ITE Webinar: Hard Hats to Hashtags: Bridging Generations in Transportation

When: May 28, 2026 | 2:00 -- 3:30 PM ET

This webinar is jointly led by the Women in ITE Committee.

Webinar Description:

This webinar aims to foster understanding and open dialogue across generations in the transportation workforce, including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials (Gen Y), and Generation Z. As today’s workplace brings together professionals from multiple generations, differences in communication styles, work expectations, and career perspectives can influence collaboration and productivity. This session will explore how generational experiences, life stages, and evolving workplace environments shape how individuals communicate, lead, and work with others. By examining both shared values and generational differences, the webinar will help participants better understand how to work effectively with colleagues from diverse age groups and professional backgrounds.

The webinar will follow a casual, interactive, discussion-based format designed to encourage open conversation and peer learning. It will begin with a brief overview of how different generations are commonly characterized in terms of communication styles, workplace preferences, and professional motivations. Participants will then engage in two breakout discussions—one with attendees from the same generation and another with mixed generations—to reflect on common experiences, workplace challenges, and perspectives on collaboration across generations in the transportation field.

Expected outcomes of the webinar include a deeper understanding of generational similarities and differences, improved cross-generational communication and collaboration, and practical insights that can support workforce development, leadership growth, and employee retention within the transportation industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key characteristics, communication styles, and workplace preferences commonly associated with Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.

• Recognize how generational experiences and life stages influence professional expectations, collaboration styles, and workplace interactions in the transportation workforce.

• Compare similarities and differences in communication and work approaches across generations to better understand diverse perspectives within teams.

• Discuss common challenges and opportunities that arise when working in multigenerational environments.

• Apply practical strategies to improve cross-generational communication, teamwork, and collaboration in professional settings.

• Explore approaches that support workforce development, leadership growth, and employee retention in a multigenerational transportation workforce.

Moderators:

Nikhila Gunda, Associate Researcher | University of Kansas Transportation Center | Lawrence, Kansas, USA

Consolatha Mushi, Transportation Designer | Benesch | Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Alina Cheng, PE, Associate Director, Parking Management Branch | City of Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Erica Myers, PE, Senior Traffic Engineer | Traffic Engineering Consultants, Inc. | Norman, Oklahoma, USA