Women in ITE - Member Profiles

Karla Diaz-Corro

From her early days as a student leader to now mentoring others, Karla has been committed to creating spaces for growth and inclusion. As an Associate Traffic Engineer at Olsson and a Ph.D. student in transportation engineering at the University of Arkansas, Karla focuses on research and innovation to improve transportation systems. Her dedication extends beyond technical work—she is passionate about fostering an industry where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Karla’s journey with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee began after a conversation with Erica Myers at a conference, which sparked her interest and led to greater involvement. Inspired by Erica, Jodi Godfrey, and Kathi Driggs’ mentorship, Karla saw the value of contributing to WITE and felt a strong sense of community. Now, as Co-Chair of the WITE committee alongside Beth Ostrowski, Karla is honored to continue their work and help support women in transportation.

Karla has contributed to WITE by organizing webinars like "Interviewing Dos and Don’ts" (2023) and "Leading in a Hybrid World" (2022), as well as drafting articles for the WITE blog to share insights for others’ professional growth.

As a first-generation Latina Ph.D. student, Karla values visibility, mentorship, and shared experiences. Her journey has fueled her passion for supporting others and creating opportunities for success. Through WITE, Karla works to expand mentorship, recognize women’s contributions, and foster conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Her advice? “Every contribution matters. Keep doing what you’re doing—you never know who you’re inspiring. Seek mentors, lift others up, and embrace the growth that comes from being part of a supportive community.”

Jodi Godfrey

Jodi Godfrey’s career in transportation is driven by a strong focus on research and policy. As a senior research associate at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida, she works on projects that improve transit safety, security, and mobility. She is dedicated to conducting impactful research to influence mobility policy.

Building Relationships and Empowering Professionals: Jodi Godfrey’s WITE Impact

Jodi’s journey with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee started informally long before it became an official group. She recalls connecting with other women at annual meetings and was introduced to the group through an invitation from Marsha Anderson Bomar, whose kindness and presence left a lasting impact on Jodi.

As WITE grew and solidified, Jodi’s involvement deepened. When Jen Malzer and Maggie McNamara became co-chairs, Jodi helped establish the committee’s presence with a more frequent meeting schedule. After three years of leadership, Jodi became co-chair with Erica Myers, where they focused on executing deliverables and harnessing the passions of volunteers. Jodi is proud of WITE’s progress and excited to see it continue thriving under new leadership. What inspired her to stay active in WITE was the opportunity to form personal connections with fellow professionals.

“It’s the personal connection that makes WITE so valuable,” she shares, emphasizing that the friendships she’s built through the group have been some of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Looking ahead, Jodi hopes to grow personally and professionally, focusing on self-awareness, improving weaknesses, and inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones. Her advice to newcomers? “Just sign up and show up. Making friends is easy once you're there!”

Carrie Falkenrath

With nearly 28 years in the transportation consulting industry, Carrie Falkenrath has built a career that focuses on planning-level analysis and documentation. As the Owner and Principal Transportation Engineer & Planner of a small WBE/DBE transportation consulting firm, Carrie works with operational analysis software packages and is dedicated to providing expert services in areas ranging from impact studies to NEPA documentation.

Carrie’s journey with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee began through a personal invitation from Marsha Anderson Bomar, a mentor and role model in Carrie’s life. Marsha’s leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion within the transportation community resonated with Carrie, motivating her to become an active member of WITE. Carrie, who has long advocated for equality in the transportation field, saw WITE as an avenue to contribute to a collective effort focused on pushing for diverse voices and perspectives.

Carrie is inspired to be part of WITE because she believes engineering has been male-focused and there’s a need for more diverse voices at the table. While progress for women and minorities in transportation has been made, it often feels like a step forward, two steps back. She’s committed to reminding ITE members how valuable diversity is, especially in challenging times, and hopes her involvement with WITE will continue advocating for inclusivity in the field.

