The Atlanta Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) today awarded MARTA’s General Manager/CEO Dr. Beverly A. Scott with the “Woman of the Year” award during its annual scholarship luncheon. MARTA Board Member Juanita Jones Abernathy was also honored with the WTS “Diversity Leadership Award.”

Dr. Scott was recognized for serving as an outstanding leader and role model in the transportation industry and making significant contributions to the advancement of women and minorities during her long career. The WTS cited the impact that Dr. Scott’s career achievements and mentoring efforts have had on building a more solid foundation for women in the industry.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from WTS, which recognizes the importance of advancing upward mobility for women in transportation and cultivating future leaders from every community we serve in order to enhance the entire industry,” said MARTA General Manager/CEO Dr. Beverly A. Scott. “I am very proud to have had the opportunity to help other women in the transportation industry since WTS has played such a significant role in my career.”

Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy was honored with the “Diversity Leadership Award” for her extraordinary service as a lifelong advocate for human rights, a dedicated mentor for women and minorities, and activist for diversity, inclusion and multi-cultural awareness within the transportation industry.

“It is an honor to receive this award. To render service whenever and wherever possible has always been an integral part of my life’s work,” said Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy. “From the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement to the present, I have tried to be an advocate for women and diversity in all facets of society. Our work is not complete. Increasing the number of women in transportation is challenging - however we are encouraged by the work of female leaders in the industry, the members of Women’s Transportation Seminar and our leader at MARTA, Dr. Beverly A. Scott.”

WTS was created in 1977 to foster professional and personal advancement for women in the transportation industry. Having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2008, the Atlanta Chapter of WTS is one of the oldest chapters in the nation and the largest chapter in the southeast. Members include transportation professionals serving all modes in the public and private sector as well as engineers, planners and environmentalists.