Miami, FL – May 20, 2024– The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Miami Chapter proudly hosted the inaugural Women Who Move Miami brunch on May 18, 2024, at the African Heritage Cultural Arts aimed at recognizing the significant contributions of women in transportation, business, government, and politics. This special event was a local spinoff of COMTO’s National initiative, Women Who Move the Nation.
As we know, women have played pivotal roles in shaping our society—figures like Rosa Parks, Joan of Arc, Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, and Harriet Tubman have not just contributed but have paved the way for others. Inspired by such legendary women, COMTO Miami’s event celebrated current leaders who continue to impact our community in similarly profound ways.
Event Highlights
COMTO Miami Chapter’s Board Member At-Large and National Board Member, Melissa Rolle-Scott was honored at the 10th Annual COMTO Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast on March 16, 2022. The COMTO Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards Breakfast recognizes the outstanding contributions of women leading and advancing America’s transportation industry. The “Sold Out” Awards Breakfast was held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in in Washington, DC. with over 500 persons in attendance.
Ms. Rolle-Scott was one of sixteen women honored for her contributions, commitment and exemplary service to the transportation industry and overall community.
Ms. Rolle-Scott spoke passionately about her love for the transportation industry and thanked her family, friends and mentors for helping her in several capacities throughout her career.
She said “God has placed so many incredible people in my path to help me navigate this maze of life. I’ve had some amazing Mentors along this wonderful journey. You know from a little girl, I have always loved to help people, to organize and develop, to bring about change and witness the results. I could never thank Dr. Ilene Payne, FHWA enough for her encouragement and insistence that I apply for the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Dwight Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship. Through this program, I was able to obtain a master’s degree in engineering management debt free. She also encouraged me to pay it forward and so I do for others what she and so many others did for me. I am who I am, and you are who you are because of someone else. So, I encourage you to sow into someone’s life today no matter how inconvenient it may appear to be, because you never know when what you do can be a life-changing moment, specifically for our youth.” Rolle-Scott challenged the audience not to wait to get involved saying “If not now, when? If not you, then who?
Ms. Rolle-Scott currently serves as the Transit Section Chief of the Audit & Compliance section of the Office of Safety & Security at Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works. She is responsible for providing leadership in the planning and directing of Internal Audits and serves as the department’s liaison for safety related state and federal audits. Ms. Rolle-Scott has over thirty (30) years of experience in public transportation.
Ms. Rolle-Scott’s transportation journey began in 1992 upon returning from overseas as a military spouse. She relocated back to Miami and was looking to work in the manufacturing industry or continue my work as an Outside Plant Engineer with the telephone company.
Unfortunately, the telephone company implemented a hiring freeze and there were no immediate opportunities.
In 1995, Ms. Rolle-Scott heard about the vision and mission statement of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). She often says that she asked herself “Who would not want to be a part of this organization?”. She joined and began serving in the local chapter.
Through her demonstrated commitment and involvement, she was elected as Chapter President and was afforded so many networking and educational opportunities. She says that she fell in love with the transportation industry and after 30 years, is still committed to making a difference.
Ms. Rolle-Scott has served as a Transit Research Innovative Program (TRIP) Ambassador and has served on several TCRP Research Panels. She is a graduate of the Leadership APTA (American Public Transit Association) Class of 2002 – 2003 and also continues to serve on APTA Committees.
Ms. Rolle-Scott contributes to her community’s well-being in numerous ways, with a special commitment to education, youth development and seniors. She is a former President of the University of Miami Black Alumni Society. Ms. Rolle-Scott is also a mentor in the MDC BBBS partnership.
She also serves as the President of the Mt. Calvary CDC, Inc. and Pastor of the Mt. Calvary National Church of God, Inc. She has one son, Lawrence, daughter-in-love Yolanda and six grandchildren.
COMTO Miami Chapter salutes Ms. Rolle-Scott on her award recognition and for her service and commitment to the transportation industry.
On Saturday, March 26, 2022, the chapter held a virtual Developing Leadership Mindset Workshop from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The purpose of the workshop was to bring both leaders and aspiring leaders from different levels and careers together to share key leadership strategies, styles, types, and to share information and experiences.
Rashad Thomas, Regional Director of AT&T Florida, External Affairs served as the guest speaker. Mr. Thomas is responsible for External and Legislative Affairs activities in Miami-Dade County and parts of Broward. He is a HBCU graduate (Bethune-Cookman University) and prior to joining AT&T worked in various capacities in Miami-Dade County government for nearly two decades. The Workshop was moderated by Wade Jones, DTPW Section Chief of Bus Operations.
