2025 AWARDS CEREMONY
May 21, 2025 | 8:00am — 10:00am Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery Washington D.C. Industry Partners Presenting Sponsor
Welcome
CONGRATULATIONS
to Yvonne Lopez-Diaz and all the honorees of the Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation awards program. Thank you for your leadership to advance our nation’s infrastructure and create stronger, more connected communities.
hntb.com
YVONNE LOPEZ-DIAZ National Workforce Strategist
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Champions of Transportation,
On behalf of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and the 2024-2026 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Committee, it is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the 14th annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards Ceremony.
Since its inception, this event has stood as a beacon of recognition for the remarkable women shaping the transportation industry. Today, we continue that tradition, honoring an extraordinary group of leaders whose contributions propel our industry forward, inspire future generations, and drive meaningful change in communities across the nation.
This year’s honorees represent the best and brightest in transportation, spanning all modes and sectors, both public and private. Their leadership, innovation, and dedication are critical to strengthening our nation's infrastructure and advancing mobility for all. They remind us that transportation is not just about moving people and goods but also about building a future that is shaped by unique voices and driven by excellence.
A special thank you to the CWWMN Selection Committee, whose commitment ensures that this event continues to highlight outstanding women making a difference in transportation. It has been an honor to work alongside:
Debra A. Johnson, Board Liaison, General Manager & CEO, RTD (2019 honoree)
Regine Beauboeuf, CEO, American Roads (2020 honoree)
Tracey Bessellieu, CEO & Principal Facilitator, Bessellieu Enterprises (2014 honoree)
Greer Johnson Gillis, SVP, Chief Infrastructure & Development Officer, JTA (2017 honoree)
Charlotte Shaw, CEO, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (2024 honoree)
Veronica Vanterpool, Past Acting Administrator, FTA (2023 honoree)
April Rai, COMTO Headquarters Liaison, President & CEO, COMTO
Their collective expertise and dedication have ensured that we continue to elevate and celebrate the trailblazing women who move the nation.
To our honorees, we salute your achievements. To our sponsors, partners, and attendees, we appreciate your support. And to the future leaders in the room, may you be inspired by the remarkable women we celebrate today.
Enjoy this momentous occasion!
With appreciation, Meshelle Howard Chair, CWWMN Committee | Director, Small Business Programs, WMATA | 2019 CWWMN Honoree
Congratulations
COMTO Women
Who Move the Nation Award Honorees
We salute and thank these trailblazers and exceptional leaders who help advance transportation infrastructure and innovation.
Keynote Speaker
National Women's History Museum
Frédérique Irwin, president and CEO of the National Women's History Museum, has more than 25 years of experience in strategic management, nonprofit and commercial business, operations, impact, and
Prior to joining the Museum, she served as Managing Director of Impact Strategy at the Sorenson Impact Center, where she managed high-level partnerships with leading organizations in the social impact sector. During that time she also led initiatives around improving equity in higher education and driving systems-level change for equity for women in entrepreneurship. She was the founder and CEO of Her Corner, a company educating women on how to scale their businesses, from 2012 until its sale in 2021. Over that period, she expanded Her Corner across multiple cities in the US, was a frequent speaker on the state of entrepreneurship for women in the US, and helped thousands of women-owned businesses scale. Her work supporting women earned her a spot as a New Zealand Edmund Hillary Fellow, a global fellowship for impact leaders. She has taught business management, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior at the Kogod School of Business at American
Irwin holds a Master of Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business at The College of William and Mary and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian studies from Davidson College. She is a dual citizen of the United States and European Union, is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and conversant in Russian.
