12th Annual COMTO Michigan Scholarship & Golf Outing 2024

MYSTIC CREEK GOLF COURSE & BANQUET CENTER

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

JUNE 20, 2024

I AM DELIGHTED TO EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO EACH OF YOU TO THE COMTO MICHIGAN 12TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & GOLF OUTING.

THIS YEAR, WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF CONGRATULATING ELEVEN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH COMTO MICHIGAN. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS SIGNIFY OUR DEDICATION TO SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS. THROUGH INITIATIVES LIKE THESE, WE AIM TO CREATE PATHWAYS FOR TALENTED INDIVIDUALS TO EXCEL IN THEIR CAREERS AND ENRICH OUR INDUSTRY WITH DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES.

AS WE TEE OFF TODAY, LET’S REMEMBER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE PROFOUND IMPACT THEY HAVE ON THE LIVES OF OUR RECIPIENTS. BY INVESTING IN THEIR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, WE EMPOWER THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR ASPIRATIONS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE VIBRANCY OF OUR FIELD.

TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN ON THIS REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. YOUR DEDICATION AND PASSION HAVE NOT GONE UNNOTICED, AND WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS IN YOUR CAREERS. AS WE ENJOY A DAY OF FRIENDLY COMPETITION ON THE GOLF COURSE, LET’S REFLECT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FOSTERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE TO THRIVE IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS YEAR'S COMTO GOLF OUTING. HERE'S TO A SUCCESSFUL AND MEMORABLE EVENT!

SINCERELY,

BEVERLY J. WATTS PRESIDENT, COMTO MICHIGAN

BEVERLY J. WATTS COMTO MICHIGAN PRESIDENT

PROGRAM

12TH ANNUAL COMTO MICHIGAN

SCHOLARSHIP & GOLF

OUTING

WELCOME

JASON LUKASIK, WSP

GOLF COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

COMTO MICHIGAN & COMTO NATIONAL UPDATE

OLUKAYODE (KAY) ADEFESO, MICHIGAN DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION

VICE PRESIDENT, COMTO MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

BRAD WIEFERICH, DIRECTOR

COMMITMENT TO GROWING DIVERSITY IN OUR INDUSTRY

MICHAEL GRIFFIE - AECOM

PRAYER

NATIERA FARRINGTON, SOMAT ENGINEERING, INC.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

DEE PARKER, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTERS

FISHBECK

BENESCH

SPICER GROUP, INC.

THE MANNIK & SMITH GROUP

MODJESKI AND MASTERS

HDR MICHIGAN, INC.

METRO CONSULTING ASSOCIATES

GOLF OUTING PRIZES & AWARDS

JASON LUKASIK, WSP

MELISSA LAMBERT, FISHBECK

TROPHY SPONSOR PRESENTER

CLOSING REMARKS

SHARMYNELLIOTT LEGACYSCHOLARSHIP

Sharmyn Elliott, a staunch supporter of COMTO on both the local and national levels, had been the Vice President of COMTO Michigan, the First Vice-Chair and Budget and Finance committee member of the COMTO National Board of Directors, when he tragically passed away in June 2022. Sharmyn wholeheartedly believed in COMTO’s mission to eliminate barriers in participation for minority individuals and businesses within the transportation industry; believing that this could be achieved through leadership, training, professional development, political advocacy, and networking opportunities and was resolute in his commitment in supporting women and minorities within the transportation industry.

During his 45-plus year career in the infrastructure engineering industry, he was a steadfast supporter of the multimodal transportation community Sharmyn’s personal situation required him to join the workforce immediately after graduating high school. He was unashamed of his education from the “University of Hard Knocks”. By the sheer dint of his hard work, his intellectual curiosity, his uncompromising commitment to quality, and his integrity. Sharmyn rose from the position of field technician to being the Vice President of Somat Engineering, Inc. a consulting engineering firm in Detroit and Chief Executive Officer of its Ohio subsidiary.

