Jan Pezarro Award

The WTS Canadian Education Foundation (WTS CEF) is a volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity dedicated to strengthening Canada’s transportation industry through diversity. We strive to achieve this by granting scholarships to high-potential students enrolled in post-secondary programs relating to transportation.

In recognition of Jan Pezarro, a founding member of the WTS CEF and Vancouver-based transportation industry leader, the WTS CEF is offering the Jan Pezarro Award for Advancing Women in Transportation – a one-time scholarship valued at $3,000 CAD available to current post-secondary students pursuing a degree in planning, urban design, economics, engineering, communications, law, political science, environmental science, or any other program that will lead to a career focused on transportation.

Jan is a public transit specialist and strategic advisor who made significant contributions to the development of Canada’s transportation industry over the course of her 30+ year career. As an executive and senior leader in the industry, she worked to promote transportation by focusing on both the people using transportation systems, and the people building transportation systems. Jan’s executive experience included roles as President and CEO of West Coast Express Commuter Rail, COO of Stratford Internet Technologies, and Vice President Customer Services and Marketing at TransLink. She also served as Chair of APTA’s Commuter Rail Training Committee and Chair of CUTA’s Marketing and Communication Committee. As a senior consultant, her passion for innovation, technical knowledge, and professional experience, coupled with strong facilitation skills, made her a valued member of major infrastructure project teams across North America.

Outside of her official duties, Jan played an active role in promoting and diversifying transportation through her efforts to build the WTS community in Canada. She served as president of Canada’s first WTS chapter and president of the WTS Canadian Education Foundation. Jan remains a cherished mentor to aspiring leaders in the WTS community.

$3,000 CAD will be awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student. Selection of the recipient will be made in February 2023 and successful applicants will be announced on International Women’s Day (March 8).

Students are eligible if they meet all of the following criteria:
– Currently registered as a full-time student at an institution in British Columbia, and
– Can explain how their current studies could lead to a career in transportation, and
– Can demonstrate an interest promoting the advancement of women in transportation, and
– Are not a previous recipient of a WTS scholarship, and
– Are not a previous recipient of the Women in Transportation Joy de Cosson Graduate Scholarship in Sustainable Transportation.