Awards & Recognition
Congratulations to WTS-LA's 2026 Award Winners!
WTS-LA is honored to recognize our 2026 Award Winners. These transportation professionals made a lasting impact on our industry through advancing women's careers and advancing transportation. Join us on November 19 at the Intercontinental in Downtown Los Angeles as we celebrate their achievements and award more than $100,000 in scholarships.
Award Winners:
Woman of the Year
LaShawn King Gillespie, Foothill Transit
Lois Cooper "Going the Distance" Award
Stephanie Wiggins, Los Angeles Metro
Honorable Ray LaHood Award
Eugene D. Seroka, Port of Los Angeles
Member of the Year
Rashanda Davis, Los Angeles Metro
Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
The SEED School of Los Angeles
Employer of the Year
California Department of Transportation
Innovative Transportation Solution
Mt. San Antonio College Transit Center, Foothill Transit
Educator of the Year
Dr. Yongping Zhang, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
2026 Awards is Now Closed. Please check back in 2027!
WTS-LA is accepting nominations for 2026 Awards! Deadline extended: submit your nominations by June 19, 2026.
Please take the time to honor and recognize those in our community who are outstanding leaders and organizations in the transportation industry. We look forward to recognizing these exceptional achievements in the transportation industry during our Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner on November 19, 2026.
Detailed awards criteria can be found here. If you have any questions, contact Monica Villalobos, Awards & Recognition Committee Chair at [email protected].
Nominations are due by Friday, June 19, 2026. Click on the award title below to open the MS Form application.
Do not submit Letters of Recommendation. They will not be reviewed as part of the application.
Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year category honors an outstanding woman who is a role model in transportation.
Honorable Ray LaHood Award
The Ray LaHood Award was created to recognize men who are not only leaders in transportation, but who have also actively led by example in seeking opportunities to advance the WTS mission and have made outstanding contributions toward the advancement of women and minorities.
Employer of the Year
The Employer of the Year award is designed to honor an organization (company, non-profit, association, or government agency) for their support of the goals and purpose of WTS, such as recruiting, retaining, and advancing women.
Innovative Transportation Solutions Award
The Innovative Transportation Solutions award honors an innovative transportation project led by a woman or women.
Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
The Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award recognizes either an organization(s) or individual(s) that have facilitated professional opportunities for women and minorities and contributed significantly to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural awareness.
2025 Award Receipients
Ted Allen, LABOE-Honorable Ray LaHood Award
WTS-LA Honorable Ray LaHood Award recognizes someone who has greatly contributed to the advancement of women and minorities in the transportation industry as well as the transportation industry itself. LABOE Past City Engineer Ted Allen has done exactly that. Read more here.
Alison Yoh, LA Metro-Woman of the Year
A WTS-LA Woman of the Year contributes momentously to both the transportation industry and the advancement of women in it. Metro Countywide Planning Executive Officer Dr. Alison Yoh is a visionary leader with more than two decades of service. Read more here.
Andie Tempelis, HNTB-Member of the Year
The WTS-LA recognizes a member that demonstrates a fierce commitment to the goals and growth of the chapter. Andie Tempelis, PE, Project Manager at HNTB, is the Member of the Year. Read more here.
Foothill Transit - Employer of the Year
Foothill Transit exemplifies excellence as an employer, championing a workplace culture rooted in equity, innovation, and empowerment. As a leader in sustainable public transportation, Foothill Transit is committed to fostering inclusive professional development, especially for women in transportation. Read more here.
WTS-LA Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award-Edna Stanley, LA Metro
Honoring Rosa Parks’ incredible fortitude and self-sacrifice, each year WTS-LA recognizes someone in the transportation community who displays that same sort of courage and altruism. Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of Transit Delivery Service at Los Angeles Metro fills that role perfectly. Read more here.
Patricia Dorsey named WTS-LA Educator of the Year
WTS‑LA is proud to honor Patricia Dorsey, Career Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Azusa High School, CTE Coordinator, and CTE Department Chair, as our 2025 Educator of the Year. Read more here.
Tom Jenkins, HNTB receives WTS-LA Lois Cooper "Going the Distance" Award
WTS-LA recognized the late Tom Jenkins, former Vice President and National Transit & Rail Consultant at HNTB, as one who goes the distance and exceeds the extremely high standards of Lois B. Cooper. Read more here.
Innovative Transportation Solutions: LAX/Metro Connector
Los Angeles Metro’s LAX/Metro Transit Center is transforming how LA travels. This game-changing hub connects directly to LAX’s Automated People Mover, giving travelers and employees access to two light rail lines, a 16-bay bus plaza, and a bike hub—making car-free airport trips a reality. Read more here.
