Nominations are now closed for the 20th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet! Deadline is August 12, 2024.

Member of the Year

This award acknowledges a WTS-IE member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization. Please identify WTS activities this individual has been involved in, include an explanation of how they promoted WTS within transportation and how they have expanded and worked effectively to strengthen communication between local and national levels, or between chapters.

Woman of the Year

This category is designed to reach beyond WTS-IE membership to honor a woman who is an outstanding role model in transportation. This award is designed for a woman who has directly contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities in the transportation field. A woman who through her career achievements and support of women in the industry has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation. It is not a reward for service to WTS-IE.

Secretary Ray La Hood Award 

This award was created to recognize a man who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry. A man who has directly contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities in the transportation field. One who has led by example, seeking out opportunities to advance and advocate for women in his own organization, and who has actively ensured that women are able to compete for key positions of authority within that organization. This award will recognize a man who, through his career achievements and support of women in the industry, has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation.

Employer of the Year 

This award honors an organization (company, non-profit, association or government agency) for recruiting, retaining and advancing women. An organization that supports the goals and purpose of WTS, has an outstanding record of affirmative action in hiring and promoting women at all employment levels, supports continuing education and career development of its women employees through professional education, professional organizations, and/or professional development opportunities as well as encourages women to enter the transportation field and has supported WTS.

Innovative Transportation Solutions

This category honors an innovative transportation project or service that improves the quality of life for its users and the community. Please describe an outstanding local project and specifically how the transportation element of the program has contributed to the success of the initiative, how the project supports one or more key community values, what obstacles, if any, were overcome to provide this service or build this project, and how it has made a difference in the lives of its users.

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award

This award honors an organization (company, non-profit, association or government agency) for recruiting, retaining and advancing women. An organization that supports the goals and purpose of WTS, has an outstanding record of affirmative action in hiring and promoting women at all employment levels, supports continuing education and career development of its women employees through professional education, professional organizations, and/or professional development opportunities as well as encourages women to enter the transportation field and has supported WTS.

If you have any questions regarding nominations please contact Joy Buenaflor or Rebecca Hamilton.

2023 Award Recipients

On January 25, 2024, six Inland Empire-based individuals and firms were recognized for their dedication to advancing women in transportation. 

Member of the Year: Andrea Hernandez
Woman of the Year: Carrie Schindler
Secretary Ray LaHood Award: Justin Fornelli
Employer of the Year: San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)
Innovative Transportation Solution: SBCTA's Free-Fare Initiatives
Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award: Yvonne Lopez-Diaz