Through her continued involvement with WITE, Carrie aims to promote equality and highlight the importance of diversity in transportation. She believes the field can’t progress without contributions from all individuals, regardless of gender or background. Carrie is committed to reinforcing the value of diverse voices, especially during challenging times.

Carrie’s message to those interested in WITE? “We love to hear new voices and opinions!” She highlights that WITE doesn’t require a big time commitment—just a willingness to share ideas and perspectives. It’s the diversity of thought that makes WITE invaluable.

Sarah Kasomi

Sarah Kasomi’s journey in transportation engineering is marked by a passion for research and a drive to make an impact. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Dar Es Salaam and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida, Sarah has continuously pursued opportunities to contribute to the field.

In early 2022, Sarah began her career with the City of Jacksonville as an Associate Engineer before transitioning to HDR Inc. as a Traffic EIT. Her work focuses on traffic operations and safety, particularly in areas such as intersections, freeways, airports, and freight studies. She is also deeply committed to research, specializing in traffic safety, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), micromobility, connected and autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles. Sarah’s research has led to several peer-reviewed publications, including grant-funded projects for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation.

Sarah’s involvement with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee was inspired by the committee’s impact and encouraged by fellow engineer Consolatha Mushi. She joined to stay connected with other professionals in the industry and to continue learning from the diverse voices within WITE.

Through her involvement, Sarah hopes to see more women take active roles in the committee, expanding participation and creating lasting impact.

Her message to others? “Please join us!” Sarah’s invitation is simple but powerful—WITE offers an invaluable community of support and learning, and every voice matters.

Alina Cheng

Alina Cheng has built a diverse career in transportation, working across both public and private sectors. With expertise in traffic impact studies, geometric design, transportation planning, data collection, analysis, and pedestrian safety, Alina’s current role as the Associate Director of Parking Management for the City of Vancouver is a natural extension of her vast experience. She oversees policies and regulations related to on-street parking, ensuring the city’s transportation systems are efficient and sustainable.

Alina’s involvement with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee was rekindled through Jen Malzer, whom she knew from her work with ITE Canada. After taking time off for maternity leave, Alina saw WITE as an opportunity to re-engage with ITE and find a community where she could continue to contribute her knowledge and passion for transportation.

WITE has been a source of personal empowerment for Alina, helping her gain confidence in what she brings to the table as an engineer and as a mentor. For Alina, the committee has been a powerful way to give back to the community while encouraging and supporting other women engineers to thrive in the industry.

Through her involvement, Alina hopes to inspire other women engineers to pursue their dreams and goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Her vision is to help achieve gender equity in transportation at every level, ensuring that women are empowered to excel in their careers.

For anyone considering joining WITE, Alina’s advice is simple: “WITE is such a supportive and inclusive community. We lift each other up.” She encourages others to reach out, get involved, and contribute new ideas, reminding everyone that many hands make light work.

Angela Garland

Angela Garland has built a distinguished career in transportation with a diverse range of experience across planning, traffic studies, analysis, design, and design-build projects. From her beginnings as an intern at a mid-size company to now serving as the Director of Transportation Services at Tetra Tech, Angela has worked her way through various leadership positions, continually striving for excellence and innovation within the industry.

Her involvement with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee began after she had already made significant contributions to the Florida-Puerto Rico District, where she became the first female president. Angela’s leadership journey at the local level led to her being invited to join the WITE Committee. For her, it was a natural progression to give back at a larger level, and she has been dedicated to fostering women’s advancement in transportation ever since.

Angela became active in WITE to promote women in STEM and support other women in the industry. She values representation and mentorship, believing they are key to inspiring the next generation of professionals. Through WITE’s blog posts, Angela aims to provide content that resonates with readers and sparks inspiration. Having benefited from mentorship herself, she is dedicated to helping other engineers build confidence and reach their goals.

Her advice for those looking to get involved in WITE? “Being part of WITE or any ITE committee is a great way to give back to our profession.” She highlights the value of networking in the transportation industry, where connections can lead to new ideas and opportunities.