During the workshop, Mr. Thomas shared his leadership experiences, lessons learned, challenges at various points in his career as well as the source of his inspiration. Key points were:
In honor of Black History Month, COMTO Miami Chapter held a virtual celebration. The celebration was held on February 17, 2022 and focused on the African Diaspora in South Florida. Although the event was virtual due to COVID-19, the audience was moved with theatric performances by the live performances of various art forms through dance, poetry and song.
Sunset Jones started the celebration with spoken words that describe the horrific journey enslaved Africans were forced to take across the Atlantic world. The poem touch based on different Islands where slaves were sold and their road to freedom.
Artist Lyrica Jada performed an old-time favorite by Sam Cooke, “A Change is Gonna Come”. The audience were truly inspired. The celebration concluded with a dynamic performance by the dance group Element Dancers.
The COMTO Miami Chapter hosted a Welcome Reception for Eulois Cleckley, the new Director & CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works. The reception was held at the Miami Airport Marriott on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 6:30 pm.
The reception included live music by Al Johnson Entertainment (violinist, saxophonist, and Congo drum player) which helped to create a festive ambiance. Both local and out of town transportation professionals and elected officials filled the room to give a warm welcome for Mr. Cleckley.
Melissa Rolle-Scott, COMTO National Board Member At-Large served as the host of event. Veronica Griffin, COMTO Miami Chapter’s 1st Vice President, provided the welcome. Freddie Fuller, II, COMTO National Immediate Past Chair, was on hand to provide a greeting and remarks from COMTO National Chair, Tanya Adams. The opening remarks and county welcome were provided by Mr. Jimmy Morales, Miami-Dade County Chief Operating Officer. Special thanks to WSP and Ronald M. Colas, PE for being the title sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors included: Port of Miami, EAC Consulting, Gannett Fleming, HNTB, GSAF Local 100, Jacobs Engineering, Luminator Technology, Thermo King, TWU Local 291, and Washington Mutual.
Valerie Williams, Chapter President thanked Veronica Griffin and Schneider St. Preux, who served as the Event Chairs and Franklin Brown, who served as the Volunteers Coordinator. Mrs. Williams along with the COMTO Miami Chapter Board and Volunteers presented Director Cleckley with a specially designed “Welcome to Miami” gift. Director Cleckley provided closing remarks, shared a portion of his vision and thanked all in attendance. In summary, the event provided great music, great networking and great food! (View event photos at www.comtomiami.org/gallery)
COMTO Miami Chapter won the “Best Membership Recruitment & Retention Award” for successfully demonstrating excellence in recruiting and retaining members. The award was presented at the COMTO Industry Awards Virtual Program on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. The chapter doubled its membership for the second consecutive year.
The Best Membership Recruitment / Retention Activities award is presented to an active COMTO chapter that has successfully demonstrated excellence in recruiting and retraining members. This award recognizes both creativity in strategic program development and a commitment to enhance a broad and diverse membership. The recipient of this award has successfully demonstrated excellent in innovative recruitment activities to recruit new members outside the traditional public transportation industry, into modes that include airports, highways, maritime, ports, railroad, and student transportation, which has resulted in increased membership.
The Miami Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) won three of the four national chapter awards presented at the COMTO Industry Awards Virtual Program on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. The Chapter was recognized as the “Chapter of the Year” which is the highest honor bestowed upon a chapter for its outstanding service, activities and enhancement of COMTO’s image.
To receive this award, a chapter must be in good standing, and demonstrate its alignment with COMTO’s mission through programs and that foster membership growth and retention, professional development, and community outreach. The recipient of this award has demonstrated an overall excellence and effectiveness in COMTO activities, both nationally and locally. The Miami Chapter substantially changed its engagement strategies and programs, doubled its membership and increased its appeal to potential members.
The COMTO Miami Chapter was recognized for its revitalization of membership and improved programs and activities and received the “Harold B. Williams Game Changer Award” for the second consecutive year. The award was presented at the COMTO Industry Awards Virtual Program on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.
The Harold B. Williams “Game Changer” award is presented to a resurging COMTO chapter that has demonstrated their ability revitalize their membership through new and improved programs and activities. This award recognizes a chapter whose membership has substantially increased after a three (3) or more year period of dormancy. The recipient of this award has distinguished itself as a chapter on the move with a renewed commitment to COMTO’s vision and goals.
