2025 ASCE MLAB Individual Awards

Civil Engineers are a vital component of what makes Los Angeles one of the best cities in the world. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch (MLAB) is excited to honor these Individuals for their great contributions to the Civil Engineering Community and Los Angeles.

Lauren Lee

Lauren Lee is a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. During her time at UCLA, Lauren played a role in shaping the student engineering community through her leadership in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at UCLA, where she served as Chapter President during her senior year.

Over four years of involvement with ASCE, Lauren steadily took on more responsibility—beginning as a Speaker Coordinator Intern and later serving as Speaker Coordinator and Fundraising Chair before being elected President. In this role, she helped lead the planning and execution of over 150 events and initiatives annually, ranging from professional development sessions and technical team workdays to community outreach programs, social events, and inclusivity efforts. Most notably, she worked to strengthen the relationship between students and faculty by coordinating student participation in the ABET accreditation process and aligning chapter goals with the Civil and Environmental Engineering department leadership.

Under her leadership, ASCE at UCLA earned 2nd place overall at the 2025 Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS), was recognized in the top third of student chapters nationally through the ASCE Annual Report. Additionally, the chapter received the UCLA School of Engineering’s 2024–2025 Bruin Development Award for excellence in personal, professional, and academic member development.

In addition to her leadership, Lauren was a dedicated contributor to ASCE’s technical teams. She spent three years on the Sustainable Solutions Team, helping lead the group to multiple podium finishes at PSWS, and also contributed to the Surveying Team’s 2024 success.

Lauren’s contributions have been recognized with honors such as the UCLA’s Engineering Outstanding Bachelor of Science Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award and Achievement Award for Student Welfare.

To Lauren, ASCE at UCLA has been more than a student organization. It has been a foundation for personal growth, meaningful connections, and lasting impact. She is proud of all the chapter has accomplished and looks forward to seeing its continued success in the years ahead.

Ani Rita Sarkissian

Ani Sarkissian, P.E., M.ASCE, is a Civil Engineering Associate at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. As part of the Water System Project Management Office, she manages multi-million dollar CIP projects to support delivery of water infrastructure. She graduated from UC Irvine (UCI) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in California.

Ani currently serves as President of the ASCE LA Younger Member Forum, leading and supporting the chapter through hosting major events, including annual Student Night & Job Fair, Engineers Week, International Women in Engineering Day, and Golf Tournament, as well as outreaching to K-12 and college students, providing scholarships, professional development, social activities, and more. Under her leadership, over $20,000 in scholarships have been distributed to K-12 and college students, thousands of students have been inspired through STEM outreach, and a positive impact has been made on her local community.

Prior to this, in ASCE LA YMF, Ani has served as a Scholarship Co-Chair and Engineers Week Middle School Day Lead. She has reviewed many scholarship applications, been a part of alumni panels, and given resume workshops and interview tips to current college students. She first joined ASCE in her freshman year, and at UCI, she was a part of the Environmental Competition Team, Concrete Canoe Team, mentorship and community service. She served in leadership as the External Activities Chair and the Environmental Competition Project Manager. In addition to ASCE, Ani was the Director of the Engineering Student Council Mentorship Program at UCI, and the Assistant Director of the UCI Engineering Ambassadors Program. Ultimately, Ani was selected to be the commencement speaker for the UCI Samueli School of Engineering graduation.

Ani is passionate about ASCE’s mission, as outreaching and inspiring the next generation in STEM is very near to her heart, as “you can’t be what you can’t see!”

Cesar Ortiz, P.E., T.E.

Cesar Ortiz, P.E., T.E., is an Engineering Manager with RKA Consulting Group, and stands out as a dynamic and impactful leader whose work exemplifies the highest ideals of the civil engineering profession. With a career marked by innovation, service, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities he serves, Cesar has earned the respect of peers and colleagues alike.

Cesar earned his B.S. in Civil California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he was involved in a number of engineering related groups and societies. In his career, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex engineering initiatives, and deliver results that exceed expectations, always with a focus on quality, sustainability, and community benefit.

More than just an accomplished engineer, Cesar is a passionate mentor and advocate for continuous professional development. He actively fosters a collaborative work environment where team members feel empowered to innovate, take ownership, and grow in their careers. His leadership style is rooted in open communication, trust, and accountability, qualities that have inspired the success of many young professionals under his guidance.

Cesar's dedication to service extends beyond his professional responsibilities. He is a committed volunteer in the engineering community, helping to promote high standards, recognize excellence, and support emerging leaders in public works and infrastructure development.

Dana Robertson, P.E.

