Nearly $50,000 in scholarships – including one STV scholarship – were awarded to female students in high school, community college, and undergraduate and graduate programs within Southern California’s Inland Empire region as part of the Women’s Transportation Seminar Inland Empire Chapter’s (WTS-IE) 19th Annual Scholarship & Awards Benefit Dinner.

This year’s STV scholarship was awarded to Nancy Mercado, a current sophomore pursuing civil engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona).

“WTS embodies a remarkable commitment to fostering a transportation industry that is truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable, with a focus on advancing women,” said Robert Holmquist, PE, CCM, LEED AP, STV principal and senior engineering operations manager. “At STV, we wholeheartedly embrace this vision by championing the advancement of women in all roles, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young female talent for their continuous growth.”

STV’s Rancho Cucamonga, CA, team has been a long-standing supporter and sponsor of WTS-IE and its annual benefit dinner, underscoring the firm’s commitment to fostering diversity in the transportation sector.

“I’ve been an active member of WTS-IE for more than 12 years, overseeing STV’s sponsorship for the chapter’s monthly programs and events,” said Richard Quirk, AIA, NCARB, principal and senior project manager at STV. “We make it a point to participate in as many events as possible, encouraging our female staff and particularly our younger members to join, connect with role models and explore valuable mentorship opportunities.”

Quirk and Holmquist were joined at the benefit by STV representatives Wyatt Berringer and John Duguil.