All Aboard: Women's History Month
Written by ACT's DE&I Committee
Women’s History Month
Join the DE&I Committee in celebration of women who continue to make history and pave the way for other women. Here are a few that you may not have known helped to contribute to what sustainable transportation is today.
Kittie Knox
In 1893, Knox became the first African American to be accepted into the League of American Wheelmen (LAW). She was known not only for challenging public perceptions of Black people and women, she was also known for her unique style and expert riding among the group. So, it is no surprise she wore and sported bloomers while she biked.
Olive Dennis
Olive Dennis was a civil engineer and the first woman to join the American Railway Engineering Association. Her efforts pioneered customer service with reimagining the passenger experience with:
- Seats that reclined
- Upholstery that was stain resistant, making it easier to clean and keep looking fresh
- Overhead lighting to help you see or read in the dark
- Family features such as bassinets and bottle warmers
Vasanthakumari
Despite Vasanthakumari facing adversity because she was not a man, she became Asia’s first woman bus driver in India. Her words of advice for others, “Everyone asks me what challenges I faced as a woman driver. I tell that everything seems difficult but it is the way we deal with it that is important.”
Learn more about Vasanthakumari
Join ACT’s Women in TDM group!
We know that each and every one of you contributes to the progress in our industry. Thank you for all that you do. Let’s continue to make history together and get more involved in ACT’s Women in TDM group by contacting Connie McGee or Jessica Alba.
Looking ahead... next month we want to celebrate Earth Month. Let us know if there is someone you would like to highlight or if you are planning any activities for that week.
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