Awards & Recognition
Call for Nominations
WTS-LA will start accepting nominations for the 2024 awards in Spring! Check back for more information.
Please take the time to honor and recognize those in our community who are outstanding leaders and organizations in the transportation industry. Awards will be presented at our Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner in November.
Detailed awards criteria can be found here.
2023 Award Winners
Each year, WTS-LA honors achievement in the transportation industry with several awards. Congratulations to our 2023 award winners!
- Honorable Ray LaHood: Kome Ajise, SCAG
- Member of the Year: Jenelle Saunders, Berg & Associates
- Woman of the Year: Sharon Gookin, LA Metro
- Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership: Blanca Rodriguez, Caltrans District 7
- Lois Cooper “Going the Distance” Award: Arthur Schurr
- Educator of the Year: Oliver Rivas, LACES
- Employer of the Year: Long Beach Airport
Note: The winning recipients from each WTS chapter may be submitted to WTS International for the International Awards presented at the Annual Conference.
See our 2023 Award recipients below and visit our Archived Articles to read about previous years' recipients.
Kome Ajise, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) - Honorable Secretary Ray LaHood Award
Named for former USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the WTS Honorable Ray LaHood Award acknowledges one who has greatly contributed to the advancement of women and minorities in the transportation industry as well as the industry itself. Read more here.
Sharon Gookin, LA Metro - Woman of the Year
For more than 30 years, Sharon Gookin has innovated, collaborated, and led the transportation industry. She has demonstrated outstanding expertise in driving major infrastructure projects around the US, using alternative delivery methods. Read more here.
Jenelle Saunders, Berg & Associates - Member of the Year
The WTS-LA Member of the Year often holds one character trait above all others—self-sacrifice. They are usually the last person to leave an event or program, because they’ve not only helped make the event succeed, they’ve also helped make sure that every detail is taken care of. They give of themselves relentlessly for the greater good of the chapter. Read more here.
Long Beach Airport - Employer of the Year
A WTS-LA Employer of the Year represents something very particular. It does not mean that a business had a great year or that a major capital program was approved or even that they made the cover of Forbes. It’s much more profound than that. Being named Employer of the Year recognizes an organization that ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all employees. Read more here.
WTS-LA Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award for Bianca Rodriguez
Bianca Rodriguez is the Caltrans District 7 Deputy District Director of the External Affairs Division. She is responsible for the offices of Governmental and Legislative Affairs, Media Relations and Public Affairs, and Graphics/Design Services. The Division is also responsible for the Small Business Outreach Program, CA Public Records Act requests, and the Executive Office Support. Red more here.
Oliver Rivas named WTS-LA Educator of the Year
Oliver Rivas immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in the fall of 1985, driven by the aspiration of leading a fulfilling life. His educational journey led him to California State University, Northridge, where he earned a BA in English, and subsequently pursued a Masters of Science in School Counseling and Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles. Read more here.
Arthur Schurr receives WTS-LA Lois Cooper "Going the Distance" Award
Few individuals can boast of a WTS journey spanning more than two and a half decades, lot alone claim a pivotal role in propelling both the organization and the chapter forward quite like Arthur Schurr. A key in WTS International's rebranding 23 years ago, Schurr played a vital role in shaping WTS LA's nationally prominent chapter. Read more here.
