Press

Orlando, Fla.- The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) has announced the 10 women who will be honored this year for their outstanding leadership and exemplary dedication to the transportation industry, and Yovannie Rodriguez, the Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), is included on this year’s list.

The 13th Annual “Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation” (CWWMN) Awards Ceremony will be held on April 10, 2024, at the Smithsonian Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. This highly anticipated event uplifts women across modes and sectors of transportation who have positively contributed to the industry.

“I am beyond honored to be recognized as one of the distinguished women by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials,” said Rodriguez. “This award validates not only my ongoing efforts to promote and advance transportation in Central Florida but also highlights the efforts GOAA has made as an organization to become an intermodal hub that uses technology and innovation to connect the world.”

“We could not be more proud of Yovannie and her national recognition as a female transportation leader who moves the nation,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA. “Her dedication, professionalism and accomplishments reflect the high standards of leadership we have established as an organization and also shines a light on our efforts to be the global leader in the evolution of mobility.”

Each year, COMTO honors the nation’s top transportation leaders in advance of Women’s History Month. Thus far, 142 women have received the recognition. The honorees encompass a diverse spectrum of multimodal transportation, spanning both the public and private sectors. These women embody excellence in their various areas of influence and affiliations. According to COMTO, the significance of their contributions to advance and fortify our nation’s infrastructure is unparalleled.

2024 COMTO Women Who Move the Nation Honorees
• Yovannie Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
• Monica Backmon, CEO, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
• Donna Berry, Deputy Director of Project Delivery and Chief Engineer, California Department of Transportation (CDOT)
• Veronica Davis, Director, Transportation and Drainage Operations, City of Houston Public Works
• Dr. Shelley Francis, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, EVNoire
• Gloria Frank, Chief of Police, Port Authority New York, New Jersey
• Carmencita Mitchell, Chair, Palm Tran Service Board, Palm Tran Service Board and Palm Beach State College
• Rear Admiral, Ann C. Phillips, Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration
• Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director/CEO, MAX Transit, Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
• Janice R. Thomas, Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs, METRA

“We are thrilled to commemorate and acknowledge this year’s awardees for their diligent and unwavering dedication to the multimodal transportation industry. These women bring a diverse set of skills and perspectives to the industry that helps to foster innovation, embrace inclusivity, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world with remarkable resilience and adaptability,” said Tanya Adams, Chair, Board of Directors, COMTO and Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity, WSP USA.

“Uplifting women in leadership roles propels the wheels of progress in the transportation industry,” said April Rai, President & CEO COMTO. “Recognizing their contributions is an intentional act of appreciation, inspiring the next generation of transportation leaders to emulate their strength, resilience, and perseverance. It is a privilege to honor these 10 women who embody these qualities and so much more.”

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), founded in 1971, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing underrepresented groups in the transportation industry. With 39 chapters in the U.S. and Canada, COMTO’s mission is to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in transportation for minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and certified minority, women, or disadvantaged-owned businesses through leadership training, professional development, scholarship and internship funding, advocacy, partnership building and networking opportunities. For more information, please visit www.comto.org.