Three Miami Chapter members: Roosevelt Bradley, Kenneth H. Jones, Sr. and William Berry, President of Able Business Services, Inc. were all recognized for their outstanding work and service to the transportation industry by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) at the COMTO Industry Awards. The Awards were presented on Friday, May 14, 2021.
Roosevelt Bradley, President of Maven Strategies and United Brake & Clutch was the recipient of the Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award which is the highest honor bestowed by COMTO.
The Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award honors public and private transportation executives and policymakers responsible for the direction and operation of their agency or organization and who, through their affiliation with COMTO, have made outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of people of color within the transportation industry and have given continued and outstanding service and leadership to the organization.
This award is reserved for a COMTO member who demonstrates, in his or her everyday life, the same spirit of achievement as COMTO’s founders.
Mr. Bradley provides consulting services, including business development, transportation planning and government relations services, in connection with the planning and capital structuring of development projects within the State of Florida and throughout the United States. He is a visionary, results-oriented executive; lobbyist; and consultant with 40 years of transportation related experience. He has senior executive level experience in various aspects of transportation including: planning; project development; construction; implementation; operations; management; and governmental affairs. As President/CEO of the United Brake & Clutch, he is the only African-American owned manufacturing company.
Kenneth H. Jones, Sr., General Superintendent of DTPW Bus Maintenance received the Gerald Anderson Service Award for his excellent service and value of teamwork within the transportation industry.
The Gerald Anderson “Service Award” was established to recognize a COMTO member who has demonstrated commitment to the philosophy that the success of one is contingent upon the success of all.
This is award is COMTO’s way of recognizing good service and the value of teamwork within the transportation industry, and is given to ensure growth and development within the industry and community.
The first Gerald Anderson Service Award was presented to COMTO’s founding members for the perseverance and belief that there is a viable role for minorities within the industry.
Mr. Jones is a seasoned transportation professional with over 49 years of vehicle maintenance management and administration, planning, forecasting, resources management, and senior leadership experience in the private sector and mass transit environment. He has over thirty-five (35) years with the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), over twenty-one (21) years as a senior manager in DTPW’s Bus Operations and Maintenance divisions. He was promoted in 2019 to General Superintendent of Bus Maintenance.
Mr. Jones has been a COMTO member since 1996 and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to COMTO and its programs. He has served as the Vice President of the Miami Chapter from 2000 – 2002 and 2008 – 2012. He has also served as President from 2010 – 2017.
William Berry, President of Able Business Services received the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Firm of The Year Award. This award recognizes HUBs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of transportation and extraordinary competence in a chosen transportation-related field.
The HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) Firm of the Year award was introduced in 2003 to recognize HUBs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of transportation and extraordinary competence in a chosen transportation-related field. The recipient of this award is a HUB nominated by a local COMTO chapter, and is actively engaged in, and strongly supports, COMTO’s mission.
William Berry, is the owner of Able Business Services, Inc. and has used his education and more than 31 plus years in the field of vocational rehabilitation to train and hire special needs persons to include disable US veterans for employment. His Veteran Employment Training program includes a combination of classroom and on-the-job training for up to six weeks. The company consists of a truly “diverse workforce,” with gender and racial diversity across all levels. The company presently employs nearly 600 individuals, from underserved communities of which a vast amount is African American, Cuban American, and Haitian American.
Able Business Services, is a multifaceted commercial cleaning business specializing in commercial and industrial cleaning. Since 2000, he has worked with various industries, including public transit, offices, medical facilities, fitness centers, auto dealerships, schools, and more.
Mr. Berry has been involved in the transportation industry for five years. He first became involved in transportation when awarded a contract for the detail cleaning of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) bus fleet. His company is responsible for the cleaning at all bus divisions.
The Miami Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) held its second “Attracting Millennials into Transportation Careers” Webinar on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Former MDC Commissioner and Board Chair Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler, the Chapter’s first Ex-Officio served as the Moderator. The Panelists were: State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson, District 102, Charles W. George, Sr. Chairman Emeritus of the Florida Memorial University, Board of Trustees and founder of COMTO Miami Chapter, Jimmy Morales, Chief Operations Officer of Miami-Dade County, and Juan J. Flores Jr., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
As a part of the Chapter’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, the Chapter decided to host a four-part series on how to attract Millennials into the transportation industry. The Transportation industry is faced with an impending shortage of experienced employees as most of the baby boomer generation is retiring. The first discussion focused on describing the characteristics of the different generations and outlined Millennial behaviors. This session focused on what Millennials want in a job, various tactics that employers can use to attract and recruit Millennials, a description of Millennial friendly benefits and innovation / technology and how they impact Millennials. An engaging Question & Answer period followed the Panel discussion.