EMPOWERED to lead PEOPLE
Today's Program
2025 AWARDS CEREMONY | MAY 21, 2025 | 8:00AM — 10:00AM
Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery Washington D.C
ANNOUNCEMENT OF HONOREES
OPENING REMARKS: Meshelle Howard, CWWMN Chair
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Frédérique Campagne Irwin
President and CEO of National Women’s History Museum
BREAKFAST IS SERVED • HONOREES INVITED ON STAGE
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Tanya Adams, SVP, Director of Strategic Partnerships, WSP - Transportation Honoree
Rhonda Briggins Vice President, Transit Service, Jacobs - Transit Honoree
Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County - Advocacy Honoree
Nikki Frenny Vice President, Customer Success, MV Transportation - Transportation Honoree
Lori M.K. Kahikina Executive Director & CEO, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation - Transit Honoree
Coree Cuff Lonergan CEO & General Manager Broward County - Transportation Honoree
Yvonne Lopez-Diaz Vice President, HNTB - Transportation Honoree
Yetunde Olumide CFO, WMATA - Washington Metro Area Transit Authority - Transit Honoree
Dottie Watkins CEO, CapMetro - Transit Honoree
Evalynn Williams, President, Dikita Enterprises - Small Business Honoree
Presentation of Shirley Delibero Award
CLOSING REMARKS: April Rai, COMTO President & CEO
Delia is the Vice President, External Affairs at COMTO. She joined the team after spending 24 years in the broadcast news industry, most recently as an anchor and reporter in Washington, DC. Delia is an award-winning storyteller earning 6 Regional Emmy Awards, 2 Associated Press Awards, and 2 Excellence Awards from the National Association of Black Journalists. In 2024, Delia was named a Washington Women of Excellence by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is now using her storytelling skills to elevate COMTO’s mission and brand.
Board Leadership
CHAIR
Tanya Adams
Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Partnership
WSP USA
FIRST VICE CHAIR
Dr. Lester Woods
Chief Administrative Officer
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
SECOND VICE CHAIR
Gwendolen Gray
Vice President, Program Management
HNTB
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Yetunde Olumide
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Johnell Bell
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Espousal Strategies LLC
Chief of Equity Officer
Interstate Bridge Program
Sharon Jean-Baptiste
VP, East Central Transportation Growth
Director Jacobs
Debra Johnson
General Manager and CEO
Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Kimberly Slaughter
Executive Consultant
Senior Vice President and Transportation Leader for North America
TYLin
Dave Wong
Vice President
Transportation Client Development Director
HDR
COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVES
Steve Granson
COMTO Houston President
Associate Vice President - Project Development Leader
HNTB
Richard Watson
COMTO New York President
Senior Director, Labor and Employee Relations
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of NY
Edna Stanley
COMTO SoCal President
Deputy Chief Operations Officer of Transit Service Delivery
Los Angeles Metro
Council of Presidents
Alabama
Charlotte Shaw
Arizona
Tony Santana
Atlanta
Kenyata Smiley
Austin
Yannis Banks
Boston
Aboubacar Konate
Central Florida
Iranetta Dennis
Chicago
Rovaughn Graham
Cincinnati
Sally Stewart McKinnie
Cleveland
Daveda Bencs
Colorado
Rico Nelson
Columbus
Quincy Howard
Connecticut
Sharon Okoye
District of Columbia
Jeff Parker
Ft. Lauderdale
Annette Payne
Hampton Roads
Sheri Dixon
Honolulu Hawaii
Roland "JR" Carino
Houston
Steve Granson
Jacksonville
Tsopie Trottie
Kansas City
Maurice Gay
Louisiana
Jamal Smiles
Maryland
Oluseyi Olugbenle
Memphis
Avery Mull
Miami
Wade Jones Jr.
