Octa's transportation blog

OCTA Inspires WTS Transportation Academy Students

During a day packed with inspiration and possibilities, students from the Transportation Academy sponsored by The Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) of Orange County recently enjoyed their first in-person meeting at OCTA in several years. This is the ninth year OCTA has hosted students from the academy, which educates undergraduate and graduate college students about different facets of the transportation industry.

OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson kicked off the program with an overview of OCTA projects and the future of transportation. “I don’t expect the future to look like what it did prior to 2020, but I’m confident OCTA is prepared to deliver new projects and programs that keep Orange County moving,” said Johnson.

Later in the program, Deputy CEO Jennifer Bergener shared information about her own career and the challenges of reinventing and reimagining transportation services during the pandemic.

Staff member panelists Rose Casey, Highway Programs Director, Christina Byrne, Public Outreach Department Manager, Kim Tucker, Schedule & Bus Operations Department Manager, and Kristin Jacinto, Government Relations Program Manager presented information about their backgrounds and the transportation industry. At OCTA, 44 percent of the executive team is comprised of women.

The students wrapped up the day with a walking tour of the OC Streetcar construction in Santa Ana.