Sharmyn developed strong leadership skills early in life and was passionately dedicated to mentorship and guidance. He exhibited an unwavering commitment to assist and advocate for the advancement and success of others and was responsible for the advancement of their careers of an unmeasurable number of co-workers, colleagues, mentees, family members, and friends; guiding them in the development of their individual skills in order to achieve their full potential. He never failed to reach back as he climbed. Always humble in these acts, Sharmyn was a true example of selflessness, and whenever appreciation was shown, he always intensely stated, “This Is What We’re Supposed to Do.”

Sharmyn was a strong supporter of MDOT’s Transportation Diversity Recruitment Program (TDRP), which began with four college interns in 2014 and by 2022 placed 65 interns within MDOT and the industry.

Additionally, among his many honors, Sharmyn was selected as a Michigan Department of Transportation Hall of Honor inductee in October of 2022.

This scholarship in his name is to celebrate students that embody Sharmyn Elliott’s spirit of community service, leadership, mentorship and guidance.

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Garrett Morgan was an inventor and businessman - a man whose lifetime achievement is a model of dedication to public service, safety, and technological innovation.

In fact, Morgan's three-position traffic signal, for which he received a patent in 1923, could be considered the forerunner of modern intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Prior to his invention, most traffic signs in use had only two positions: stop and go. These manually operated two-position signals were an improvement over uncontrolled intersections, but because they allowed no interval between stop and go commands, collisions at busy intersections were common.

Morgan's signal was a T-shaped pole that featured three positions: stop, go, and an all-direction stop position. This third position halted traffic in all directions before vehicles were allowed to proceed on either of the intersection's roads. This feature not only made it less dangerous for motorists to travel through intersections but also allowed pedestrians to cross safely. Just before his death in 1963, the U.S. government gave him an award for his invention.

Morgan also developed a number of other inventions, including a gas mask that was later refined for use by U S soldiers during World War I He life showed dedication to public service, safety, and technological innovation. Mr. Morgan’s lifetime achievement is a model of dedication to public service, safety, and technological innovation.

This scholarship in his name is meant to inspire students to choose careers in transportation so that this nation will have the skilled workforce needed to operate and maintain the world's best transportation system.

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

COLINPEARSON

SHARMYNELLIOTTLEGACYSCHOLARSHIPRECIPIENT

COLIN PEARSON is a junior studying Civil Engineering at Michigan State University, where he maintains a 3.87 GPA. Volunteering and service have always been significant parts of Colin’s life. He specifically joins organizations that prioritize volunteerism and service. Colin’s advisor notes that a hallmark of Colin’s student leadership style is his dedication to his teammates. While Colin has been elected by his peers to serve as Vice President for the Honors College Activities Board in the 2024-2025 academic year. Colin was initiated into MSU’s Chi Epsilon student honor society this academic year and was awarded one of the prestigious competitive academic scholarships designated for active Chi Epsilon members. Through these organizations, he volunteered to distribute food directly to Lansing residents and served as a mentor to other students. Working side by side with organizations and becoming the service coordinator for Chi Epsilon taught Colin how to serve better and volunteer more impactfully, while also giving him the opportunity to teach others about the importance of service.

CABRESHA

GRAVES

MICHIGAN CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

CABRESHAGRAVESisarecentgraduateofCassTechnical HighSchoolwitha4.1GPAandwillbeattendingAlabama A&Minthefall.Proudofherachievements,sheisinvolved invariousactivities,includingPinkPearlsAKATeengroup, PresidentoftheGirlAdvisoryBoard,Lacrosseplayer,Girl Scout Ambassador, Midnight Golf Program participant, andLawrenceTechnologicalUniversity’sdualenrollment program. Cabresha actively contributes to school life, displayingacademicexcellence,compassion,leadership, andprofessionalismineveryendeavorDescribedasoneof thetop10%ofstudentsbyaseasonededucator,sheis poisedforsuccessincollegeandbeyond