Michigan
Beverly Watts
Minnesota
Tekia Jefferson
Nashville
Kia Lewis
New York
Richard Watson
North Carolina
Ebony Pittman
North Texas
Gabriel Beltran
Northern California
DeNise Lynell Blake
Oregon/SW Washington
Robin Thlehhema
Palm Beach County
Ann McNeill
Philadelphia
Carrie Givhan
Pittsburgh
Jerimaine Ward
Richmond
Joe Dillard
San Antonio
Maurice Bridges
Southern California
Edna Stanley
St. Louis
Vivian Martain
Toronto & Region
Mavara Turab
Washington State
Grantley Martelly
Shaping the future of inclusive mobility
GFT blends Gannett Fleming’s legacy of infrastructure innovation with TranSystems’ comprehensive transportation expertise to deliver resilient, future-ready multi-modal solutions. Our unified brand reflects a deeper purpose: to deliver with excellence, lead with equity, and uplift the diverse voices driving our industry forward.
From integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing transportation networks, we are redefining what it means to move people, connect communities, and shape the future of transportation.
As a proud COMTO Gold Industry Partner, we’re honored to support the women who lead, inspire, and move the nation.
gftinc.com
Past Honorees
2024
Monica Backmon
Transportation
Donna Berry, PE
Transportation
Veronica O. Davis, PE
Dr. Shelley Francis
Chief Gloria Frank
Carmencita Mitchell
2022
Nancy Pelosi
Alva Carrasco Advocacy
Petra Mollet Advocacy
Vanessa E. Wyche Aeronautics
Carole Hopson Aviation
Dawn Tucker-Thomas Federal Government
Muriel Bowser
Government
Latronia Durham Logistics
Rear Admiral, Ann C. Phillips
Yovannie Rodriguez, Esq. A.A.E
Janice R. Thomas
Charlotte Shaw
Trenelle Doyle
Claire M. Williams
Beverly J. Watts
Verdenia C. Baker
Ari Jolly
Transportation
Melissa Rolle-Scott
Michele Wong Krause
Kimberly Slaughter
DeLibero Award
Raquel Olivier
Underutilized
Beauboeuf
Joanna M. Pinkerton P.E
Darr
Inez
DeLibero
2017
Juanita
Margareth
2015
India Birdsong Chairman’s Eagle
Chellie Cameron Aviation
Ann Dawson-August Public Transportation
Marcia Ferranto Advocacy
Carolyn Flowers U.S. Government
Deborah Hersman Multimodal
Ysela Llort
Public Transportation
Veronique “Ronnie”
2016
Kimberly Avery
Flora M. Castillo, C.H.I.E.
Grace Crunican
Shirley
Anne
Helfer, Ph.D.
Grindly Johnson
Mary V. King
Feysan Lodde
Valarie McCall, Ph.D.
Margaret O’Meara
Dr. Karen E. Philbrick
Leanne Redden
The Honorable T. Bella Dinh Zarr, Ph. D., MPH Federal Government
2014
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton Legislator
Cynthia Jones Parks Private Sector
Joy Rohadfox Private Sector
Polly Trottenberg State Government
Victoria Wassmer Aviation
Dr. Maya Angelou
Lifetime Achievement
Kimberly Avery Chairman’s Eagle
Diane Babineaux Labor
Tracey Bessellieu
Shirley A. DeLibero
Grace Crunican
Shirley A. DeLibero
Dr. Barbara Gannon Academia
Jacqueline Hinman Private Sector
Catherine Hudgins Public Transportation
2013
F.
Rosemarie Andolino Aviation
India Birdsong Chairman’s Eagle
Anne P. Canby Advocacy
Helen L. Dale
Shirley A. DeLibero
The Honorable Tammy Duckworth
Lifetime Achievement
Carolyn Flowers U.S. Government
Ysela Llort
Public Transportation
Joan McDonald State Government
Cheryl McKissack Daniel Private Sector
Deryl McKissack, PE, PMP Private Sector
Therese W. McMillan Federal Government
Polly Trottenberg State Government
2012
The Honorable Marion C. Blakey Aviation
Jane A. Chmielinski Private Sector
The Honorable Corrine
Brown
Lifetime Achievement
The Honorable Rina
Cutler
Local Government
Shirley DeLibero
Shirley A. DeLibero
The Honorable Nuria I.