Dana Robertson is a dedicated member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service and impactful engagement in legislative and civic affairs. A Civil Engineer at Los Angeles County Public Works and an active ASCE member, Dana embodies the principles of leadership and community involvement. His recent promotion to Civil Engineer, leading a unit within the Structures Section II, underscores his growing influence and technical expertise honed over eleven years across diverse Public Works divisions, including Design, Stormwater Planning, Road Maintenance, and Traffic & Lighting. His instrumental role in completing critical bridge load ratings for Caltrans and his leadership in guiding the ShakeCast Task Force highlight his dedication to enhancing public safety and infrastructure resilience.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dana has made significant civic contributions. As a Traffic and Transportation Commissioner for the City of Buena Park, where he served as both Chair and Vice Chair in 2024, Dana represented his community in an advisory capacity to the City Council for all things transportation-related within the City limits.

Dana’s dedication to ASCE is exemplified by his extensive involvement within the Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch and the Los Angeles Younger Member Forum. Furthermore, Dana actively participates in legislative activities through ASCE. His engagement in the Region 9 Legislative Day in Sacramento, where he met with the offices of several state legislators on key issues affecting civil engineers, demonstrates his proactive approach to advocating for the civil engineering profession and infrastructure needs at the state level.

Jonathan Ontiveros, EIT, ENV SP

Jonathan Ontiveros is being honored for his exceptional dedication to community service, particularly through his volunteer work in youth sports and mentorship. As a civil engineer who brings the same passion for service to the field and the field of play, Jonathan exemplifies what it means to uplift a community both structurally and socially.

As a committed mentor and role model, Jonathan has spent the last three years managing a youth baseball team where over 90% of players come from Title 1 elementary schools. He has created a space where underserved youth not only learn the fundamentals of the game but are also taught teamwork, perseverance, and confidence.

Jonathan also serves as a volunteer soccer coach and newly appointed board member of AYSO Region 254, where he will continue his hands-on role this coming season. His work as a coach goes well beyond wins and losses. He focuses on inclusive development, making sure every player feels seen, supported, and valued.

In addition to his community involvement, Jonathan applies the same values of service and stewardship in his professional career at Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. He currently supports the Safe, Clean Water Program, which aims to improve regional stormwater quality, enhance local water supply, and invest in community-driven infrastructure projects. Through this work, Jonathan helps implement sustainable, multi-benefit solutions that advance environmental equity and long-term climate resilience for communities across Los Angeles County.

Whether guiding athletes through challenges on the field or showing up for his Safe, Clean Water team, Jonathan leads by example and invests deeply in the success of the next generation. Jonathan’s leadership, empathy, and dedication to youth development embody the spirit of community service, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s ASCE MLAB Outstanding Civil Engineer in Community Service Award.

Ben Baker, P.E.

Ben Baker served as ASCE MLAB Treasurer 2021-2022, ASCE MLAB President 2022-2023, and ASCE MLAB Past-President 2023-2024. Although he also serves on the ASCE LA Section Executive Board and as an ASCE at UCLA Practitioner Advisor, he still dedicates time to ASCE MLAB as ASCE MLAB Treasurer 2024-2025.

In 2024, Ben attended the ASCE LA Section Officers Induction, the ASCE Life Member Forum Induction, the ASCE MLAB Annual Kick-off, the State Fly-in, and more. Ben flew out to the ASCE Convention in Tampa and met with Society Leadership there, while needing to return earlier than expected due to Hurricane Milton. Ben also participated in the ASCE MRLC in Seattle, ASCE LA YMF Top Golf event, ASCE Region 9 CA Infrastructure Symposium in Sacramento, the California Science Center Cities of the Future Premiere, ASCE MLAB Awards at Dorothy Chandler, ASCE LA YMF Angel City Trivia, and more.

Ben works as a Senior Project Engineer for GFT. Ben serves on the UCLA Engineering Alumni Association Board and the UCLA Civil Engineering Alumni Advisory Board.

Ingrid Spielbauer, EIT, MS

Ingrid Spielbauer is a Civil Engineering Associate at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. As part of the Eastern Sierra Environmental Group, she manages Eastern Sierra ground and surface water to sustainably support LA’s potable water supply. She graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Minor in Environmental Systems and Society. In 2023, she completed her M.S. in Engineering at UCLA with a focus in Sustainable Water Engineering.

Ingrid first recognized the disproportionate impact of infrastructure failure on disadvantaged communities when she was in high school. As a junior, she traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana nearly a decade after Hurricane Katrina to help under-resourced neighborhoods rebuild homes. This trip helped inspire her field of study in college and reminded her of the intrinsic link between environmental justice and civil engineering throughout her career.