Consolatha Mushi

Consolatha Mushi is a Transportation Designer at Benesch, currently working in-house with the City of Jacksonville Traffic Engineering Division, specializing in traffic and safety studies. She also serves as a Treasurer and a Board Member for the First Coast ITE Chapter in Jacksonville, FL, and is a proud recipient of the 2024 Marsha Anderson Bomar Scholarship through her involvement in the WITE committee. Consolatha’s journey with WITE began in early 2023 while pursuing her master’s degree at the University of North Florida.

Consolatha became involved with the committee after being nominated by Jodi Godfrey, whom she met at the 2022 Florida Puerto Rico District Annual Meeting. “Jodi has been an inspiration to me, and her words of motivation have continued to guide my journey ever since.” With a passion for transportation, Consolatha continues to make an impact in the field and within the WITE community.

Consolatha became an active WITE committee member after being inspired by the committee’s impactful work, especially during Annual ITE Conferences. “As a student, I had the opportunity to attend several WITE-hosted sessions where I gained invaluable skills, including writing a good resume, mock interviews, and networking.” These experiences were instrumental in her transition to the industry, motivating her to give back to the community.

Looking ahead, Consolatha plans to contribute to WITE by writing blogs, encouraging younger members to get involved, and bringing fresh ideas to the committee. Her message to others is: “WITE is a great community to volunteer, inspire, and give back.” Through her involvement, Consolatha received a fully funded scholarship to attend her first Joint ITE International and Mid-Colonial District Conference in Philadelphia, PA, in 2024.

Amy Jiang

Amy Jiang’s journey with WITE began when her company was working on a women’s mentorship initiative. Eager to gather insights and learn from others, she reached out to the WITE Committee for guidance. Kathi Driggs, a WITE leader, invited Amy to attend one of the committee’s meetings, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging. “The committee’s work resonated with me, and I was excited to contribute,” she recalls. This meeting opened the door to an empowering community focused on mentorship, growth, and professional development for women in transportation.

As the Managing Principal at a transportation consulting firm, Amy is deeply committed to driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Her role involves leading impactful projects and fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Through WITE, Amy hopes to create opportunities for women in the industry to build meaningful connections, enhance their skills, and develop the confidence to take on leadership roles.

Amy believes in the power of active participation to fully experience the benefits of WITE. Her advice to those looking to get involved is simple: “Actively contributing to an organization whose values resonate with you is the best way to gain the most—whether that’s building connections, sharpening your skills, or gaining the confidence to succeed.”

Shruti Malik

Shruti, with a Master’s in Transportation Engineering from UC Berkeley and a professional license as a Traffic Engineer in California, has built a distinguished career as Vice President at Mott McDonald, leading the Transportation Planning practice. Her expertise spans traffic analysis, strategic planning, and creating sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Shruti’s journey with the Women in ITE (WITE) Committee began through the Leadership ITE Program, where she connected with inspiring women in the field. At her first WITE meeting, she was motivated by the commitment and engagement of its members and leaders, inspiring her to actively contribute. Through WITE, Shruti has found a powerful community of women who support, share knowledge, and collaborate to pave the way for future generations in transportation.

Through her involvement in WITE, Shruti is excited to inspire women in transportation by writing blogs and organizing webinars. She believes that leadership requires a conscious effort and is committed to engaging others in the profession.

Shruti encourages others to join WITE as it offers a chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a more inclusive industry. “By joining, you can network with leaders, access mentorship, participate in workshops, and inspire the next generation,” she says.

Shruti emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences to encourage young women to pursue careers in transportation. She believes WITE can create a supportive community that empowers women to excel in the industry.

Erica Myers

As a Senior Traffic Engineer at Traffic Engineering Consultants, Inc., Erica Myers has extensive experience in the private sector, specializing in traffic impact and corridor studies. Over the years, she has contributed to a wide range of traffic engineering projects, making her well-versed in nearly every type of traffic study or analysis in the field. With a diverse and comprehensive background, Erica brings valuable expertise and insight into every project she takes on.