Fernandez
Public Transportation
The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson Legislator
Grindly Johnson
State Government
Andrella Kenner Aviation
Susan Kurland U.S. Government
Karen Rae State Government
Shelby Scales Advocacy
The Honorable Camille
U.S. Government
Paula P. Hochstetler Aviation
The Honorable Grace Napolitano Legislator
Beverly A. Scott, Ph.D.
Public Transportation
The Honorable Beverly L. Swaim-Staley
Multimodal
Victoria Wassmer
Aviation
Gina
Adams Private Sector
Gloria J. Jeff, AICP Highways
Laura Barrett Advocacy
Nene Foxhall Aviation
M. Hazeur
Tanya Adams
Tanya Adams
Senior Vice President
Director of Strategic Partnership WSP
Tanya works with WSP USA’s business lines, regions, and functional groups to create a work environment that produces three key outcomes: a culture of trust that provides safe spaces for sensitive conversations; increased opportunity and advancement of untapped talent in the workforce; and greater support for WSP colleagues who are leaders in under-engaged communities. In addition, she advocates for business involvement in both the engineering and transportation communities and on WSP USA’s contracts. Prior to joining the firm, she served in leadership roles with the Illinois Department of Transportation for 19 years. Tanya is actively involved in strategic initiatives with community organizations—serving alongside small business partners—and she develops and directs both internal and external programs to meet business needs.
Tanya’s personal goal is to see the faces of America equally reflected at all levels of the transportation industry. She has devoted her career to serving as an advocate and a resource to all individuals and businesses. Tanya has been a COMTO member since 2007, having served as a member of the Board, Corporate Advisory Council, Joint Leadership Team, Women Who Move the Nation Committee, and the Program Planning Committee. In 2016, she was named COMTO’s Corporate Executive of the Year, in 2018 she received COMTO’s President’s Award for Excellence. She currently serves as Chair of COMTO’s Board of Directors.
In 2015, she became the first African American woman to be elected to the board of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois. She also served as the Chair of ACEC’s Students Engaged in Engineering Committee for 10 years, currently serving as Vice Board Chair, Tanya is actively engaging and fostering an interest in the transportation industry among students.
In addition, Tanya is a member of WTS and was named 2018 Woman of the Year; she also actively participates in the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association
On This Well Deserved Award Congratulates
Rhonda Briggins
Vice President, Transit Services Jacobs
Thank you for your leadership and dedication to COMTO Atlanta.
Rhonda Briggins
TRANSPORTATION HONOREE
Rhonda Briggins
Vice President, Transit Services Jacobs
Rhonda leads strategic initiatives to enhance public transportation systems nationwide. With over two decades of experience in transit planning, policy, and infrastructure development, she is dedicated to advancing sustainable and equitable mobility solutions. Rhonda collaborates with public agencies, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to deliver innovative, datadriven transit strategies.
Prior to joining Jacobs, Rhonda spent more than 15 years at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. She was primarily responsible for the development of MARTA’s public policy, and community outreach strategies. In addition, she was responsible for the authority’s legislative initiatives amounting to billions of dollars in funding for the authority’s operational and capital budget. She was instrumental in the passage of recent transit legislation amounting to more than $10.9B in transportation funding. Within the first year of her employment with Jacobs, Rhonda secured a significant $3B program management contract within the transportation industry.
Rhonda is the immediate past co-chair of the National Social Action Commission for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In this role, she was one of the founders of Delta 4 Women in Action, a 501c4 organization created by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to expand their political footprint beyond advocacy in the community. She organized a 2019 election march in Selma, AL, inviting more than 30,000 Greeks from across the country to participate by crossing the Edmund Pettus. She has been featured in Grio online magazine, Blavity online magazine, Glamour magazine, Time online magazine, OWN network, and other publications for her national and local political work training women to run for elected office.