While studying civil and environmental engineering at UCLA, her interest in sustainability and the environment grew and became a major driver for her extracurricular pursuits: she became involved in on-campus environmental engineering research as part of Dr. David Jassby’s Lab, pursued a minor focused on environmental justice and policy, and co-authored a published paper about the impact of sustainability and nutrition education on student diets with Dr. Jenny Jay’s Lab. It also led her to become involved with ASCE through the Environmental Design project. During her senior year, she led the project as one of two Co-Project Managers.

After college, Ingrid became involved with the ASCE Los Angeles Younger Members Forum’s (LA YMF) Inclusion, Belonging, and Diversity (IBD) Chair. As IBD Chair, Ingrid created a plethora of events and messaging that celebrated diversity and fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members. In 2023, she became LA YMF’s Social Co-Chair, planning monthly opportunities for members to get involved. This year, she is on the E-board as Treasurer, managing finances and contributing to major club decisions. Ingrid's involvement in the ASCE LA YMF board has been integral to her growth as a young professional and engineer.

Mahsa Sheykhsoltan, P.E.

Mahsa Sheykhsoltan, P.E., is a Project Engineer at HNTB in Los Angeles, working on various transportation projects throughout the region. She graduated from UCLA in 2019 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a minor in Urban Planning and received her M.S. from the University of Washington in Civil Engineering with a focus in Transportation.

As a transportation engineer, Mahsa works on roadway and highway projects in Los Angeles. She has years of experience working on ADA and pedestrian infrastructure, designing sidewalks and curb ramps throughout the County to improve accessibility. She also works on roadway improvements at LAX, designing new infrastructure to prepare the airport for LA2028.

Mahsa began her involvement with ASCE as a student at UCLA, holding multiple officer positions throughout her time and serving as President of the student chapter her senior year. She was also involved with Concrete Canoe, competing at the regional and national level. She has continued her involvement with the ASCE UCLA chapter by serving as one of the Practitioner Advisors for the last two years, providing mentorship and support for the chapter, the students, and the projects.

Douglas J. Sereno, P.E., F.ASCE, D.PE

Douglas J. Sereno, P.E., was Director of Program Management for the Port of Long Beach for nearly 10 years, where he was responsible for management of the capital improvement program, including engineering design and development, for the Port of Long Beach, including maritime structures, transportation infrastructure and environmental remediation and/or improvement projects.

He also worked as Deputy Chief Harbor Engineer from 2002 to 2007, as Section Chief for Program Management - responsible for the development of the capital improvement program and large maritime facilities projects.

Doug helped to schedule ASCE's Long Beach Harbor Tour, helped to schedule ASCE's LAWA (LA Airport) Tour, and helped with the LA fires. He has greatly enhanced the image of the ASCE LA Section Life Member Forum in Southern California.

Sam Potts, P.E.

Sam Potts, P.E., M.ASCE is a Senior Project Engineer at MNS Engineers, Inc. and currently serves as the ASCE LA YMF Past President, CSUN ASCE Practitioner Advisor, and Past Chair for ASCE’s Committee on Student Conferences and Competitions. He is a registered civil engineer and a Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practitioner and Developer in the State of California.

Sam works on a variety of public agency capital improvement projects with a focus on transportation facilities. While he has worked on a wide variety of projects, he most enjoys active transportation and stormwater projects. His willingness to think out-of-the-box and strong use of technology leads to high-quality, community-centric street designs, construction documents, and cost savings for his clients. Overall, he has contributed significantly to over 90 public agency roadway, highway, traffic, potable water, trails, stormwater, and park projects ranging in value from $200K to $100M through preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, project study reports, exhibits, technical memorandums, hydrologic and hydraulic studies, and stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Within his team at MNS, Sam is the go-to person to quickly answer questions and direct people to needed resources, assisting with complex technical problems faced throughout the transportation engineering department. He has mentored 10 younger engineers at MNS on their professional and power skills development.

As an ASCE professional, Sam seeks to improve the student symposium experience and subsequent younger member retention through ASCE’s Committee on Student Conferences and Competitions, where he currently serves as the past chair. Sam was also most recently honored as the 2024 Region 9 Outstanding Practitioner Advisor for his work with the California State University, Northridge student chapter.

Alissa Walker

Alissa Walker is the publisher of Torched, a newsletter covering infrastructure improvements for the Olympic Games. She highlights the investments required for the Olympic Games and takes a critical eye at promises made to improve the Games. She has also led tours to view Games-related infrastructure, such as the LADOT’s Advanced Transportation System and Coordination (ATSAC) Center. She has done extensive research of past improvements for other Olympic Games and shared lessons learned to help inform public discourse about the 2028 Olympics. She looks at infrastructure broadly to not just incorporate highway lanes and stadiums but also amenities such as public restrooms, rail, and gathering spaces. It is deeply reported with interviews, archival research, and field visits to other cities. She also has published infrastructure related stories in publications such as the New York Times, The Architect's Newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, and KCRW.

