From the Federal Highway Administration to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), women in transportation and transportation research make history every day with their innovative insights, skillful leadership, and passionate drive to make true transformative change.

Women in transportation forge partnerships nationally and around the world to further collaborations and expand shared ideas, while focusing on the success of their teams and advancing programs that produce meaningful benefits to the public. These strong, forwarded-minded pioneers are also serving as role models to young women entering the world of transportation in a variety of fields.

However, according to the most recent statistics from the Mineta Transportation Institute, women account for approximately 15 percent of the Nation’s 14.8 million transportation overall workforce. In 2020, the U.S. Department Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that women make up just over 24 percent of jobs in the “Transportation and Utilities” category, which includes women in the field in trucking, rail, and air transportation. In the transit industry, that number jumps to 35 percent. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that women still lag behind men in STEM industries (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The latest Census numbers from 2019 indicate that 27 percent of women are in STEM fields, up from a meager 8 percent in 1970.

While the gains were not seen in areas such as computers and engineering, female leaders at FHWA, FTA, and FAA are aiming to change that.

FHWA Leader’s Parting Words 

Women play an integral role in advancing research, technology, and engineering at FHWA and FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) in McLean, VA. They are highly respected leaders in the field, including Executive Director Gloria Shepherd and Dr. Kelly Regal, the former Associate Administrator for Research, Development, and Technology at TFHRC. In 2023, Shepherd became the first woman, first African American, and the 11th individual to hold the position. Similarly, in 2020, Dr. Regal became the first woman in the agency’s 58-year history to lead TFHRC.

During her time at TFHRC, Dr. Regal took her position as a leader and role model very seriously, and she hopes that young women interested in transportation find their passion, as she did, and seize every opportunity available.

“I have been a longtime advocate for young women to not only venture into this industry but to thrive in it, too,” Dr. Regal notes. “While men may still dominate this field in terms of numbers, the women in our industry—and especially at Turner-Fairbank—are changing the face of transportation research. Where they lack in numbers, they excel at talent and acumen. Their contributions to advancing innovations and programs focusing on FHWA’s core values lead to safer roads, stronger infrastructure, and a better Nation. Their dedication is unparalleled and valued here in the States and around the world.”

Though Dr. Regal retired in October 2024, her stewardship and insight will continue to foster growth and innovation as highway research and development continues to advance. As for the future, Dr. Regal sees the strengthening of partnerships, nationwide and around the world, as a critical step in the secureness and resiliency of our transportation network.

“I have worked at FHWA, FAA, and FMCSA [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration], and I have seen firsthand the power of collaboration and partnerships,” Regal says. “When great minds come together to tackle a challenge or set goals, nothing seems impossible. Sharing knowledge will always benefit the transportation network and the traveling public. They deserve our best, and those partnerships ensure they get just that.”

“And while I will no longer be part of the day-to-day activities at FHWA, I will always be a vocal proponent of their efforts in ensuring that the Nation’s roadways are safe, sustainable, and resilient, and in securing lasting partnerships that will create new avenues of opportunity for years to come,” she continued.

As Dr. Regal notes, collaborations are powerful tools in realizing FHWA’s mission of advancing a strong and safe transportation system. Read on for more insight into resiliency, leadership, and the reach transportation has, from notable women at FAA and FTA.