Eleni Bardaka has been awarded the Beverley Swaim Staley Leadership Legacy Scholarship by the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) for her interest in advancing transportation innovation in the international arena. Bardaka is a Ph.D. student in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, currently working in the area of Transportation Engineering and Economics. She holds an M.S. in Economics and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University, and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

WTS launched the Leadership Legacy Scholarship in 2007. Through this award, the Greater Chicago Chapter provides $2,500 to an outstanding young woman pursuing graduate studies working toward a career in transportation or a related field, and who demonstrates a specific interest in advancing transportation innovation in the international arena.  The winner of the Greater Chicago Chapter scholarship will be nominated for the WTS International Foundation scholarship of $5,000.

The WTS mission to build the transportation industry through the global advancement of women can be realized by encouraging women to further their careers as leaders in transportation. WTS recognizes that transportation is more than simply moving people and goods from one place to another.  It is a driver of growth and an integral part of communities throughout the world. The leadership, skills, and perspectives of women are essential to ensure that the transportation systems of the future respond to the needs of all. Through the Leadership Legacy Scholarship, WTS seeks to motivate and reward women who demonstrate leadership in the industry to bring ideas, innovation, and new approaches to transportation challenges in the US and beyond.

The Leadership Legacy Scholarship currently takes the name of the 2014-2016 WTS International Chair, Beverley Swaim Staley. As Chair of the WTS International Board of Directors, Beverley Swaim Staley’s involvement in WTS began 14 years ago in Baltimore where she was a very active member, supporting WTS and the advancement of women through her role as Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation for many years. She was nominated to become Vice Chair of the 2012-2014 WTS International Board of Directors, and now serves as Chair.