Issuu

GALA DONORS

Purse Raffle Donors

AngelaMcMurray

DelynnHenry

KarenCoopersmith

RobPowers

UES

Transcend

WTSHoustonBoard

Silent Auction & Gala Game Donors

AguedaGuerra

AngelaMcMurrayStephanieGuillot

AshleyE.Jones

BarbaraKoslov

CaitlinTimoney FarahAnwar RobPowers

RonkeOsibajo

AndrettiIndoorKarting&GamesKaty

BeverlyJonesDesigns

BlockheadStrategy

Children’sMuseumHouston

EscapeinTime

FairytalePhotographyStudio

Freese&Nichols

GadelaWinery

GannettFleming|Transystems

HDR

HNTB

HollawayEnvironmentaland CommunicationsServices

HoustonAirportSystem

HoustonBallet

ImmersiveGamebox

JamesAveryArtisanJewelry

KendraScott

KoslovLarsenGallery

LocalTable

MisterCarWash

NiceWinery

PopStroke

RabaKistner

RooftopCinemaClub

STV

TEIPlanning+Design

TheAstrosFoundation

TheatreUndertheStars

TheBurgerJoint

ThompsonHouston,byHyatt

TotalWine

TraderJoe’s

WhiskeyCake

WilliamPriceDistilling

WTSHoustonBoard

Thank you!

On behalf of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and the Scholarship Awards Committee, thank you for your continued contributions to the WTS Houston Chapter. We are committed to advancing the careers of women in transportation through education and professional development With your support, the WTS Houston Chapter is able to encourage women pursuing careers in transportation by awarding local scholarships to students at the high school, undergraduate,andgraduatelevels.

Our Scholarships

HELENEM.OVERLYMEMORIALSCHOLARSHIP

Thescholarshipisawardedtowomenpursuinggraduatestudiesintransportationorarelatedfield.This awardisfor$7,000.

BRIDGETTEBEATOLEARDERSHIPLEGACYSCHOLARSHIP

Forgraduatestudentswhoarethefutureleadersoftransportationandwhodemonstrateinterestin advancingtransportationinnovation.Thisawardisfor$1,000.

SHAROND.BANKSMEMORIALUNDERGRADUATESCHOLARSHIP

Fostersthedevelopmentofwomeninthetransportationfieldbyencouragingbrightnewprofessionals toundertakecareerintransportation.Thisawardisfor$6,000.

MOLITORISLEADERSHIPSCHOLARSHIP

Forundergraduatestudentsintransportationorrelatedfieldwhodemonstrateleadershipskills,ability, andinterest.Thisawardisfor$2,000.

G2XENDOWEDSCHOLARSHIP

GX2standsforGRIT&GRACE thefoundationofstrongfemaleleaders.Wemustberesilient,tenacious, andgracefulallatonce.Thisawardisfor$2,000.

COMMUNITYCOLLEGE/TECHNICAL/TRADESCHOOLSCHOLARSHIP

Fostersthedevelopmentofwomeninthetransportationfieldbyencouragingbrightnewprofessionals toundertakecareerintransportation.Thisawardis$3,500.

TRANSPORTATIONYOUHIGHSCHOOLSCHOLARSHIP

Fostersthedevelopmentofwomenandgirlsintransportationfieldbyencouragingbright,new professionalsandstudentstoundertakecareersintransportation.Thisawardisfor$3,500.

WTS Houston scholarships will be presented by our 2025 Titanium Sponsors.