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

LINDSAY JOHNSON

MICHIGAN CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

LINDSAYJOHNSONisarecentgraduateofCassTechnical HighSchoolandwillbeattendingHowardUniversityin thefall.Maintaininga3.4GPA,shewasaNationalHonors Society member, an Academic Game participant, and Captain of her Varsity Track and Field team Lindsay consistentlydemonstratesastrongcommitmenttoher studies, excelling academically while engaging in extracurricular activities and community service. Her volunteerworkincludesassistingshelters,helpingwith youthgroups,andstartingherownshoedrive.Lindsay statesthatvolunteeringhastaughtherthatitdoesn’t costyouanythingtoshareyourtalentswithsomeonefor free. Lindsay is also an entrepreneur at heart. As an entrepreneur, she runs a hair styling business and launchedanaturalhaircareproductslineinDecember 2023.Herpassionforhelpingothersdriveshertofurther hereducationatHowardUniversity.

KENNEDY BEEMAN

MICHIGAN CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

KENNEDYBEEMANisarecentgraduateofWaterfordMott HighSchoolandwillbepursuingadoublemajorinCivil Engineering and Landscape Architecture at Michigan StateUniversity.Witha3.86GPA,shebalancesacademics andtravelathletics,whileactivelyengagingincharitable actsofserviceinhercommunity.Forthepasttwoyears, Kennedy has been the sole female performing maintenanceatalocalathleticfacility,showcasingher dedication and work ethic. Excelling academically, particularly in STEM Physics and STEM Research and Designcourses,Kennedydemonstratesexceptionalskills andapassionforhands-onlearning.

InspiredbyCOMTO’smissionandthe‘2024Celebrating WomenWhoMovetheNation’Event,shelooksforwardto contributingherproblem-solvingabilitiesandenthusiasm totheorganization

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

NIA MATTHEWS

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

NIA MATTHEWS is an undergraduate in the Honors College at Oakland University with a 3.84 GPA. Nia is a member of several organizations including the Oakland University Student Activity Funding Board, and the Oakland University Pre-College Program. Additionally, Nia is the President of the Golden Anime Society and Secretary of Entrepreneurs in Action at Oakland University. Nia is also active in volunteerism. She volunteers her time as the secretary of the Matthews Foundation. She participates at the Haven Shelter for People Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence. She is an Earth Day volunteer and volunteers her time at church. Nia’s former supervisor states she has watched her grow to an intelligent and motivated individual. Nia’s has a gift with people and has great customer service skills. Nia also has a passion for writing and will be studying abroad this summer in Korea.

ERIKA IGARASHI-CUMMINGS

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

ERIKA IGARASHI-CUMMINGS is from Southfield, Michigan and is an undergraduate at Norfolk State University (NSU) pursuing a degree in Construction Management Engineering and Technology with a 3.60 GPA. Actively engaged in community and leadership initiatives, she currently serves as the Chartering Vice-President for the National Association of Home Builders (NSU Chapter), Vice President and member of the Robert C Nusbaum Honors College Student Association, and Chartering President and member of the Collegiate Midnight Golf Program. Erika played a pivotal role in the opening of the NSU Golf Simulator on campus, coordinating the first students to test and demonstrate the capabilities of the new $1 million dollar center. Described as exceptional, dynamic, and reliable, Erika’s positive attitude brings joy to those around her, contributing to the overall success of Norfolk State University.

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

OLUWANIFEMI ADEGBULGBE

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

OLUWANIFEMI ADEGBULGBE is a student in the Civil Engineering PhD program at Wayne State University with an interest in Transportation Engineering and Planning. Oluwanifemi maintains a 3.74 GPA and is a student member of COMTO, NSBE, ITE, SWE and ASCE. She demonstrates a passion to ensure equitable, safe, and reliable transportation through her work and research. To date, Oluwanifemi has completed two transportation research projects, including a project titled “Developing an Algorithm Using Connected Vehicle Technology to Enhance Older Drivers’ Freeway Merging Maneuver”. Her academic capability and dedication have been described as exceptional and is a strong advocate for other students in transportation engineering at Wayne State.

