The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) held its sixteenth annual scholarship ceremony, celebrating the achievements of minority students pursuing careers in transportation. This year, the event awarded numerous scholarships aimed at easing the financial burden of college tuition for these aspiring professionals.

Eugene Maima, a transit planner and chair of the scholarship committee for COMTO Houston, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "We try to pay it forward to the next generation so that they can achieve in their educational endeavors," he stated. The program not only provides financial support but also fosters professional development through internships and mentorship, aiming to cultivate future leaders in the transportation sector.

Among the recipients was Ozge Murad, a master's student at Texas Southern University originally from Nepal. She expressed her gratitude, noting that the scholarship significantly helps with her tuition fees. "Getting this amount of resources is a fascinating moment," she shared.

COMTO's mission focuses on advancing diversity within the transportation industry, ensuring that those historically excluded from the conversation have opportunities to succeed. The organization continues to champion educational initiatives that empower minority students, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and representation in the field.

As the ceremony concluded, the impact of these scholarships was clear: they not only support individual students but also contribute to a more diverse and equitable future in transportation.