Women in Transport extends our heartfelt thanks to Shazar Dhalla as she steps down from the Women in Transport Board after five years as the Membership Lead. Shazar has moved back to her native Canada and we wish her the very best in the next chapter of her career in transport as we celebrate her impact during her time with Women in Transport.
Since joining Women in Transport in 2017, Shazar Dhalla has been a driving force in strengthening our membership experience and data foundations. Her journey with us began the same year she joined WTS London, when she quickly volunteered to support the Membership Committee, then led by Neil Pepper MBE.
On more than one occasion, Shazar helped us secure venue space and partnership support with her employer, KPMG, in their London offices for our main reception events - always a welcome opportunity for our members and supporters to network and share knowledge.
From the outset, Shazar brought energy, insight, and a passion for helping members feel connected and represented. Her attention to detail and commitment to improvement were clear from the start, setting the stage for her future leadership role.
Leading Membership Through Change
In 2020, during one of the most challenging times for our sector and community, Shazar stepped up as Membership Lead. Taking on this role in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped guide Women in Transport’s membership function through a period of uncertainty and transformation.
Under her leadership, we made significant progress in how we manage and understand our growing community. Shazar played a key role in unifying data sources and introducing a monthly membership report, allowing the Board to track progress and trends more accurately as we expanded nationally. Her focus on data quality and consistency has had a lasting impact on how we measure and celebrate growth.
Amplifying Member Voices
Recognising that our members are at the heart of everything we do, Shazar also led the Women in Transport Membership Survey, supported by Carmen Olensinki. This important piece of work ensured that members’ perspectives and priorities were central to shaping our strategic direction. Thanks to Shazar’s thoughtful leadership, we gained deeper insight into what matters most to our members and how we can continue to serve them better.
Building for the Future
Most recently, Shazar brought her analytical and collaborative skills to the our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project team, established in April 2024. The team’s goal was to explore options for a new CRM tool that would better support our growing network and streamline how we engage with members and partners. Shazar contributed to defining desired outcomes, assessing potential tools, and developing recommendations for the Board — all with her signature blend of rigour and practical insight.
A Lasting Legacy
Shazar’s time on the Board has been defined by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring that Women in Transport continues to evolve in ways that meet the needs of its members. Her contributions have strengthened our organisation’s foundations and set us up for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
We are incredibly grateful for Shazar’s leadership, dedication, and many contributions — and we look forward to seeing her continue to make an impact across the transport sector.
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