2026 Summit Program 8.5x11-1 - Flipbook - Page 6
Welcome to the Summit
Dear Leadership Summit Attendees & My LIT Family,
Welcome to the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit!
As Executive Director of LIT, it is my honor to welcome you to Columbus, Ohio, as we
celebrate an incredible milestone—10 years of impact.
If you've been around LIT for a while, you've probably heard the friendly debate about when
our journey actually began. Was it 2015, when Terry Solis filed the incorporation papers? Or
was it 2016, when members first came together and Aurora Jackson inspired attendees as
one of our earliest speakers? Depending on who you ask, you may hear a different story—
and that's part of what makes our history so special.
What isn't up for debate is the impact we've made together.
For the past decade, LIT has connected transportation professionals, developed emerging
leaders, championed workforce development, expanded opportunities for small businesses,
and built a community where people from every corner of our industry can learn, grow, and
lead together. Every milestone we've achieved has been possible because of the passion,
dedication, and generosity of our members, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.
As you experience this year's Summit, I encourage you to take full advantage of everything
we've planned. Attend sessions that inspire you, introduce yourself to someone new,
reconnect with colleagues, celebrate our award recipients, and enjoy the many networking
opportunities that make the Leadership Summit such a special experience. I hope you leave
Columbus with new ideas, meaningful connections, and renewed inspiration to continue
advancing public transportation in your own community.
Whether this is your first Leadership Summit or you've been with LIT since the beginning,
thank you for being part of our journey. I hope you enjoy the programming as we celebrate
10 years of impact and look ahead to an even brighter future together.
Thank you for joining us, and welcome to the 2026 LIT Leadership Summit!
With gratitude,
Christina Villarreal
LIT Executive Director
