A Miami native, Forbes solidified a reputation as a leader and innovator in public transportation for more than 30 years — eight of which were spent as executive director at Palm Tran.
This reward recognizes Metro's achievements in expanding Los Angeles’ transit system while promoting equity and driving job growth and economic development across the region.
Williams lends over 25 years of executive experience in the industry, having served at the Department of Energy and Department of Labor under President Reagan, the Department of the Interior under President George H.W. Bush, and the Department of Transportation under President Trump.
The Gerald Anderson Member of the Year award honors “a COMTO member who has demonstrated commitment to the philosophy that “the success of one is contingent upon the success of all.”
The Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award is awarded to executives and policymakers who have provided outstanding contributions toward the growth and development of people of color within the transportation industry.
An HNTB Fellow, Mendes most recently served as the firm’s Mid-Atlantic Division president overseeing the growth, operations, and client service in six states and the District of Columbia.
Williams, who delivered comments on behalf of COMTO, discussed the difficulty for DBEs to compete and attain contracts as a DBE and that if it wasn’t for the federal and local equity programs, DBEs would not be able to compete or obtain contracts.
The Toronto and Region Chapter marks the beginning of COMTO’s Canadian presence, welcoming members from across Canada and spanning the entire transportation industry.
With national presences, COMTO and Latinos In Transit work to create educational, networking, and mentorship opportunities so their members can grow and advance their professional careers.
Bacarra Sanderson Mauldin currently serves as director, policy and innovation, with the New Orleans RTA.
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