In 2019, 2020 and 2021, she was ranked in the top 10 of “Top 100 Influential Women in Georgia”. In 2022, she was named a “Woman to Watch” from the Women of Color in STEM.
Rhonda is a long-time COMTO member who has demonstrated a commitment to shaping the future of transit through innovation, partnership and recognizing excellence.
Daniella Levine Cava
ADVOCACY HONOREE
Miami-Dade County
Daniella Levine Cava was elected Miami-Dade County’s first-ever woman mayor in November 2020 and re-elected in August 2024. As mayor, she oversees a metropolitan government of approximately 23,000 employees, serves nearly 3 million residents, and manages an annual budget of approximately $12 billion. Mayor Levine Cava’s administration is focused on building a stronger, more prosperous, more resilient Miami-Dade. She protected lives and livelihoods by deploying a people-focused coronavirus pandemic response, bolstering small businesses, residents, and public health. She is prioritizing reforms to keep our county safe and free from gun violence through the Peace and Prosperity Plan; reinvigorating a thriving economy that delivers economic security and welcomes new investments; preserving our environment, including Biscayne Bay and the Everglades, for generations to come; and directly engaging with residents through widespread community engagement campaigns, such as Thrive305.
She has delivered on these promises through the Future Ready Plan, an economic development approach that empowers our local workforce, supports small business, and unleashes the power of innovation. Under her leadership, Miami-Dade County released the globally renowned Sea Level Rise and Climate Action Strategies that push forward to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and 50% reduction by 2030.
Mayor Levine Cava has tackled the housing and affordability crises head on, increasing tenant protections and rapidly accelerating the supply of new affordable and workforce housing. She has made historic investments in housing solutions, including a new Office of Housing Advocacy, expanding programs to prevent over 26,000 households from losing their homes, and offering mortgage, utility, and condominium special assessment relief. Her stewardship of the county’s SMART Plan will expand five key transit corridors, connecting every corner of Miami-Dade with the most energy efficient and reliable public transportation options.
Previously, Levine Cava served vulnerable children, families, and immigrants at Legal Services of Greater Miam and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. In 1996, she founded Catalyst Miami to help low- and middle-income families through service, education, and advocacy, which she ran for nearly two decades.
Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor
MV TRANSPORTATION
CELEBRATES OUR OWN
NIKKI FRENNEY
VP of Customer Success
COMTO 2025
WOMEN WHO MOVE THE NATION AWARD WINNER
Nikki Frenney
Nikki Frenney
Vice President of Customer Success
MV Transportation
For more than two decades, Nikki Frenney has been a transformational leader in public transportation, using her business acumen, strategic negotiation skills, and crisis management expertise to shape the industry and drive unparalleled succ ess. A master communicator and trusted advisor, Nikki’s ability to navigate complex political and business landscapes has earned her the nickname “Olivia Pope of Public Transit.” Her impact spans multiple transit agencies, having served as Chief Communications Officer at Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, GA, Head of Media Relations at LYNX in Orlando, FL, and Communications Executive at the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) in Tampa, FL.
Throughout her career, Nikki has played a pivotal role in shaping public perception, influencing policy decisions, and securing major funding for transit agencies across the country. In 2004, Nikki joined MV Transportation as a Special Projects Manager and quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming Executive Vice President of Public Affairs just two years later. In this role, she has been instrumental in securing and retaining more than a quarter of a billion dollars in business for the company. Her leadership in business strategy, contract negotiations, and stakeholder engagement has helped MV expand from a $24 million company in 2004 to a $1.4 billion industry leader by 2025.