Erica joined the WITE committee in 2019 after attending the Annual Meeting workshop in Austin, Texas. After an inspiring experience networking and connecting with some members, Erica knew that she wanted to get more involved in the WITE committee.

Passionate about the committee’s mission, Erica was drawn to the important topics being discussed, making it easy for her to step up and volunteer her time. Her dedication has led her to play a key role in several committee initiatives, including Student to Professional Videos in 2022 and the Dos and Don’ts Boot Camp Series in 2023, both of which have helped support and continue to guide the next generation of transportation professionals.

Through her active involvement with WITE, Erica aims to enhance the committee’s efforts in helping students and young professionals navigate and thrive in the transportation industry. She understands the unique challenges women face in balancing a fulfilling career with responsibilities at home and hopes that WITE’s work will show women that there are career options that can accommodate their needs if they choose to remain in the workforce.

“We can help stop the ‘leaky pipe.’”

Erica encourages others to join WITE and get involved. “Don’t be afraid to sign up, just show up! We all work together, and there’s always someone there to support you.”

Through collaboration, Erica strives to empower others to make meaningful contributions to the industry while building lasting connections.

Ashley Fillback

Ashley Fillback is a Transportation Engineer at CBB Transportation Engineers + Planners. She is primarily involved in traffic impact studies, parking studies, and other traffic-related assessments.

Her journey with WITE began when she attended a workshop session at the ITE Annual Meeting in New Orleans. That same year, Rosana Correa nominated Ashley to join the WITE committee, encouraging her to engage with ITE at the international level. Inspired by the mission of WITE, Ashley quickly became more involved and has been an active member of the WITE committee.

Ashley’s inspiration for becoming an active WITE committee member traces back to her very first meeting, where she was warmly welcomed by Jodi Godfrey and Erica Myers, who were leading the committee at the time. Their kindness and encouragement made an immediate impact, setting the tone for the supportive community WITE fosters.

“The WITE meetings always end with committee members sharing a piece of personal or exciting news, which really helps you get to know others and feel comfortable when you're new to the group.”

Through her continued involvement with WITE, Ashley would love to see the committee continue to grow and gain more involvement at the international level.

Ashley encourages anyone interested in joining the WITE community to take that first step with confidence. “Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions!” she says. She believes that whether you are looking for a small way to contribute or a larger role within the committee, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved based on your interests and availability.

“Anyone is welcome to join us on a virtual monthly meeting to get to know more about the committee before committing to joining.”

With a supportive and welcoming environment, WITE offers a space where everyone can find a way to participate and make a meaningful impact.

Neelima Ghanta

Neelima Ghanta is the Chief of Traffic Safety Administration at DDOT, where she oversees approximately 750 employees, about 60% of the agency. Her mission is to improve safety on DC streets by focusing on various aspects, including analysis, planning, design, construction, event management, multimodal traffic flow management, and the enforcement of traffic rules. She has 19 years of international experience in technical and leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Neelima has led multimodal transportation projects from vision to design in the United States and New Zealand. Her current portfolio includes approximately $140 million in capital projects annually. She is a certified professional engineer and a chartered member of Engineering New Zealand.

Neelima joined the WITE committee after attending a 2024 workshop at the Annual ITE Conference in Philadelphia, where she was inspired by WITE’s alignment with her vision of giving back to the community. Having served on the boards of Women in Urbanism in New Zealand and WTS-DC, Neelima also started a scholarship program for the ITE DC Metro Area.

“I always volunteer in work that feels meaningful to me.”

Through WITE, she hopes to share her two decades of industry experience and support other women engineers. Neelima’s goal is to ensure that women engineers never feel alone in their career journey and have a community to lean on for advice and technical growth. She encourages others to get involved when ready and find a balance that works for them.

“Check the time commitment and ensure it’s realistic for you. When I’m in, I’m fully committed, and that’s helped me build meaningful, lasting connections.”