WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter announces its 2023 Annual Awards Recipients

On International Women’s Day, the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter, an organization committed to the advancement of women in the transportation industry, announces the recipients of its 2023 annual awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to both the success of Arizona’s transportation industry and the advancement of women in the industry.

“Women and people of color are underrepresented and underrecognized in the transportation industry,“ said April Trevett, WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter President said. “Through our annual recognition program, the WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter aims to honor, recognize and applaud those who are creating the path for future generations. This year’s recipients represent the best of the best of our industry and we thank them for their commitment and their leadership.”

The 2023 WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter Award Recipients are:

Woman of the Year: Amanda McGennis, Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America

This award honors a woman who is an outstanding role model in transportation. Amanda McGennis has over 33 years in the construction industry.  Her experience ranges from pavement materials and research, procurement, safety, environmental, FHWA, NCHRP and SHRP Research, transportation initiatives and the development of training curriculum for air quality, construction stormwater and horizontal confined space in Arizona. McGennis recently retired from the AZAGC but continues to play a leadership role in industry organizations to promote the industry and its people. 

Honorable Ray LaHood Award: Robert Samour, PE, Arizona Department of Transportation

This award recognizes the men that have been key to WTS International’s effort to attract, retain, and advance women in transportation. Robert Samour, PE is a Deputy State Engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation where he oversees the Major Projects Group. This group is responsible for the state’s largest freeway projects including the South Mountain Freeway and the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project.

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award: Arizona Department of Transportation’s BECO

This award recognizes astute organizations, companies and innovative individuals that are broadening their multi-cultural initiatives, changing corporate cultures and philosophies. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office (BECO) is responsible for ensuring that ADOT, its subrecipients, contractors and consultants achieve full compliance with all applicable federal regulations related to disadvantaged and small business inclusion, equal and fair employment opportunity in federal contracting and on-the-job training for women and minorities in the construction trades. 

Innovative Transportation Solutions Project of the Year: Tempe Streetcar, Valley Metro

This award salutes the creative work of an organization whose outstanding and innovative transportation project or service has improved the quality of life for its users and the community. Valley Metro’s Tempe Streetcar is the first modern streetcar line in the Valley. It serves one of the highest transit ridership centers in the region and connects riders to neighborhoods, major business centers, and regional events and destinations.

Employer of the Year: Maricopa Association of Governments

This award recognizes businesses for their support of the goals and mission of WTS. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) was formed in 1967 when elected officials recognized the need for long-range planning and policy development on a regional scale. They realized that issues such as transportation and air quality affected residents beyond the borders of their jurisdictions. To that end, MAG provides a forum for local governments working together on issues that affect the lives of everyone in the greater Phoenix region.

Member of the Year: Samantha Hacker, City of Phoenix

This award recognizes a WTS member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization. Samantha Hacker is a Light Rail Coordinator with the City of Phoenix. She has volunteered for multiple WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Committees and shares her talents and enthusiasm for transit and transportation with everyone she meets. Samantha has more than 10 years of experience with major transportation infrastructure projects, the most recent five of which she spent supporting Valley Metro’s capital program through procedure development, document control administration and team training.

About WTS Metropolitan Phoenix

The WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter is one of more than 60 chapters associated with WTS International. The organization is dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women.

With more than 160 members representing all sectors of the transportation industry, the WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter works toward the WTS mission of advancing women in the transportation industry through scholarships, recognition programs, mentorship programs and monthly luncheon events to encourage networking and professional development. 

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