Nikki currently serves as Vice President of Customer Success and continues to serve as an attaché to MV’s owner, Feysan Lodde, traveling the country together to meet with clients, drivers, and community leaders, reinforcing MV’s commitment to operational excellence and community partnerships. A staunch advocate for public transportation as an economic engine, Nikki has successfully changed the narrative around transit investment among conservative elected officials and business leaders. Through compelling messaging and strategic partnerships, she has demonstrated how public transit drives job creation, enhances local economies, and improves quality of life. Nikki is also a fierce champion for the expansion of Paratransit services, recognizing that public transportation is not just about movement—it’s about freedom. She has been a tireless advocate for seniors and people with disabilities, ensuring that mobility remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Lori M.K. Kahikina 2025
Vontas is proud to support COMTO’s 2025 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards. Congratulations to this year’s honorees who lead and advance America’s transportation industry!
We’re reimagining and delivering intelligent transportion systems that empower communities to choose transit.
Lori M.K. Kahikina Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Lori Kahikina serves as the Executive Director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), the agency responsible for planning and constructing Honolulu’s rail transit system. The rail system, called Skyline, is the first automated, urban light rail system in the United States and the largest public infrastructure project in Hawai i's history.
Kahikina is the first woman and first person of Native Hawaiian ancestry to lead HART. She joined HART in 2021 at a critical point in the project. Under her leadership, the first segment of Skyline opened successfully in June 2023, with the second segment currently advancing through system testing and expected to be operational by late 2025. In late 2024, a contract was awarded for design and construction of the third operating segment, which will bring Skyline through downtown Honolulu by 2031. Upon completion of the current project scope, the rail system will link key employment centers, visitor destinations and residential communities along a 19-mile corridor on the south shore of the island of O‛ahu.
Kahikina is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai ‛i, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is a licensed Civil Engineer with over 30 years of experience, including 10 years in the private sector and over 20 years of public service with the City and County of Honolulu. She previously served as Director of the City’s Department of Design and Construction and Director of the City’s Department of Environmental Services, where she oversaw the completion of a $5 billion federally mandated wastewater consent decree.
Lori is the mother of three sons and has one grandson. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, riding her horse, and playing piano and singing at two Catholic churches. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawai i Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Honolulu, the Dean’s Council for the University of Hawai i College of Engineering, and the Financial Council for St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Coree Cuff Lonergan
Coree Cuff Lonergan
CEO & General Manager
Broward County
Coree Cuff Lonergan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in field operations, complex negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives. With experience in four major industries -transportation, energy, engineering services and health care, Cuff Lonergan has been a trailblazer for change and credited with sustainable bottom-line improvements. As an innovative leader, Cuff Lonergan has held leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, has voluntarily served on several nonprofit boards and is an ongoing advocate for science and technology. Cuff Lonergan has worked for three Fortune 500 companies, CSX, Exelon Energy, and Fluor, holding management and executive leadership positions. In addition to these private sector assignments, Cuff Lonergan has worked for two of the top ten transportation agencies in the United States: Metro, in Washington, DC, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), in Philadelphia, PA
Cuff Lonergan is currently the CEO/General Manager for Broward County Transit (BCT), which is the second largest transit system in the state of Florida. There she leads a team of more than 1,200 transportation employees, serving the needs of 2.1 million Broward County residents through dedicated bus, community shuttles and paratransit services. Serving a ridership base of over 20 million, BCT is actively advancing a $4.3 Billion strategic investment initiative, PREMO, that will add 200 miles of new premium transit service to improve mobility in the highly congested areas of South Florida.
Cuff Lonergan is leading a transformative cultural initiative at BCT, which puts the customer at the center of every decision that is made, embraces a Just Culture safety framework as a way of life and applies private sector sensibilities to optimize performance and gain efficiencies. In just under two years of her leadership, the agency won over $25M in discretionary grant awards; drastically reduced bus operator vacancy rates; and fast tracked the activation of several major capital
Throughout her career, Cuff Lonergan has been a trailblazer, most notably serving as the first African American woman in the United States to hold the position of Chief Engineer, Capital Projects at a Class 1 Railroad.
