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Now accepting 2026 nominations!
Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026
Winner is notified by: October 28, 2026
Questions? Please email Jodi Godfrey at jodis@usf.edu
About the Award
The New Voice in Transportation Award recognizes individuals in the early stages of their careers who demonstrate leadership in the transportation profession and show strong potential to make a lasting impact on transportation in Florida.
This award celebrates the diversity of our profession and seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in transportation-related fields.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should be professionals with approximately 10 years or fewer of experience in the transportation industry who inspire others through their work and reflect the diversity of our field.
Examples may include individuals who are:
- Actively involved in professional or industry organizations
- Engaged in community activities related to transportation
- Demonstrating emerging leadership, innovation, or service

2025 New Voice in Transportation Winner
Leslie McNeil
Manager of Operations
Sunshine Line, Hillsborough County
Previous Winners
2024

Nick Zakoske
Pavement System Specialist
FDOT State Materials Office
2023

Alexandra Lopez, PE, PTOE
TSM&O Program Engineer
Florida Department of Transportation, District 4
2022

Lina M. Aragon
Operations Manager, Oversight & Contract Management
Palm Tran
2021

Alejandro Motta, PE
TSM&O Engineer – Freeways
Florida Department of Transportation, District 6
2019

Sophia Villavicencio-Ortiz
Project Manager
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB)
2018

Reshawn Fields, AICP, LEED GA, ENV SP
Senior Transportation Planner
Atkins North America