Josh Svensson, P.E.

Josh Svensson, P.E., serves as Group Head of the Emergency Management Group at Los Angeles County Public Works, where he helps coordinate the Public Works Department Operations Center during major incidents impacting infrastructure and public safety. In this role, he also leads preparedness efforts across the department to enhance operational readiness. He has supported emergency responses for a range of disasters, including the 2025 Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires. With more than 20 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, Josh has contributed to countywide initiatives on stormwater management, climate resilience, and infrastructure recovery.

A University of California, Berkeley graduate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Josh’s public service record includes service since 2017 as a Structures Specialist with Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (CA-TF2), with deployments to Mexico City, Montecito, Türkiye, and Mammoth Lakes. His previous leadership roles at Public Works include oversight of water systems, infrastructure maintenance, and capital project delivery throughout Los Angeles County, including the award-winning Oxford Retention Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project.

Josh is a longtime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is dedicated to mentoring young professionals, strengthening cross-agency emergency coordination, and advancing a lifelong passion for public service. He leads with a focus on operational excellence, transparency, and empowering teams to deliver sustainable, community-centered solutions. His leadership approach emphasizes preparedness, innovation, and fostering collaboration at all levels of the organization.

Maryn Santiago

Maryn Santiago works in Kimley-Horn's Long Beach office. She graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University Pomona, where she was student chapter president. The Cal Poly Pomona chapter won the "2022 Distinguished Student Chapter Award for Region 9" and was a 2022 Robert Ridgway Award Finalist.

Maryn headed the planning committee and directed efforts for the 2025 ASCE Los Angeles City Drive-In. She facilitated correspondence with City of Los Angeles Council District Offices. She hosted an advocacy training and briefing webinar, presenting on issues of interest to the civil engineering community within the City of Los Angeles. She developed attendee resource material for those participating in the Drive-In event, specifying the issues to be discussed and Councilmember factsheets. She met with various City of Los Angeles Council District Office Staff to discuss legislative issues related to Public Works, particularly proposed budget reductions.

For the 2024 and 2025 ASCE D.C. Legislative Fly-Ins, Maryn was selected to attend as part of the California delegation. She met with various Congressmembers and their staff regarding issues of interest to the civil engineering community and the nation.

Maryn was a member of the 2025 California Infrastructure Symposium Planning Committee. She assisted in creating and producing graphics for event advertisement. She also participated in the 2023 ASCE x APWA California Legislative Fly-In.

Isabella Salgado

Isabella Salgado is a Civil Engineering Associate in the Bridge Improvement Program at the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, where she supports the repair and maintenance of bridges across the city. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University and brings diverse experience from both the public and private sectors. Her past roles include working with NCM Engineering on Caltrans projects and with Anser Advisory supporting Metro’s Highway Construction Management Group.

Beyond her professional work, Isabella is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the engineering community. She currently serves as Secretary for the ASCE Los Angeles Younger Member Forum, Social Chair for the ASCE Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch, and a Corresponding Member of ASCE’s national Committee on Younger Members. She is passionate about community engagement and K-12 STEM outreach, and finds fulfillment in mentoring and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

In 2024, Isabella, alongside Lluvia Lopez Garces, spearheaded the growth of ASCE LA YMF’s International Women in Engineering Day Celebration—expanding the event from 30 to 100 attendees, raising scholarship funds, and strengthening connections among women in engineering.

Her passion for outreach and leadership began in college, where she was an active member of ASCE and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). As SWE President, she significantly increased member engagement and was honored with a national SWE award for membership growth.

Isabella credits her mother, Minerva Rodriguez, as her greatest mentor. From her, she learned the importance of building strong relationships, staying involved, and giving back. The support and guidance she’s received throughout her journey have fueled her drive to make a meaningful impact through both her professional work and volunteer service.

John Twyman Morris, P.E., BC.WRE(Hon.), F.ASCE

ASCE MLAB is honored to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to John Twyman Morris, P.E., BC.WRE(Hon.), F.ASCE. This award recognizes his contributions and dedication to the field of water resources engineering and the civil engineering profession.

Mr. Morris, owner of MORRIS Water Resources Consultants, has been an important figure in the water industry within Southern California for decades. A distinguished alumnus of the University of Southern California, he earned his B.S. in Environmental Engineering in 1972. His professional tenure includes over 35 years at the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, where his expertise and leadership were central in shaping the region's water infrastructure and management strategies. He served as Chairman of the MWD Ad Hoc Committee on Energy and Desalination, demonstrating his approach and commitment to the industry.

