WTS Inland Empire

This month, WTS–Inland Empire honors Black History Month (BHM) by recognizing the legacy, leadership, and lasting impact of Black professionals who have helped shape our communities and transportation systems.

We invite people on our platform to answer the question: What does BHM mean to you? Fill out our response form using the link in our bio!

As a chapter, we take time this month to reflect, listen, and celebrate the contributions that continue to strengthen our industry and the Inland Empire region we serve. We remain committed to supporting a future where opportunity, representation, and leadership continue to grow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Casino Royale evening at the WTS Inland Empire 21st Annual Scholarship & Awards Benefit Dinner. The sold‑out event, hosted on January 22, 2026 at the Riverside Convention Center, brought together nearly 300 attendees for a celebration of leadership, partnership, community, and the next generation of transportation professionals.

This year, over $60,000 in scholarships were awarded to sixteen deserving students pursuing degrees in engineering, planning, and public administration—future leaders who will shape the next era of transportation. We are incredibly proud of these students and the bright futures they represent.
 
WTS‑IE was honored to recognize the following 2026 award recipients for their exceptional contributions:
🏆Member of the Year Award: Becca Hamilton, Mott MacDonald
🏆Employer of the Year Award: Caltrans District 8
🏆Innovative Transportation Solutions Award: Zero‑Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
🏆Honorable Ray LaHood Award: Juan Uribe, HNTB
🏆Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award: Nisa Hester, Bechtel Corporation
🏆Woman of the Year Award: Joy Buenaflor, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

We also are incredibly grateful for our incoming board and committee volunteers. Your leadership and service are the heartbeat of our chapter, shaping the programs, events, and mentorship opportunities that uplift our members and cultivate the next generation of transportation professionals.

Nights like this remind us why our transportation community in the Inland Empire is so uniquely strong. We look forward to an exceptional year ahead and to continuing our mission together.

Don’t forget to check out our virtual program and photo booth pics in our bio!

WTS-IE represented at Mobility 21 SoCal Transportation Summit at the Disneyland Hotel 🏰

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 19th MONDAY!
to nominate for these six categories! You can choose to nominate anyone, and you are not required to vote for every category. Nominate now, link in bio!

These nominees are the local trailblazers of transportation and will be awarded at our annual Gala and Scholarships Banquet. Filling out the respective form ensures that these individuals are honored for their invaluable contributions to the Inland Empire.