2026 Capital Summit

From June 20–26, WTS Sacramento mentor Kristin Parsons joined mentees Frida Barragan and Kanchan Arya at the WTS Capital Summit in the Washington, DC area. This signature Transportation YOU program brings together high school students and transportation professionals from WTS chapters across North America for a week of leadership development, networking, college life, and behind-the-scenes tours of some of the nation's most significant transportation facilities and infrastructure projects. Throughout the week, the mentees stayed in the University of Maryland dorms, giving them a firsthand experience of campus life.

Our adventure began on Saturday with an unexpected challenge when a campus-wide power outage greeted us upon arrival. Despite the inconvenience, the students, mentors, and event organizers demonstrated flexibility and teamwork, setting the tone for a week focused on resilience, collaboration, and making the most of every opportunity.

Sunday's Career Kickoff officially launched the summit with chapter introductions, allowing participants from across the country to get to know one another. Students then took part in a high ropes leadership challenge that encouraged communication, trust, and confidence, followed by the always-popular dorm door decorating activity, where creativity and chapter spirit were on full display.

Monday featured a tour of the U.S. Capitol, providing students with a greater understanding of how transportation policy is shaped at the federal level. That afternoon, mentors and mentees participated in a speed networking session with transportation professionals representing a wide variety of careers and agencies, giving students valuable opportunities to ask questions and explore future career paths. The day concluded with a bowling party on campus, allowing everyone to relax and continue building relationships.

Tuesday focused on the transportation industry in action. The group toured the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metro Integrated Command and Communications Center (MICC) in Alexandria, Virginia, where students observed how one of the nation's largest transit systems coordinates operations, safety, and emergency response. Later, we visited HNTB's new Arlington office, where staff shared presentations on major transportation projects, hosted an engaging career panel, and provided office tours that showcased the many disciplines involved in delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Wednesday offered another behind-the-scenes experience with a visit to the Baltimore & Potomac (B&P) Tunnel Replacement Program Integrated Project Office and construction sites. Students learned about the planning, engineering, and construction challenges associated with one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in the country. The afternoon featured additional career panels, a career readiness workshop focused on preparing students for future opportunities, and an inspiring Women in Transportation leadership panel that highlighted the many pathways available within the transportation profession.

Thursday began with mentor-led team-building activities before everyone traveled into Washington, DC, for the graduation ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of this year's mentees. The celebration continued aboard the Spirit of Washington cruise, followed by time to explore many of the city's iconic landmarks and museums together before concluding an unforgettable week.

On Friday, we checked out of the University of Maryland and returned home to Sacramento with new friendships, valuable professional connections, and a deeper appreciation for the many careers that make our transportation systems possible.

The WTS Capital Summit continues to be an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of transportation professionals. Watching students grow in confidence, expand their professional networks, and discover new career possibilities over the course of a single week is truly rewarding. Thank you to the WTS Foundation and the WTS Sacramento Chapter for making this experience possible and for investing in the future of our industry.