WTS Houston Scholarship Winners

TRANSPORTATIONYOUHIGHSCHOOLSCHOLARSHIP

CamelliaAboukinane

BridgelandHighSchool

COMMUNITYCOLLEGE/TECHNICAL/TRADESCHOOLSCHOLARSHIP

AlejandraGarcia

EngineeringScience-CivilEngineering

HoustonCommunityCollege

SHAROND.BANKSMEMORIALUNDERGRADUATESCHOLARSHIP

EmmaLarson

CivilEngineering

RiceUniversity

WTSMOLITORISLEADERSHIP&G2XENDOWEDSCHOLARSHIP

DorianCarter

ConstructionManagement

UniversityofHouston

BRIDGETTEBEATOLEARDERSHIPLEGACYSCHOLARSHIP

SaschaSabaroche

UrbanPlanning&EnvironmentalPolicy

TexasSouthernUniversity

WTS Houston Award Recipients

YoungEngineeroftheYearAward

LaceyHebert,PE

TechnicalManager,ITS&Traffic

AtkinsRéalis

MemberoftheYear

YoussairaBelmokadem,PE

BridgeEngineer

GannetFlemingTranSystems

InnovativeTransportationSolutions

DrivewayAccessPermitSystem

TxDOT

EmployeroftheYear Halff

HonorableRayLaHood

JudgeL.M.“Matt”Sebesta,Jr.

CountyJudge

BrazoriaCounty,Texas

WomanoftheYear

LesleyBriones

Commissioner

HarrisCountyPrecinct4

WTS HOUSTON

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Transportation You High School Scholarship

Camellia Aboukinane

CamelliaisaseniorwhowillattendTexasA&MUniversityinthefalltopursuea degree in STEM. As an active member of the National Honors Society, she demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service across the Houston area. Her passion for traveling and experiencing what the world has to offer has inspired her interest in transportation, which sheconsidersextremelyvaluableandimportanttoherfuturecareer.

Community College/Technical/Trade School Scholarship

Alejandra Garcia

Alejandra is a highly motivated sophomore currently pursuing her associate degree before transferring to complete her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She has already earned an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Design from Houston Community College (HCC), which has enabled her to work as a CAD Technician for Consor Engineers. In this role, she collaborates with engineers in both the transportation and water sectors. Though relatively new to the industry, Alejandra has already witnessed how thoughtfully designed infrastructure improves quality of life for people of all abilities and backgrounds She is passionate about creating positivechangethroughcivilengineeringandtransportation

WTS HOUSTON

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship

Emma Larson

mma is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a oncentration in Urban Infrastructure, Reliability, and Management from Rice niversity. She serves as a research assistant with Rice's Severe Storm Prediction nd Evacuation from Disasters Center and has worked as a teaching assistant for he Civil and Environmental Engineering department. Outside the classroom, mma enjoys hiking and serves as a trip leader for Rice Outdoor Programs and ducation After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a career in transit design, workingonprojectsthatprioritizeaccessibilityandsustainability

Molitoris Leadership Scholarship, G2X Endowed Scholarship

Dorian Carter

Dorian is pursuing a degree in Construction Management and is passionate about construction and its impact on both the community and environment. During her time at University of Houston, she has joined both professional and volunteer clubs to explore the world of construction. Beyond her academic and professionalpursuits,Dorianfindsfulfillmentinvolunteering,spendingtimewith family,anddrawing

WTS HOUSTON

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Bridgette Beato

Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Sascha Sabaroche

Sascha brings 25 years of specialized experience in Civil Engineering, with a particular focus on Transportation Planning and Engineering, where she has held various leadership roles over the past decade. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines, including transportation planning, pipeline integrity engineering, academia, research, business development, design, construction, and land surveying Ms Sabaroche is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University, concentrating on Transportation Planning and Engineering Notably, she has collaborated with the US Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (USDOT - PHMSA) and the Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) Duringhertwoyearsofrigorous,USDOT-PHMSA-certifiedtraining,shedevelop-

edacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheoperationalaspectsofonshoreandoffshorepipelinesystemsfor gases and liquids. Various management certifications from TXDOT bolster her credentials, and in the pipeline sector, she is certified in critical areas such as Pipeline Safety Management Systems, Fitness for Service, and Welding. These qualifications underscore her in-depth knowledge and competency in pipeline engineeringandtransportation.

Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship Dorimekka Nichols

Dori holds a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation Management and Security from Texas Southern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Maritime Business Administration and Logistics at Texas A&M University at Galveston. She is currently serving as an Inspections and Expediting Coordinator atShell,wheresheintegratesacademicknowledgewithreal-worldoperationsto drive innovation in the shipping and maritime sectors. She is passionate about advancing sustainability and spearheading transformative solutions in maritime logisticsandrenewableenergysupplychains.Beyondherprofessionalendeavors, Dori is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry. As CommunityOutreachCoordinatorforboththeWomenAddingValueEverywhere (WAVE)NationalCommitteeandtheShippingandMaritimeDEICouncil,sheinsp-

iresothersthroughherleadershipandadvocacy.Dori’svisionistocreateamoreinclusivemaritimeindustry by amplifying the contributions and leadership potential of women. She admires the impactful work of the WTS organization and is honored to be part of this incredible opportunity to advance her education and careeraspirations.

