MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Bolton & Menk's Ashley Hudson recently received the 2022 WTS-MN (Minnesota Chapter) Woman to Watch Award and Scott McBride received the 2022 WTS Minnesota Chapter Honorable Ray LaHood Award.

The Woman to Watch Award recognizes an entry to mid-level woman in her career who has already made an impact on the transportation industry. The Honorable Ray LaHood Award honors a man who has contributed to the advancement of women and minorities in the transportation community.

As the leader of Bolton & Menk’s transportation funding team, Hudson helped build and now leads the transportation project funding service, in addition to serving roles in transportation planning and project design. In the past 10 years, Hudson's leadership helped secure $252 million in transportation funding, leveraging more than $583 million in total project costs.

She leads Bolton & Menk’s success by proactively informing clients of potential funding sources and delivering on key funding pursuits. Her outlook is invaluable in securing funding to make community visions a reality. Her experience in the field allows clients to put their trust in her abilities to seek out opportunities.

Hudson routinely works with cities and counties to identify opportunities and develop a competitive funding and legislative package. In 2020, she led 20 successful Local Road Improvement Program applications for client communities, securing more than $20 million and 25 percent of the money available statewide. Her leadership in the industry is key in translating and aligning complex funding programs with community visions of all sizes.

The mission of WTS is to “transform the transportation industry through the advancement of women.” McBride cultivates an inclusive environment for others to thrive and leads by example in his mission for equity. He works diligently to mentor and promote women and people of color (POC) within the industry, putting his commitment to inclusiveness into action and encouraging others to do the same.

McBride sits on Bolton & Menk’s Infrastructure Equity Team and Equity Collaboration Team, working to enhance equity in work and the workforce. His approach to inclusiveness in the workplace has established a cultural shift in decision making and advancement opportunities.

Outside of the office, McBride is passionate about staying involved in transportation and engineering groups (WTS, APWA, MSES, and NCITE) that give back to the industry. As a member of WTS for more than 20 years, McBride aims to bridge the gap of disparity by making sure all voices of women and minorities are heard. He is an advocate for women and POC and seeks to further their careers by putting them at the forefront of their work efforts and preparing them for career opportunities. Through his leadership and experience, he strives to uncover complex issues that need to be addressed to sustain an inclusive environment for all.