Women in STEM and Transportation: Paving the Way Forward

Published in recognition of National Women’s Equality Day.

Transportation is about more than getting from one place to another. It is about connecting people to opportunity, supporting economic growth, and building communities that thrive.

The progress we see across the Tampa Bay region is made possible by people who bring different experiences, ideas, and expertise to the table. On National Women’s Equality Day, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority recognizes the women whose leadership and innovation continue to shape the future of transportation.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

The transportation industry has evolved because of individuals who challenged expectations and opened doors for those who followed.

Trailblazers like Elizabeth Bragg, the first woman in the United States to earn a degree in civil engineering, and Kate Gleason, the first woman inducted into the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, demonstrated that innovation is driven by talent, determination, and a willingness to think differently.

Their contributions helped lay the foundation for generations of engineers, planners, and transportation professionals who continue to transform how we move people and goods.

Driving the Future of Mobility

Today, women play an essential role in every aspect of transportation. From designing infrastructure and improving traffic operations to advancing intelligent transportation systems and leading major capital projects, their work is helping create a safer, more connected future.

Across the transportation industry, women are helping communities:

• Deliver infrastructure that supports regional growth
• Advance technologies that improve safety and mobility
• Strengthen transportation networks through thoughtful planning
• Inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem solvers

At THEA, we know that the best solutions come from collaboration and a diversity of perspectives. As transportation continues to evolve, those perspectives will remain critical to building infrastructure that serves our growing region.

Investing in the Next Generation

Preparing for the future means investing in people as much as infrastructure.

Encouraging young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics helps ensure the transportation industry continues to attract talented leaders who will solve tomorrow’s challenges. Whether designing safer roadways, improving traffic management, or developing new mobility solutions, today’s students will help shape the future of our region.

Moving Forward Together

National Women’s Equality Day is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come while recognizing the work that continues.

At THEA, we are proud to celebrate the women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication strengthen our organization, our industry, and the communities we serve every day.

Together, we are building a transportation system that is safer, smarter, and ready for the future. That future is stronger because of the women helping lead the way.