The Webinar was coordinated and hosted by Melissa Rolle-Scott, Board Member At-Large. Other COMTO Member participants included the Chapter President, Valerie Williams, 2nd Vice President, Greg Robinson and Treasurer, Sandra Stanley.
The Chapter hopes that through the discussions, it will introduce and attract Millennials to consider transportation as a viable career. The next Webinar will be held in the fall. Stay tuned!
On Saturday, May 22, 2021, the Miami Chapter held a Virtual Mock Interview Workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Workshop began with a presentation highlighting interviewing tips, resume preparation, common interview questions, proper grooming and proper attire. Judith Deutsch, Manager of DTPW Human Resources and Jennifer Walker, Chief of DTPW Human Resources served as Presenters and Facilitators of the Questions & Answers for the Workshop. There were three concurrent panels and panel members included:
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Participants were given six questions and were also assessed on their communication skills. At the end of the interviews, participants were provided general feedback on the interview sessions. Individual and specific comments were provided at the end of their interview session by the panelists.
The workshop was coordinated by the chapter’s Education & Scholarship Committee under the leadership of Dale McMillan. Committee members included: Sandra Stanley, Melissa Rolle-Scott, Maurice Dixon and Walter Watson.
A group of COMTO Miami Chapter members (Derrick Gordon, Kenneth Jones, Valerie Williams, Frank Brown and Aretha Joseph) visited the Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Miami, Florida for a tour on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Founded by the Sundari Foundation, the Lotus House has dedicated 10 years to improving the lives of homeless women, youth and children and not only provides them with shelter, but also acts as an advocate to raise awareness about their circumstances and needs. Chapter members witnessed the employees working together to plan an entire day of fun-filled activities for the women and children at the shelter. Members also watched the children decorate small pots and create their own miniature herb gardens. Volunteers from the Lotus House served lunch to the shelter guests.
The tour was conducted by Victoria Varela, Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Margo Hannah. The Lotus House is located at 217 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136.
Lotus House is making an enormous impact in Miami and COMTO Miami Chapter had the privilege to play a small part in their efforts. “We are proud to work shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals who have such passion and desire to serve” said Miami Chapter President Valerie Williams.
The Lotus House truly provides a sanctuary for the minds, hearts and bodies of women and children in the Miami community who are in need. It is clear the Lotus House is achieving its vision of building a bigger and brighter future for women and children. Visiting Lotus House and meeting the many different women and children at the shelter was an incredible experience, said Assistant Director Derrick Gordon of Department Transportation and Public Work, a long-time member of COMTO Miami Chapter.
Lotus House Women’s Shelter provides shelter and wrap-around support services to women, youth and children experiencing homelessness. Not just a temporary shelter, Lotus House is a place where the minds, bodies and spirits of women and youth in need are nurtured and supported to empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self-sufficiency, and build a better way of life for themselves and their children as they transition to permanent homes off the streets. Lotus House is operated by the Sundari Foundation, Inc., a non-denominational, non-profit, 501c3 public charity dedicated to serving women and children in need. For information on how you can help the Lotus House, contribute to its endowment, or become involved as a volunteer, please visit www.lotushouse.org.
During the month of March, the Miami Chapter celebrated Women’s History Month by paying tribute to the Women Entrepreneurs of the chapter. Below is a list of the women and their businesses which were featured on the chapter’s social media platforms:
Women’s History Month is a celebration of the vital role of women in American history and gives COMTO a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who lead the way for change and create opportunities for future generations. COMTO Miami salutes these and all other Women Owned Businesses.
In celebration of their 35th Anniversary, COMTO Miami held its Kick-Off event on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm, via Zoom. The event recognized the chapter’s Founder and the first Executive Committee (L to R: Eugene Morrison –Treasurer, Karen Forshee – Secretary, Charles George – President, Carmen Hamm Davis – Vice President & Sylvester Johnson – Parliamentarian) for their vision and dedication in establishing the chapter. The family of the late Carmen Hamm Davis, the chapter’s first Vice President, was presented with an award post-humus for Carmen’s relentless efforts.
