Breaking Barriers: Genoveva L. Arellano Honored with Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award at WTS International Conference
- Genoveva Arellano
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
Arellano Associates is proud to celebrate Genoveva L. Arellano, our President & CEO, on her prestigious Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award at the WTS International Conference. This award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and representation as a leader in the transportation industry.
Genoveva’s passion for uplifting communities is deeply rooted in her own life story. Raised in Baldwin Park, CA, she was the second youngest of nine children. Her father built the home they lived in and her mother ensured, with what little they had, that their needs were met. Her upbringing gave her a great sense of resilience, perseverance, and humility that led to supporting communities beyond the bounds of her home and neighborhood.
After graduating as Salutatorian from her high school class, she pursued public administration at University of Southern California and later earned her graduate degree from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. While she initially envisioned a future in local government, she came to recognize a communications gap between public agencies and the communities they serve. Bridging that gap became her life’s work. The establishment of Arellano Associates in 1994 was a simple response to the growing need for meaningful, culturally competent community engagement in Southern California.
From the start, her mission was clear: empowering communities, especially those historically underrepresented, giving them a voice in the decisions that shape their lives. Her early vision inspired Chester Britt to join the firm, and together they grew the company from a small team in the 1990s to a powerhouse of over 70 professionals today. As Chester puts it, “She created a company that has in its DNA, the passion to make sure community voices are heard at all levels to better the lives of people in the region.”
Geno leads with conviction that equity isn’t just a value, it’s a practice. She fosters a culture of inclusion within her firm, where diversity is celebrated, and representation matters. Her belief that “we are stronger when we are more diverse” resonates not only through Arellano Associates’ work, but in the outcomes they help achieve for clients and communities alike.
About WTS and the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
WTS International, and the many chapters that represent it, help play a role in advancing women in transportation by creating incredible opportunities for professional growth, education, and leadership development. Their goals to strengthen the industry through diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration closely aligns with the values we champion at Arellano Associates.
The WTS International Annual Conference brings together over 1,000 members and transportation professionals to explore the latest advancements, connect with other industry leaders and celebrate some amazing achievements, including The Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award.
This award honors Rosa Park's unwavering courage and self-sacrifice in standing up for justice which continues to inspire leaders today. Her representation of conviction and bold stance for what is fair are values that Genoveva deeply exemplifies in the way she leads. This award recognition speaks to Genoveva’s dedication to diversity, both within her firm and the impactful work they deliver.
Testimonials from Those Who Know Her Best
“I would like to leave you with a thought about changing lives, which is getting back to the basics. In our lives now of advancing technology, remote work and virtual living, I worry that we may be losing touch. To me, that is simply what Rosa Parks – the name sake of this award – was asking for. It’s so simple… respect, understanding, fairness."
- Genoveva L. Arellano
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