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Morris has been a devoted advocate for ASCE and its mission. He played a significant role in supporting the Morris Dam National Civil Engineering Historic Landmark Dedication, collaborating with LA County Public Works and the ASCE Society President. His dedication to ASCE is further underscored by his prior service as a former ASCE Los Angeles Section President. With over 35 years of experience at the Metropolitan Water District and a legacy of leadership within ASCE, John Morris is deserving of this recognition for a lifetime of achievement.

Hasan Ikhrata

Hasan Ikhrata is a respected expert in transportation planning and regional policy, with over 35 years of experience bridging the worlds of public infrastructure and academia. He has held senior leadership roles at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), where he spearheaded major initiatives focused on sustainable mobility, climate resilience, and equitable access.

Mr. Ikhrata holds a B.S. in Civil and Industrial Engineering, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from UCLA, and has pursued doctoral studies in Urban Planning at USC. As an adjunct professor at institutions including Cal State Northridge, UCLA, and USC, he has shaped countless students' understanding of real-world transportation systems, regional planning, and the intersection of policy and engineering.

Currently a Senior Fellow at UCLA’s Institute of Transportation Studies, Mr. Ikhrata continues to mentor future planners and engineers, making lasting contributions to both practice and pedagogy. Mr. Ikhrata has taught CEE 180 - Introduction to Transportation Engineering and URBNPL 249 - Special Topics in Transportation Policy and Planning: U.S. Urban Transportation Planning: Realities at UCLA.

Katy Yaroslavsky

This honor is for her exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure and resilient communities across Los Angeles.

As a dedicated public servant and advocate, Katy Yaroslavsky has championed policies and initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship, equitable mobility, and climate resilience into the fabric of our region. Her vision and collaboration have helped create forward-looking solutions that benefit residents today and generations to come.

Katy Yaroslavsky leads in multiple roles:

1. Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 5 (since December 2022)

Represents roughly 280,000 residents across the Westside and Central L.A.—including Westwood, Miracle Mile, Palms, Fairfax, Beverly Grove, Pico‑Robertson, and more.

2. Chair, City Council Budget & Finance Committee

Leads oversight of the City’s budget, working to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining quality of core services .

3. Vice Chair, Energy & Environment Committee

Champions climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure, guiding policies on energy, water, clean air, and urban greening .

4. Member, Ad Hoc Committee on the Olympic & Paralympic Games

Helps oversee planning efforts for LA 2028, emphasizing transit access, public safety, and equitable infrastructure improvements.

5. Member, Rules, Elections & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

Addresses city governance structure, legislative processes, and coordination with other governmental bodies.

6. LA Metro Board of Directors, appointed March 2023

Among four City appointees, she serves on multiple subcommittees (Operations & Safety; Construction; Customer Experience), focusing on transit equity, homeless services on Metro, and expanding the Purple Line and Sepulveda Pass Corridor.

Jocelyn Stark

Jocelyn Stark is a distinguished public servant whose leadership and contributions have significantly advanced the infrastructure, legislative priorities, and community relations within Los Angeles County. In her current role as Chief of Community and Government Relations for Los Angeles County Public Works, she oversees legislative advocacy, public communications, and creative services, leading efforts to secure critical funding for vital public works projects. Under her guidance, the department has successfully navigated complex policy issues, fostering partnerships and ensuring that the department's initiatives align with community needs.

Her tenure as a Senior Deputy of Transportation and Infrastructure at Foothill Transit and as Supervisor's Deputy IV for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors further underscores her breadth of experience in transportation planning, capital project oversight, and regional coordination. Jocelyn played an instrumental role in the development of transportation policies, leading efforts within key regional bodies such as SCAG, LAFCO, ACTA, and Metro. Her strategic direction has helped streamline workflow, modernize legislative processes, and improve collaboration within the department.

Jocelyn’s accomplishments also include spearheading the passage of Senate Bill 1169 (SB1169), which provides the Los Angeles County Flood Control District with greater financial flexibility to tackle flood control and water sustainability projects. Her leadership on this bill has paved the way for securing funding to address sediment removal at five reservoirs, ensuring increased water storage, improved flood management, and enhanced water quality for the region.

Her dedication to public service is also reflected in her work as a Community Organizing Fellow with Organizing for America, where she engaged voters and strengthened community engagement. Jocelyn Stark is a tireless advocate for the betterment of her community, making a lasting impact on the infrastructure and sustainability of Los Angeles County.