Event Recap: WTS-Boston 2026 Annual Scholarships and Awards Banquet

The Annual WTS-Boston Awards and Scholarships Banquet was held on June 25, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge. With more than 260 attendees, the event brought together members of the transportation community to celebrate and recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on the industry.

During the program, the WTS-Boston President (Sarah Bergman, WSP) and Vice President (Selma Mandzo-Preldzic, VHB) highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s scholarship recipients. Award recipients also delivered inspiring remarks, expressing their appreciation for WTS and reaffirming their commitment to advancing the transportation industry.

It was an honor to share the evening with such inspiring and deserving recipients. Their achievements remind us of the importance of working together, staying committed, and continuing to learn and grow as professionals. The evening also provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the strength of the WTS-Boston community.

Congratulations again to all of our 2026 award recipients and scholarship winners. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and volunteers, whose support made this event possible.

Photos from the event are available on the WTS-Boston Flickr account: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCXVV1

The 2026 WTS Boston Annual Award recipients:

Group photo of award recipients and presenters standing on a stage in front of a dark blue backdrop. Eleven people pose in two rows, with five individuals in the front holding clear glass award trophies. Attendees are dressed in business and formal attire in a variety of colors, including white, pink, black, red, and patterned fabrics.

Woman of the Year

Maureen McDonough, MBTA (Retired)

Member of the Year

Francisca Heming, MassDOT

Employer of the Year

STV Incorporated

Innovative Transportation Solutions Award

MBTA’s Better Bus Project

Honorable Ray LaHood Award

Joseph J. Allegro, Jr., Allegro Construction

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award

Reed Brockman, AECOM

WTS-Boston received a record number of highly qualified applications for the 2026 scholarships. The selection process is always difficult, and this year was no exception.

The 2026 WTS‐Boston Scholarship winners are:

Group photo of scholarship recipients and presenters standing on a stage in front of a dark blue backdrop. Eight attendees are dressed in business and formal attire in a variety of colors, including white, pink, black, red, and patterned fabrics.

Ann Hershfang Scholarship for Graduates

Tolulope Oke, UMass Amherst

WTS-Boston Mary Jane O’Meara Member Graduate Scholarship

Maria Firan, Northeastern University

Jacquelyn R. Smith Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship

Meredith Spotts, Maine Maritime Academy

Transportation YOU High School Scholarship

Danielle Harrington, Malden High School

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