WTS HOUSTON

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Young Engineer of the Year

Lacey Hébert, PE

Lacey Hébert graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX in 2015 with a degree in Civil Engineering She oversees the Texas ITS & Traffic team for AtkinsRéalis In her role as Texas Technical Manager, Lacey assigns resources to projects, serves as Engineer of Record, mentors junior staff with career advancement, and assists with proposals and recruiting Lacey serves as Sponsorship Committee Chair for the WTS Houston Chapter and supports nonprofitorganizationssuchasGirlsHaven&theJordanLindemanFoundation.Lacey ismarriedtoherlovinghusband,Brent,andhasherfirstchildontheway.

Member of the Year

Youssaira Belmokadem, PE

Youssaira has nine years of experience in infrastructure and transportation projects, specializing in bridge engineering. Her expertise spans design-build and design-bid-build delivery methods with contributions to major projects like SH 288 Toll Lanes, SH 99 Grand Parkway, and IH-35, focusing on bridge design, load rating, project management, and construction support. She is passionate about mentoring future engineers, as she has done as a volunteer with WTS Houston’s STEM program. Youssaira’s service to the Chapter includes previously serving as the Newsletter Chair and continuing to serve as the Scholarship Committee CoChair. She holds an integral role in the Chapter, ensuring that we identify and reach scholarship applicants, attract new professionals into the industry, and ensurethattheyareabletocompletetheirstudieswithassistancefromaWTS scholarship. Youssaira holds a master’s in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, nature, exercise, books, whichinspirehercreativityandresilience.

WTS HOUSTON

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Innovative Transportation Solution

DrivewayAccessPermitSystem

The TxDOT Houston District homes the fourth largest metropolitan area in the nation. With a population of over 7 million People, 87 million Daily Vehicle Miles, and 6 counties, the HoustonDistrictcontinuestoexperiencetremendousgrowth.

An important part of TxDOT’s responsibilities to our region is the issuing and tracking of a vast number of roadway access permits. The high number of permit applications requires a robust system. However, the outdated,email-baseddrivewaypermitprocess-whichreliedonanunsupportedAccessdatabase-couldno longermanageandtrackthelargevolumeofpermitsreceivedinatimelymanner.

It was clear that a tool was needed to help the District to manage the workload, to align with the permit departmentgoalstoprovidegreatcustomerserviceandencourageeconomicgrowthandopportunityThisis why the Driveway Access Permit (DAP) system was developed The DAP system replaced the manual emailbased driveway permit process and improved turnaround time, so commercial applications that used to take on average seven to nine months to issue can now be reviewed and issued in 3-4 months on average, while also providing tracking, transparency and improved communications.With a focus on efficiency, expediency, and enhanced customer service, DAP has transformed the way private property owners and businesses interact with state highways and roadways in the Houston District. It is a tool that promotes trust, enables economic opportunities, and provides accountability through open communication and transparency, with thegoalofalwaysputtingtheneedsofcustomers,Texans,andthetravelingpublic,first.

