Celebrating Excellence in Transportation

Every two years, the WTS Wisconsin Chapter proudly recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, and projects that advance women in transportation, strengthen our industry, and serve our communities. These awards honor colleagues in the transportation field who have made incredible contributions to the WTS mission, to regional projects and programs, and to creating new opportunities for women in transportation.

Chapter award recipients are also nominated for consideration for the annual WTS International Awards.

Award nominations are accepted in the summer of even years and winners are honored at a special WTS Wisconsin event in the fall.

Nominations for 2026 are open now! Read more below!

Questions? Contact us at wts.wisconsin@gmail.com

AWARD CATEGORIES

The WTS Wisconsin Recognition Awards celebrate four categories:

Woman of the Year – Honors a woman whose career achievements and support of women in the industry have advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation.

Member of the Year – Recognizes a WTS Wisconsin member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization.

Employer of the Year – Recognizes an organization for demonstrated leadership in recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in transportation.

Project of the Year – Honors an outstanding transportation project, service, or initiative led by a woman that improves accessibility, advances community values, and strengthens mobility for users.

Award winners may be nominated for WTS International Awards and will be celebrated at our biennial recognition event.

Nominations Now Being Accepted

Nomination Process

To nominate a person or organization, review the selection criteria for the appropriate award category and describe how your nominee meets that criteria.

Nomination forms for each of the four award categories are linked below:

Nominations are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 31st, 2026.

Email completed nominations in .docx or .pdf format to the WTS Recognition Chair, Cassie Olsen at Cassie.Olsen@mbakerintl.com. Printed forms may be mailed to 1255 Fourier Drive, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53717, but must be received by the submission deadline.

Woman of the Year
Member of the Year
Project of the Year
Employer of the Year

Past Winners

  • 2024 - Angela Adams, WisDOT

    2022 - Donna Brown Martin, Milwaukee County

    2020 - Debby Jackson, TDA

    2018 - Sharon Bremser, WisDOT

    2016 - Sheri Schmit, WisDOT Deputy Director of the Southeast Region

    2014 - Marty Hawley, HNTB

    2013 - Dr. Connie Li, PE, TranSmart Technologies

    2006 - Margaret “Peg” Schrader, Milwaukee County Transit

    2005 - Rose Morgan, EMCS, Inc.

    2004 - Donna Brown, WisDOT

    2003 - Kim Lobdell, KL Engineering

    2002 - Alice Morehouse, Director of the WisDOT Office of Policy and Budget

    2001 - Rose Phetteplace, WisDOT District Director

    2000 - Margaret Farrow, State Senator (later Lieutenant Governor)

    1999 - Toya Nelson, Administrative Manager of Welfare-to-Work

    1998 - Jean Jacobsen, Racine County Executive

  • 2024 - Kathleen Matson, HNTB

    2022 - Julia Busch, HDR

    2020 - Amelia Retrum, HNTB

    2018 - Alex Motl, Graef

    2016 - Lindsay Kaufmann, Michael Baker International

    2014 - Christine Sowinski, HNTB

    2013 - Sue Barker, PE, Michael Baker Jr. Inc.

  • 2024 - WisDOT’s Colleague Engagement Network – Empowering Women in Transportation

    2018 - Lakefront Gateway I-794 Ramps at Lincoln Memorial Drive

    2014 - Keep Moving Wisconsin

    2013 - Three Bridges Park (State of Wisconsin DOT/DNR, Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc., City of Milwaukee, and Urban Ecology Center)

  • 2024 - HNTB

    2018 - raSmith

    2016 - Michael Baker International

    2014 - EMCS

    2013 - HNTB