FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Award Celebrates Malhotra’s Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion
BALTIMORE, MD (January 2, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is proud to announce that Deputy Administrator and Chief Administrative Officer Minilla “Mini” Malhotra has been recognized by the WTS Baltimore Chapter with its Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award for her work to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment at the transit agency. Malhotra was honored at the chapter’s annual awards luncheon December 19.
“Mini has been a trailblazer in promoting diversity and inclusion, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating an environment that celebrates our differences,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Through her leadership, Mini has championed key initiatives and engaged with various departments, ensuring the concerns and perspectives of all employees are heard and valued.”
In addition to fostering cultural awareness, Malhotra has spearheaded initiatives such as the recruitment of the Maryland Transit Administration’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and establishment of the agency’s core values. These efforts have laid the foundation for a more equitable and respectful workplace.
Malhotra joined the Maryland Transit Administration just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted many of the agency’s employees to remote work and created new protocols for on-site employees. Malhotra factored this new work environment into her approach for her new position.
“This sparked in me a desire to bring diversity, inclusion and belonging to my colleagues, whether they were teleworking or present onsite every day,” said Malhotra. “With the support of our leadership team, we launched the inaugural equity, diversity and inclusion committee at the agency, an employee-driven committee to effect positive change within the organization. Our committee inspired other Maryland Department of Transportation agencies to do the same.”
WTS is an international organization dedicated to shaping the future of transportation for the public good through the global advancement of women. Since 1977, WTS International, originally named the Women’s Transportation Seminar, has focused on promoting the advancement of women in the transportation industry. The WTS Baltimore Chapter was founded in 1983. The WTS Rosa Parks Award, named for the famed Civil Rights activist and trailblazer, is given to those who significantly contribute to promoting diversity inclusion and muticultural awareness within transit activities.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
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