IDOT Employee Honored by the White House as a Transportation Champion of Change

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today proudly announced that Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) employee Wanda Vazquez has been selected by the White House as a Transportation Champion of Change. The prestigious award honors Americans who are making positive changes in their communities.

“I am extremely proud of Wanda Vazquez for her contributions at IDOT and in the community,” said Secretary Schneider. “This is a great honor for a hardworking, dedicated employee. She deserves it. From everyone at IDOT, we offer her our heartfelt congratulations.”

Vazquez received her award during an event this morning at the White House. Today’s event, the latest in a continuing series to celebrate ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities and helping to push innovation in their chosen fields, honored leaders who are providing exemplary leadership to ensure that transportation facilities, services and jobs help people and their communities connect to the 21st century opportunities.

Vazquez currently works as an IDOT Traffic Safety Liaison at Rincon Family Services in Chicago. She has been an active mentor and trainer for Hispanic advocates in the Chicago area, helping them become certified child passenger safety technicians. As a motivational instructor, she teaches students how to correctly install car seats and help families understand the importance of safe transportation for their children. Once the training is completed, the students become nationally certified and are able to staff car seat inspection stations or participate in community events.

For being named a Champion of Change, Vazquez will be acknowledged on the official White House website.

“It is an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award for doing what I love to do,” said Vazquez. “My passion is helping to ensure families are safe. I will continue to dedicate my life to making a difference – it makes me feel good.”

To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.