Yvonne Lopez-Diaz TRANSPORTATION
Yvonne Lopez-Diaz
Vice President
HNTB
Yvonne Lopez-Diaz is a vice president at HNTB Corporation, an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With HNTB for 24 years, she currently serves as the firm’s National Workforce Strategist. During her time at HNTB, Yvonne has held various roles within the company, including Director of Human Resources, where she was responsible for managing all aspects of HR strategy and operations throughout the country. As the National Workforce Strategist, Yvonne plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing workforce requirements on major projects and pursuits. She collaborates with leadership to identify the skills and expertise needed for successful project execution and works to develop strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. Her background in the pharmaceutical industry at Bayer Corporation has provided her with a strong foundation in managing HR functions in a complex and highly regulated industry. In addition to her work at HNTB, Yvonne has been involved in various professional organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). She is committed to staying current on industry trends and best practices, and regularly attends conferences and workshops to further her professional development.
Yvonne’s involvement on the board of COMTO Central Florida further underscores her dedication to promoting a transportation industry that empowers all lived experience. COMTO aims to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the chance to advance and contribute to the field.
Yvonne's achievements and recognition highlight her exceptional leadership and impact in the transportation industry. Being featured in the "Hispanic Executive" Magazine showcases Yvonne's prominence as a Latina leader on the global stage. This recognition not only highlights her accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for other aspiring Latino professionals in the transportation field. Being named one of the "Top 10 Women to Watch in Transportation" by the ENO Center for Transportation further acknowledges Yvonne's innovative ideas and positive impact on the transportation industry. This recognition indicates her ability to contribute fresh perspectives, drive change, and make a difference in the field.
Congratulations to
Yetunde Olumide
Chief Financial Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
The COMTO DC and Maryland Chapters are proud to honor Yetunde Olumide, Chief Financial Officer of WMATA, as a 2025 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Honoree.
Yetunde’s exceptional leadership has made a lasting impact on the transportation industry and the communities we serve. Chapter Presidents Jeff Parker and Oluseyi Olugbenle, and all our members congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
by
WOMEN WHO MOVE THE NATION
IF
Yetunde Olumide
Yetunde Olumide
Chief Financial Officer
WMATA
Yetunde was born to Professors Babatunde and Grace AleleWilliams in Lagos, Nigeria. The last of 5 children of 2 college professors, she was born into academic and professional excellence. From an early age she learned how to be a respectable member of society based on examples set by her parents and siblings. She got her elementary and secondary school education in Nigeria and then enrolled in Tuskegee University in Alabama where she graduated with honors with a BS in Finance and subsequently an MBA in International Business from Loyola University.
Post graduation and over 20 years later, Yetunde is a finance professional with experience in manufacturing, food service, education and transportation industries. Mrs. Olumide currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, WMATA. She has been at WMATA for 14 years and previously served as Finance Manager, Operating Budget Director and Vice President Finance, Office of Management and Budget. Prior to WMATA, Mrs. Olumide worked in various financial capacities, notably at Honeywell, Schlumberger U.S. Food Service and Newell Rubbermaid. Mrs. Olumide is responsible for WMATA's $5 billion financial portfolio and ensuring efficient and accurate fiscal stewardship in budget development, long range planning and management; funds investment, risk mitigation and treasury operations, grants management and financial reporting the collection of revenues, purchase of goods and service, proper accounting of financial transactions including payables, receivables, assets and liabilities; real estate and joint development strategy.
Mrs. Olumide is a member of the prestigious Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), as a Finance Leaders Fellow, she joined an elite team of Finance Fellows around the world who are committed to marshalling the industry’s vast resources and influence to address systemic challenges and advance a more just society. She also serves as a board member for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, (COMTO) furthering her work to ensure transportation serves all. Apart from her role as CFO and professional affiliations, Yetunde is a wife, mother of 3 young adults, sister, church volunteer, and advocate for underprivileged women. Yetunde lives in Howard County, Maryland with her family and is a MARC train and WMATA Red Line and Green Line Commuter.
