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Building the Future of the Tranportation Workforce

The Southeast Transportation Workforce Center (SETWC) is dedicated to advancing the transportation industry by strengthening its workforce pipeline. Through cutting-edge research, strategic public–private partnerships and nationally recognized expertise, SETWC addresses critical challenges that impact every stage of the transportation career continuum.

Our work spans diverse transportation modes and occupations, with a focus on preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s opportunities. From understanding the unique complexities of transportation operations to addressing the impact of transformative technologies, SETWC leads initiatives that ensure the industry remains resilient and future-ready.

As a leader in inclusive workforce practices, we are committed to creating pathways that open doors for individuals of all backgrounds while meeting the evolving needs of employers and communities across the Southeast and beyond.

Choosing Transportation: Jaila's Story

How do high school students decide on their college and career pathways—and what inspires them to pursue fields like transportation, aviation or engineering? To better understand this process, the ITE STEM Committee spoke with Jaila Kimbro, a senior at the Transportation-STEM (T-STEM) Academy at East High School in Memphis, Tennessee.

The T-STEM Academy offers students a hands-on, industry-connected education designed to prepare them for future careers in high-demand fields. With academic concentrations in diesel mechanics, aviation and STEM disciplines, the school provides a true “STEM-for-all” model that equips students with both technical skills and career readiness.

In the feature below, Jaila shares her experiences at the T-STEM Academy, how the program has shaped her interest in transportation, and her future career goals.

high school female portraitJaila Kimbro
Senior
T-STEM Academy, East High School

 

 

 

 

 

Q: You have had the opportunity to attend a really unique high school (T-STEM). Why did you decide to attend?

In the 8th grade, I was weighing options about where to go for high school. What appealed to me about T-STEM was that it felt more family-like, from the students to the teachers and administration. I wasn’t sure if I was interested in STEM. But, I was really excited about all of the different program pathways offered at T-STEM. The resources were unparalleled as compared to other schools I visited. You can also earn industry certifications (I earned OSHA certification in my freshman year!) and take dual enrollment courses.

I have always been interested in trying new things. I wanted to learn what I was interested in (and what I was not). There is so much opportunity to try things you have never seen or learned about before at T-STEM. You may fail, or may not like something, but you still learn from this experience. The opportunities I have had at T-STEM and the guidance over the years from faculty helped me to figure out what I enjoy.

Click here to view the full ITE Spotlite (scroll down in the newsletter to read Jaila's Story)!

Check out our Transportation Workforce Playbooks!

The Southeast Transportation Workforce Center (SETWC), in collaboration with valued partners, has developed two playbooks designed to strengthen the transportation workforce pipeline and share proven strategies for success.

  • Women in Transportation Playbook – This resource highlights effective approaches and actionable strategies for expanding career awareness and encouraging more individuals to pursue opportunities in transportation professions.

  • T-STEM Academy Playbook – This guide details the development and success of the Transportation-STEM (T-STEM) Academy at East High School in Memphis, Tennessee, showcasing the key elements that led to the program’s rapid growth and impact.

These playbooks serve as practical tools for educators, industry leaders and community partners who are committed to building a strong and sustainable transportation workforce.

Explore and download your copies today by clicking on the images below!

Women in Transportation Playbook T-STEM Academy Playbook

These documents are disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange under cooperative agreement number DTFH6114H00025. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document. This material does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers' names appear in this material only because they are considered essential to the objective of the document. They are included for informational purposes only and are not intended to reflect a preference, approval, or endorsement of any one product or entity.

Transportation Spotlights

SETWC has developed a series of profiles to help students and prospective workers learn more about transportation careers. These engaging, high-interest materials showcase transportation professionals from a variety of occupations along different points of their career paths. Check them out below!spotlight image

  • Catalina Echeverri, Project Manager, Gannett Fleming, Inc.
  • Liesel Goethert, Senior Transportation Planner, KCI Technologies, Inc.
  • Bernadette Gray, Managing Director, Freight Analysis, FedEx Freight
  • Steve Allen, Director, Strategic Transportation Investments Division, Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Victoria McDaniel, Associate, Logistics Client & Talent Solutions, Vaco
  • Dr. Dongmei "Maggie" Lin, Transportation Engineer, DKS Associates
  • Lisa Dunn, Program Monitor Supervisor, Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Jeffrey J. P. Land, Attorney, Jeffrey J.P. Land Attorney at Law
  • Jamey Kitlinski, Administrative Assistant to the Managing Director, Harrisburg District Operations, FedEx Freight
  • Virginia Epperly, PE, Complex Structures Engineer, Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Michael Rebick, PE, ITS Project Engineer, TRC Engineers
  • Richard Mallory, Account Executive, Mallory Alexander International Logistics
  • Jameo D. Pollock, MEd, Statewide Technical Training Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation
  • JaMichael Smith, Commercial Operations Analyst, MARS Petcare, Inc.
  • Patrick Son, Managing Director, National Operations Center of Excellence
  • Keith Williams, PE, PTOE, District Traffic Engineer, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
  • Katie Blose, Regional Safety and Compliance Manager, DBi Services, LCC
  • Chelsea S. Jackson, Core Development Program Business Associate, Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Jessi Jones, Cargo Specialist Supervisor-OTR, Intermodal Cartage Company
  • Kayla Holcomb, Transportation Operations Specialist, Gannett Fleming
  • Doreen Ng-Sui-Hing, EIT, District Project Controls Engineer, Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Greg Dotson, Engineering Manager, Neel Schaffer, Inc.
  • Donna Mooney, Vice President of HR, Titan Transfer
  • Jason McCartney, Senior Transportation Operations Engineer, Gannett Fleming
  • Janet Luessenheide, Traffic Engineer Technician, City of Overland Park, Kansas
  • Paul Young, Director, Division of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis
  • Tony Kratofil, Metro Region Engineer, Michigan's Department of Transportation
  • Calvin Abram, Office of Community Transportation, Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Pete Reddan, Assistant Chief of Instruction, CTI Professional Flight Training

 

Click here for information on how to get involved!  This document will explain how to get started on your own transportation spotlight, how to nominate the next spotlight, or help you explain the next steps to your colleagues. Please email Stephanie.Ivey@memphis.edu with any questions.