Recognitions reflect HNTB’s commitment to advancing women in transportation
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 6, 2024) – HNTB’s dedication to advancing women in transportation is reflected in numerous recognitions from WTS. These honors—including multiple Employer of the Year awards and individual recognitions—underscore HNTB’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women in the transportation industry.
HNTB’s Michelle Dippel
“At HNTB, we recognize that an inclusive environment strengthens our teams and leads to more innovative solutions for the clients and communities we serve,” said Michelle Dippel, HNTB Western Region president and executive vice president. “I am incredibly proud of our teams for their dedication to advancing inclusivity in the transportation industry. These repeated recognitions by various WTS chapters across our region are a testament to that dedication. I couldn’t be prouder.”
HNTB’s Western Region offices received a range of recognitions for their excellence in advancing women’s careers, mentorship and leadership in diversity initiatives. Below are some recent honors and recognitions from multiple WTS chapters that recognize HNTB’s achievements and leadership across the region:
- Inland Empire Chapter
- Jackie Tabares – Member of the Year, 2024 and board member
- Employer of the Year, 2024
- Matt Bushman – Ray LaHood Award (Man of the Year), 2024
- Yvonne Lopez Diaz – Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award, 2023
- Los Angeles Chapter
- Heather Anderson – Chapter President, 2023-24
- Andie Tempelis – Secretary 2023-24
- Orange County Chapter
- Hallie Somerville – Member of the Year, 2024 and board member
- Employer of the Year, 2024
- Alexis Gopaul – Scholarship recipient
- Phoebe Truong – Scholarship recipient
- Salt Lake City Chapter
- Employer of the Year, 2025
- San Diego Chapter
- Employer of the Year, 2024
- San Francisco Chapter
- Jeff Watson – Ray LaHood (Man of the Year) Award, 2024
- Seattle/Puget Sound Chapter
- Teri Marsh – Chapter President, 2024
- Wendy Taylor – Woman of the Year, 2021
“These awards celebrate the exceptional leaders at HNTB who not only champion gender equity but actively shape the future of transportation,” said Stephen Knobbe, PE, HNTB Northwest Division president. “Across HNTB, our leaders are dedicated and passionate about driving meaningful change within our organization, inspiring the next generation of women leaders in transportation.”
HNTB’s recognition highlights the firm’s active role in supporting WTS through memberships, sponsorships and employee involvement. As Jeff Watson, PE, PMP, HNTB West Division president, shared, “These honors recognize HNTB’s continued focus on fostering an inclusive workplace where women can excel and lead the future of our industry. We remain dedicated to supporting WTS’s mission and investing in initiatives that advance women’s roles in transportation.”