Congratulations
President & CEO, CapMetro
What a ride! Dottie Watkins began her journey with CapMetro in ’94 as a part-time shuttle driver for The University of Texas at Austin, where she was in her junior year of study.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Dottie continued to grow her career with the agency. She went on to become the President and CEO in February 2023. Under her leadership, CapMetro has received notable recognition for workplace excellence and community impact.
Dottie’s journey underscores the positive influence of public transit and the necessity of inclusive leadership. As the industry welcomes more individuals, leaders like Dottie are creating a stronger, more people-focused future.
Dottie Watkins 2025
Dottie Watkins
Chief Executive Officer
CapMetro
Dottie Watkins serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, Texas. With over two decades of experience in public transportation, Ms. Watkins brings a unique blend of frontline knowledge and executive leadership to her role.
Ms. Watkins began her career in transit in 1994, driving buses part-time for CapMetro while pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Her trajectory within the organization has been comprehensive, encompassing roles such as bus operator, supervisor, trainer, and dispatcher, before advancing to executive leadership positions.
Prior to her appointment as President & CEO in January 2023, Ms. Watkins held several key positions within CapMetro, including Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of Bus Operations and Maintenance. She also served as the interim President and CEO beginning in June 2022.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Watkins has demonstrated strong crisis management skills, notably steering the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic without layoffs in her position of Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes a people-first approach and a commitment to operational excellence.
As a native Austinite and lifelong CapMetro rider, Ms. Watkins possesses a deep understanding of the vital role public transportation plays in urban development and community well-being. She is a strong advocate for integrating public transit planning with broader urban development strategies to create more accessible and equitable communities.
Ms. Watkins is actively involved in several industry organizations. She serves on the board of the Texas Transit Association as well as The Bus Coalition, a national advocacy group for public transportation. Additionally, she contributes to the community as a board member of Dress for Success Austin, supporting their mission to empower women professionally.
In her commitment to staying connected with day-to-day operations, Ms. Watkins regularly engages with frontline staff and riders, ensuring that leadership decisions are informed by on-the-ground realities.
COMTO NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER CONGRATULATIONS
2025 Women who Move The Nation Honoree
Evalynn Williams
A BIG
SMALL BUSINESS
SHIRLEY
Evalynn, better known as “Eve,” has more than 37 years of experience in management and accounting with the firm. After serving 27 years as the company’s CFO she became the President and CEO in 2010.
She has since led the company to new heights. Following and guided by her father, the company has continued to grow and thrive in new markets and obtain larger notable projects. Eve has been instrumental in the company’s growth nationally, securing contracts with major public authorities from California to New York, and locally including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), TxDOT, DISD, Texas A&M, City of Dallas, DFW Airport and many others.
Unprecedently, in 2016, Dikita completed a prime role as a 49% JV partner designing and managing the construction of DART’s last 3 miles of light rail from Ledbetter to UNT. She has also led the firm in 2 ongoing consecutive 6-year plus $4B Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Bond Programs as a prime program manager, today totaling $48M in revenue with an average of 95% MBE participation. Dikita was the first African American firm to ever serve as a Program Manager for the District’s bond programs in 2016.
Due to her exceptional track record and accomplishments amassed over the years, she has gained the trust of clients, communities, and her professional staff. Eve is very sensitive to growing her employees by training them well enough so they can leave but treating them well so they will not want to. Everyone who knows and works with her will declare that she will push you to be the best you can be. Her motto: “In order to become great you must practice being great. Give it 130%.” She will continue to push the organization into utilizing new technology, venturing into new markets, and offering new services to current and new clients. In October 2020, she became the first African American female to chair the Business Members Board of Governors at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public and private sector member organizations.
Evalynn Williams
President
Dikita Enterprises
SPONSOR
RECEPTION SPONSOR
