WTS-DC Recognizes Six Outstanding Recipients for 2021 Recognition Awards
By Jamie Rosen, WTS-DC
March 2022
Despite the ongoing challenges that 2021 presented, WTS-DC was fortunate to have many deserving individuals, employers, and projects nominated for the 2021 Recognition Awards. WTS-DC was also privileged to be able to gather in person at the 2021 Holiday Party on December 7th. During the event, Paul Wiedefeld, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), presented awards to an impressive group of individuals and organizations leading transportation in our region.
Each year, the WTS-DC Chapter honors achievements in the transportation industry with several coveted awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations who have worked to further the WTS mission, impact transportation in our nation's capital, and support the development, growth and advancement of women in transportation. A panel of WTS-DC Board Members selects the awardees from a pool of exceptional nominees submitted by WTS-DC members and the transportation community. The six winners of the 2021 Recognition Awards were also nominated for the WTS International awards. All of the recipients were able to join WTS-DC in person to accept their awards at the annual Holiday Party.
The Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award honors an individual who has made significant contributions in promoting diversity and cultural awareness within their organization, the transportation industry, or in a project or activity that supports the goals and mission of WTS. Diana Mendes, Corporate President for Infrastructure and Mobility Equity at HNTB, received this year’s award for her commitment to social justice and equity issues associated with infrastructure investment.
The Employer of the Year Award recognizes an organization that has excelled at recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This year, WTS-DC recognized Jacobs Engineering for its efforts as an employer to prioritize inclusion and promote women to the highest levels of its organization. Jennifer Duval, Vice President at Jacobs Engineering, accepted the award on behalf of Jacobs Engineering at the Holiday Party.
The Innovative Transportation Solution Award is presented to an innovative transportation project led by a woman. The WTS-DC chapter gave this year’s award to Commonwealth Avenue Complete Streets, a City of Alexandria project that implemented pedestrian safety, mobility, and access improvements for people of all ages during a roadway design process. The project manager from the City of Alexandria, Alex Carroll, attended the Holiday Party and accepted the award.
The Honorable Ray LaHood Award honors a leader and role model in the transportation industry who has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation. The WTS-DC chapter was pleased to present this award to Matthew Welbes, Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration, who has prioritized recruiting and advancing women and minority leaders at the FTA over the past two decades.
The Member of the Year Award recognizes a WTS-DC member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization. The 2021 WTS-DC Recognition Award went to Adrienne Ameel. Adrienne was the 2020-21 WTS-DC Immediate Past President and served on the WTS-International NE Region Council. She continues to lead the chapter by mentoring chapter leaders, organizing events, and supporting members at all levels.
The WTS-DC Woman of the Year award honors a woman who is an outstanding role model and has contributed to the advancement of women and minorities in transportation. The Chapter was honored to present this award to Liz Field, Vice President of Project Implementation and Construction at WMATA. Liz models exemplary leadership and advancement of women in the transit construction industry by empowering her employees and emphasizing inclusivity and positivity on her teams.
The WTS-DC Recognitions Committee looks forward to a busy 2022 and the opportunity to recognize a new slate of transportation professionals in the DC region.