Nifemi’s robust engineering and statistics background and her passion for transportation research position her well for a successful career. After her PhD, Nifemi plans to continue researching different aspects of equity in transportation while providing consulting services in thetransportationindustry.

ELIZABETH BORG

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

ELIZABETH BORG is an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree and career in civil engineering with a 3 89 GPA Recently, she was honored with the James B Angell Scholar award recognizing her consecutive “A” record for two or more terms While at U of M, Elizabeth participated in undergraduate research in the Digital Water Lab Collaborating with professors and PhD students, she contributed to developing open-source technology for monitoring and controlling water systems affordably Elizabeth’s main responsibilities involved coding in Python, and she worked throughout the year to create a dashboard displaying key metrics She aspires to deepen her knowledge in transportation and construction engineering to contribute to safer transportation systems through her career

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

FOLARIN (AKINFOLARIN) ABATAN

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

FOLARIN(AKINFOLARIN)ABATAN isaCOMTOstudentintheCivil Engineering PhD program at Michigan State University, maintaininga392GPA PriortojoiningMSU,heservedasa graduateresearchassistant,accumulatingtwoyearsofpractical experienceasatrafficengineerwiththecityofDetroitCurrently, FolarinleadseffortsintheNationalCooperativeHighwayResearch Program (NCHRP) 15-75, aimed at updating guidance in the AmericanAssociationofStateHighwayandTransportationOfficials (AASHTO)GreenBookregardingacceleration,deceleration,and stopping sight distance. He conducts investigations using naturalisticdrivingdatatosupportthisprojectandacompanion studyontheimpactsofdriverdistractionontrafficsafety.Folarin’s ondatacollection,analysis,anddecision-supporttoolsaimsto reduce traffic crashes’ frequency and severity, aligning with Michigan’sgoalofTowardZeroDeaths.

MORGAN VANDORP

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

MORGAN VANDORP is an undergraduate studying engineeringatTaylorUniversitywitha3.7GPA.Shehas made an excellent start at Taylor University, demonstrating leadership and initiative. For example, Morganledateamtocreateacertificationprogramfor first-year engineering students to access the Taylor Advanced Additive Manufacturing Studio, housing the department’s3Dprinters Shedevelopeda3DPrinting trainingseminar,includingaPowerPointpresentationand instructionalmanual,attractingnearly20studentstoher first two sessions. Her sessions consistently reach full capacity

Recognizingheradvancedskillsetandleadershippotential,Morganhasbeenselectedfora co-presidentpositionin2024-2025forTWEET(TaylorWomenEngaginginEngineeringand Technology),aclubdedicatedtopromotingleadershipinyoungwomenpursuingtechnical degreesinengineering,computerscience,andsimilarfields.Dr.Nobles-Lookingbillarticulates thatMorganwillbeastellarrepresentativefortheCOMTOMichiganChapterandforthe transportationsector,leveraginghercareforothersalongsideherengineeringandleadership abilities.

2024SCHOLARSHIPAWARDEES

CORWIN MATTHEWS

GARRETT A. MORGAN TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

CORWIN MATTHEWS an alum of Michigan Tech University, currentlyholdsa4.0GPAasaCOMTOstudentatOakland University,whereheaimstoobtainadoctorateinOrganizational Leadership with a focus on Local Government/Municipal Planning His goal is to influence the future of Transit by implementingflexibleroutesystemsandmicro-transitsolutions, while addressing bus driver shortages and enhancing bus technology. Actively involved with the Mass Transportation Authority,Corwinhasplayedapivotalroleinvariousservices, properties, and upgrades, fostering partnerships with organizationssuchConsumersEnergy,KetteringUniversity,and the University of Michigan - Flint. Beyond his professional endeavors, Corwin is engaged in community service as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, participating in mentoringprogramstopositivelyimpactsociety.

