The Latino Leadership Conference presented its national Latino Leadership Award to Alva Carrasco, Transit and Rail West Region market lead at WSP USA, according to the company’s press release.

Carrasco received the award on Sept. 15 during the 6th annual Latino Leadership Conference’s virtual event.

Carrasco currently serves as the president of Latinos In Transit (LIT). The non-profit organization is dedicated to the advancement and development of Latinos and other minorities in transportation. Carrasco has been a LIT board member since 2016.

“I am honored to receive an award that recognizes the work I have done to advocate for Latinos and other minorities to have a seat at the table, making decisions for our community members,” Carrasco said. “I really believe equity in the workplace leads to a better, more innovative product. A diverse group of people making decisions and providing problem-solving services that will benefit disadvantaged communities is needed. That is why it is a personal mission of mine to advocate and mentor Latinos to follow their career goals all the way to the C-suite.”

Latino Leadership Conference is an initiative of the National Diversity Council. The conference is a leadership development event for entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, educators, policy makers, and students that is designed to foster change and opportunity within the Latino community.

Carrasco has over 28 years of experience working in the public transit sector, including VP of maintenance for the Sacramento Regional Transit District.

“Alva’s passion for her work in transportation is matched by her efforts to foster equity and diversity within the Latino community,” said Jannet Walker-Ford, national Transit and Rail leader for WSP. “Her leadership inspires our team and the perspective she brings results in more thoughtful projects that benefit our transportation clients and the communities they serve. I congratulate her on earning such a prestigious, well-deserved honor from the Latino Leadership Conference and look forward to watching her continue to inspire and influence future generations of business and industry leaders in the Latino community.”