A Letter from Our Outgoing Chair
YPT Members and Friends,
Well, that was not the year we were expecting! When I began my term as Chair of the DC Chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT-DC), I had grand plans of starting a mentorship program, hosting two events per month, and expanding our programming to explore the intersection of transportation and healthcare, housing, and sustainability. Then as everyone knows too well, COVID-19 changed everything. No in-person events, no happy hours. For an organization whose mission is to bring together young professionals to network and learn, this was new territory to say the least.
Despite the challenges of 2020, the YPT-DC Board truly rallied together to continue serving our members. Here are a few highlights of YPT-DC’s exciting achievements over this past year:
Shifted to 100% virtual events, partnering with fellow YPT-chapters around the country to host webinars, panels, and workshops
Expanded our programming to new topic areas such as aviation and equity, reaching nearly 200 individuals in just two events alone
Became the largest YPT chapter with almost 200 members!
Most importantly, made a commitment to be an inclusive organization that does not discriminate based on race, gender, ethnicity, and of course, age
The effects of COVID are going to be long-felt in the transportation industry both in the DMV and throughout the nation. It is my hope that YPT-DC continues to play a role in facilitating meaningful conversations about how to address the myriad challenged that lie ahead.
As I end my run on the YPT-DC board, I have reflected upon the important place YPT has had in my life for over six years. When I moved to DC to pursue a career in transportation policy, I knew less than two people in the industry. A colleague casually suggested I join YPT as an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals (re: transportation nerds), and I have not looked back since. From lunches in the Navy Yard to receptions at TRB to donning a hardhat to visit the Purple Line construction, YPT has expanded both my network and my understanding of the industry. I am beyond grateful for the knowledge, leadership experience, and friendship that I have gained through YPT.
First, I wanted to thank our sponsors. It has been a hard year financially for many organizations, so now more than ever; we appreciate the generosity that enables YPT to reach so many young professionals. Second to the board, thank you for spending evenings on yet another Zoom call. Your hard work and adaptability kept YPT-DC going this year. Finally to the members, I want to thank you for showing up to our events regardless of being in-person or online (or if you get a free beer). It has been particularly hard not to have one last send off at our holiday party so I hope to see you all again, when it is safe to do so!
Graciously,
Jessa Paruch, YPT-DC Chair (Board Member 2016-Present)