2024 PLATINUMSPONSOR

2024 GOLFTOWELSPONSOR

2024 GOLFCARTSPONSOR

2024 GOLFHATSPONSOR

2024 TROPHYSPONSOR

2024 BEVERAGECARTSPONSOR

2024 SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

2024 SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

2024 PREMIUM HOLE SPONSORS

2024 PREMIUM HOLE SPONSORS

2024 PREMIUM HOLE SPONSORS

2024 RAFFLE BASKET SPONSORS

COMTO MICHIGAN BOARD & COMMITTEES

2024 - 2025

COMTO MICHIGAN OFFICERS

BEVERLY WATTS, PRESIDENT BME CONSULTING, LLC

OLUKAYODE (KAY) ADEFESO, VICE PRESIDENT MICHIGAN DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION

JOSHUA SALAZAR, PE, TREASURER HDR

KESHA MCKINNEY, SECRETARY HNTB

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JASON LUKASIK WSP

DEE PARKER MDOT

CORRI WOFFORD RTA

BERNARD PARKER, III SMART

OLADAYO AKINYEMI CITY OF DETROIT

BRYANT MOORMAN AJAX PAVING COMPANY

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE- CHAIRPERSON KESHA MCKINNEY, HNTB

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES (HUB) COMMITTEE- CHAIRPERSON TERRENCE HICKS, METRO STRATEGIES

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE- CO-CHAIRS DEE PARKER, MDOT, AND JOSHUA SALAZAR, HDR

GOLF COMMITTEE- CHAIRPERSON JASON LUKASIK, WSP

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - CO-CHAIRS CORRI WOFFORD, RTA & BERNARD PARKER, SMART

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE-CHAIRPERSON PRINCE OGUEJIOFOR, HDR

YOUTH OUTREACH COMMITTEE- CHAIRPERSON KIMBERLY WEBB, HNTB

TRANSPORTATION

BRAINTRUST BREAKFAST COMMITTEE- CHAIRPERSON REGINE BEAUBOEUF, HNTB

PIONEER AWARD & NOMINATION COMMITTEE- CO-CHAIRS GORETTE YOUNG, MDOT & BEVERLY WATTS, BME CONSULTING, LLC

COMTO GOLF & SCHOLARSHIP & COMMITTEES

GOLF COMMITTEE

JASON LUKASIK WSP, CO-CHAIR

MARK GRAZIOLI MDOT, CO-CHAIR

MELISSA LAMBERT FISHBECK

TREBECCA MCDONALD HNTB

AMILYN CEDERGREEN MICHAEL BAKER

BIANCA GRAVES LEADING EDGE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC

KIM LEBLANC SOMAT ENGINEERING, INC.

NATIERA FARRINGTON SOMAT ENGINEERING, INC.

TERRENCE HICKS METRO STRATEGIES

JOSHUA SALAZAR HDR

LAUREN PLINKA WSP

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

DEE PARKER MDOT, CHAIR

JOSHUA SALAZAR HDR

TONY MIGALDI HNTB

DIVYA IYER MDOT

NATIERA FARRINGTON SOMAT

comto.org/programs-events/53rd-national-meeting-and-training-conference

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION IS TO ENSURE OPPORTUNITIES AND MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY FOR MINORITY INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, THROUGH ADVOCACY, INFORMATION SHARING, TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.

OUR VISION

COMTO MICHIGAN WILL SERVE AS AN ADVOCATE FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK FOR ALL IN MICHIGAN.

THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

COMTO MICHIGAN STRIVES TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING:

A NETWORK OF TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

STRONG NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLITICAL ADVOCACY

ACCESS TO CAREER ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT QUALIFY FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUS, PDHS, ETC.) AND INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

MENTORING FROM EXECUTIVE LEVEL TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND GRADUATE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TRANSPORTATION CAREERS

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

COMTO MICHIGAN MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES, PRIVATE-SECTOR CORPORATIONS INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS; NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBE) AND SMALL BUSINESSES.

FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:

PLEASE CONTACT THE COMTO MICHIGAN MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR OR VISIT COMTO.ORG/MEMBERSHIP/BECOME-MEMBER