Employer of the Year - Halff

Since 1950, Halff has been dedicated to improving the communities it serves and empowering its people. This includes a strong focus on advancing women in the workplace.ThiscommitmentwasexemplifiedinJanuary2024, whenJessica Baker Daily became Halff’s first female CEO – a milestone that reflects the firm’s support for the growth of female leaders and its belief in creating opportunities for women in the ACE industry. In addition, this commitment is seen in ten women holding key leadership roles within the company – including three on the Board of Directors. Women hold critical leadership roles in every major practice area, including transportation,planning,landscapearchitecture,waterresourcesandoperations Halff’scommitmenttodiversityiswovenintoitsorganizationalstructure,withafocusonfosteringleadership growth for women at every level This includes mentorship programs, leadership training and succession planning to ensure that women are prepared to step into senior and executive roles as the firm continues to grow.JessicaBakerDaily’sjourneyfrominterntoCEOunderscoresHalff’sdedicationtofosteringprofessional development and inclusion. Under her leadership, the firm continues to champion leadership and corporate culture for women. This was evident in two Houston-area events where Jessica served as a keynote speaker andpanelist:WTSHouston’sLattes&LeadersandtheinauguralInternationalWomeninEngineeringpanel. ThefirmactivelyencouragesitsemployeestoparticipateinWTSevents,includingtheWTSScholarshipGala, and supports its employees' membership fees to ensure widespread involvement. Halff was also the proud EventSponsorforthisyear'sLeadershipTeaEventandJessicaBakerDailyastheSpring2024Lattes&Leaders speaker, both held in Houston Additionally, Halff also sponsors WTS chapters in five regions: Houston, GreaterDallas/FortWorth,SanAntonio,Austin(HeartofTexas)andArkansas

WTS HOUSTON

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Hon. Ray LaHood

Judge L.M. “Matt” Sebesta, Jr.

Judge Matt Sebesta is a lifelong resident of Brazoria County, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to his community. His academic journey led him to Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field, he was honored as the Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 1994. Furthermore, his ongoing pursuit of excellence earned him the prestigious Distinguished Graduate Award from Texas A&M University – Zachary Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2021 Matt’s public service journey began in 1990, marked by his appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Angleton Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to publicservice,Mattisonhis32ndyearofelectedoffice.Presently,servinghisthirdterm as Brazoria County Judge, which follows his successful tenures as Angleton City Councilman, Mayor, and BrazoriaCountyCommissioner.Avisionaryleader,Matthaschaireddiverselocal,regionalandstatecommittees, all dedicated to enhancing the lives of Brazoria County residents. Notably, he assumed leadership of the H-GAC TransportationPolicyCouncilandtheConferenceofUrbanCounties,whichrepresents80%ofTexascitizens.As the County Judge, Matt presides over Commissioners’ Court and fulfills the role of Chief Administrator for the County His pivotal role extends to serving as the Director of Emergency Management, providing leadership duringdisastersandemergencyfunds

Woman

of the Year

Lesley Briones

HarrisCountyCommissionerLesleyBrionesisanativeTexanandproudLatinawhogrew up on the U.S.-Mexico border. She is the daughter of teachers, who taught her the importance of education, hard work, and serving others values that have defined her and which she now brings to the office of County Commissioner for Precinct 4. Commissioner Briones has made significant contributions to improving transportation systemsinourregion,aswellassupportingtheadvancementofwomenintheindustry, andacrossHarrisCounty ShewasunanimouslyvotedtorepresentHarrisCountyonthe Houston-GalvestonAreaCouncil,includingtheH-GACTransportationPolicyCouncil She has spearheaded a number of transportation projects with partners such as HCTRA, METRO, Fort Bend County, TxDOT and beyond, to improve the quality of life for residentsinherPrecinct,whichisoneofthefastestgrowingareasinthestate.Additionally, 57% of the Harris County Precinct 4 Engineering Department is women, including the Senior Director of Engineering. Upon graduating with honors from Harvard University, she began her career as an 8th and 10thgrade teacher at two of the lowest-income public schools in the country. She then attended Yale Law School, wheresheledtheLatinoLawStudents’Association'spublicserviceinitiativesandprovidedpro-bonoassistance tosurvivorsofdomesticabuseandjuvenileoffenders.CommissionerBrionesreturnedtoTexastopracticelawat Vinson & Elkins LLP, then served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of the Laura & John Arnold Foundation, a major national philanthropic nonprofit She next became the Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No 4 Judge Briones was the highest-rated Harris County Civil Court at Law Judge in the 2019 Houston Bar Association(HBA)JudicialEvaluationPollandwonthe2020HBAJudicialPreferencePoll.Brionesco-foundedthe statewide nonprofit Texas Latinx Judges and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR SPONSOR

NETWORKING HOUR SPONSOR

GALA ENCORE SPONSOR

Join your colleagues between 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Gala Encore for one last drink, small bites and big city views. Tickets are Available for $25.00 each. Please visit the Gala Games Table for more information.