathered at Virginia Tech with students in 2016 for our first bi-annual mentoring event.

Event information and photos can be found on the WTS 2016 website.