WTS Oklahoma 2020 Award Winners
Woman of the Year: Ms. Dawn Sullivan
Since July 2019, Ms. Dawn Sullivan has been serving as the Deputy Director for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. In her executive staff position, Sullivan oversees all day to day administration and strategic planning for the department.
With nearly 32 years of service dedicated to the department, Sullivan began her career as an engineering student intern at the Sand Springs Residency in 1988 and continued as a student engineer as part of the OU Bridge Design Squad. After graduating with her Civil Engineering degree, she participated in ODOT’s Engineer-in-Training program in various offices within the agency before becoming a professional engineer in 1995. She entered the engineering manager ranks in the Roadway Design Division, before becoming the Assistant Division Engineer in the Planning & Research Division in 2000 and was promoted to be Division Engineer in 2002. In 2007, a reorganization of the department created the Environmental Programs Division, and Sullivan stepped into the role to establish and lead that division. In 2016, she was named the Director of Capital Programs, the first woman to serve on the executive staff, where she remained until becoming the Deputy Director for the agency.
Sullivan is a founding member of Women’s Transportation Seminar International, Oklahoma Chapter; she has participated on several AASHTO and TRB committees, has served as co-chair for the Oklahoma State Transportation Innovation Council and the Southern Plains Transportation Center Advisory board chairman.
A graduate of Broken Arrow High School, Sullivan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and has been a Professional Engineer since 1995.
Member of the Year: Ms. Rhonda Dudeck
Ms. Rhonda Dudeck serves as the Chief Transportation Engineer for Benham Design, LLC and leads the corporate transportation engineering practice. Rhonda is a results-driven, enthusiastic professional with over 30 years of engineering design and project management experience across a spectrum of transportation and infrastructure.
Rhonda has a long history of supporting programs that provide leadership training, professional development and networking opportunities for women in transportation and transportation-related concerns. She currently serves as President of WTS Oklahoma and served as the Vice President for the founding Board of Directors for WTS Oklahoma. Rhonda has shown extraordinary commitment to the goals and growth of WTS, promoted the reputation of WTS within the transportation industry, strengthened communications and assisted with founding and growing our chapter.
Rhonda is passionate about and unwavering in her commitment to the engineering profession as well as the organizations she champions. She has served as President of the Tulsa Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers, as President of the Tulsa Branch and State Director for the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers and is currently serving on the City of Tulsa’s Infrastructure Development and Advisory Board.
Rhonda holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University and is a registered professional engineer in Oklahoma.
Rhonda is married with four adult children and two dogs. She enjoys playing golf, attending soccer matches, reading and family time.
Employer of the Year: City of Oklahoma City
The City of Oklahoma City has undergone a transformation under the MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) program since its inception in 1993. The projects are funded through a limited term, one-cent sales tax enabling the city to build projects debt-free. This pay structure allowed the city to construct world-class facilities, major infrastructure improvements, stadiums, arenas, school improvements, sidewalks, trails, and a variety of other projects without the burden of dept for future generations and city leaders.
Oklahoma City has supported WTS Oklahoma since its inception. Jeanne Smith, River Transit Manager with the City, has held board positions since the chapter began and currently is the newest WTS Oklahoma Secretary. Debbie Miller, Eric Wenger, Jason Ferbrache, and others from the City have spoken at WTS luncheons providing updates on all the new and innovative transportation and infrastructure projects happening at the City.
Oklahoma City implemented a program named WILLO – Women Inspiring Leadership & Learning Opportunities designed for succession planning. WILLO’s Mentoring Program is designed to build relationships between employees to foster developmental and professional growth. The program provides opportunities to train and develop diverse and highly talented employees ready to take on higher levels of responsibility and leadership within the City. The program includes leadership training and mentorships.
Molitoris Leadership Scholarship Winner: Ms. Wanying Zheng
Ms. Wanying Zheng is a junior studying civil engineering at Oklahoma State University. She currently works for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and plans to pursue a career in bridge design after obtaining a master’s in structural engineering. Some of her achievements include being a founder of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers chapter at OSU, serving as an officer for Chi Epsilon Honors Society, and being a Regents Distinguished Scholar.
Sharon D. Banks Scholarship Winner: Ms. Erika Zachman
Ms. Erika Zachman is a junior at the University of Oklahoma where she is studying Aviation Management with a minor in business. Her interest in aviation began at a young age when she would fly to summer camps across the country. Throughout her time at the University of Oklahoma, she has been involved as an executive member of the American Association of Airport Executives - Sooner Chapter, a peer teaching assistant, and a member of greek life. Erika aspires to pursue a career in airline management. When she is not busy studying or traveling, she enjoys playing golf, horseback riding, and hiking.