Members of the Executive Committee shared the story of their beginning, the challenges faced and their accomplishments. Former Presidents (Walter Johnson, Eugene Morrison, Frank T. Martin, Roosevelt Bradley, Melissa Rolle-Scott, Seraphin Bernard, and Kenneth H. Jones) were also on hand and saluted for their historic accomplishments in Miami-Dade as the “First Blacks” in several capacities. The Past-Presidents also went down memory lane sharing their experiences both professionally and challenging the current membership to keep pressing forward.
Among COMTO Miami’s past presidents is a rich history in Miami-Dade transportation and entrepreneurship.
Charles W. George, Sr. was the first black:
Walter Johnson was the first black:
Eugene Morrison was one of three of the first Black Bus Operators:
Frank T. Martin, was the first black:
Roosevelt Bradley was the first black:
Charles W. George, Sr., the chapter’s founding President (who was the first black Director of Human Resources at the MDTA) and Former County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler, who served as the chapter’s first Ex-Officio (who was also the first Black Chairperson of the Miami-Dade County Commission) led a discussion on “Attracting Millennials into Transportation Careers”. This is a four-part series with the next session in in the Spring. Stay tuned for the discussion!
Veronica Griffin (1st VP), Greg Robinson (2nd VP) and Melissa Rolle-Scott (Board Member At-Large) served as the hosts for the event.
On Thursday, February 11th the Chapter held its first COMTO & Transportation Trivia Night. In celebration of Black History, the chapter continued to recognize both local and historic leaders through Trivia. The goal was to both challenge and enrich the participants knowledge of the many contributions that Blacks made to the field of transportation. Using a Trivia bank of one hundred questions, each round had a specific topic. The four topics were:
1. COMTO National History
2. COMTO Miami History
3. Blacks in Transportation
4. Miami Chapter Honorees
In celebration of Black History month, the chapter held three main events while paying special tribute each week to Black leaders who have made a difference, both past and present. The 2021 Black History Theme was “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” This year for Black History month COMTO Miami paid homage to:
During the first week, the chapter recognized the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners for Making History with Most-Ever Black Commissioners on Board. COMTO Miami Chapter saluted, the five Black members of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and recognized the historic significance of having the highest number of Black commissioners ever seated at the same time on the BCC. For the first time since its founding in 1836, Miami-Dade County is represented by five Black County Commissioners:
During the second week the chapter recognized Derrick Gordon, Assistant Director of Bus Services at the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation. Mr. Gordon started as a Bus Operator and is currently the highest-ranking Black at DTPW. He is responsible for the daily to operation of Bus Services and a total operating budget of approximately $140 million. The overseeing of DTPW’s Bus Operations and Bus Maintenance divisions, consists of more than 96 fixed routes of which 30 are contracted out, a bus fleet of 761 of which more than 73% are Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, and over 2,300 employees.
Mr. Gordon has been an active COMTO member since 1995 and has served on the executive board in various capacities over the years. He attributes his mentors, joining COMTO and networking to his success. Mr. Gordon is well known for his wittiness and infectious laugh, but most of all, for his ability to bring people together for the benefit of the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the transit industry alike.
Participants were provided all the materials to paint a Black-History themed portrait. They enjoyed a few hours of art therapy while networking with other members. An ambiance of music along with the drink of choice set the mood for a relaxing and stress-free environment. At the end of the event, portraits were judged, and the prizes were awarded to the top three: Veronica Griffin, Melissa Rolle-Scott & T-Erica Pugh. COMTO Miami News – Black History Month.
The last two weeks a collage of Black leaders which included Barack Obama (44th POTUS), Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom-X, Mary Eliza Mahoney (1st Black Nurse), Dr. Carter G. Woodson (Father of Black History Month) and our national Founders, Rev. Jerry Moor and Harold B. Williams.
On January 22, 2021, members of COMTO Miami, led by the Chapter’s President Valerie Williams continued its Community Outreach Programs, and response to COVID-19, visited the Camillus House. COMTO Miami members collected gently used clothing and accessories from January 11th to January 21st for its Declutter and Donate Clothing Drive. Volunteers came together on Saturday, January 22nd to sort and make ready multiple boxes of clothing, enough to completely fill a minivan. The clothing and accessories were delivered to the Camillus House (Homeless Shelter) located at 1603 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136.
The Camillus House has been providing many life-altering services for over 60 years by providing hope, through their Direct Care Ministry. The oldest and probably the most well-known of services at Camillus House. Hospitality Services focuses on providing immediate care such as overnight shelter, showers, clothing exchange, mail, and telephone usage. Hospitality serves as the essential entry point into the full continuum of care offered by Camillus House.
COMTO Miami continued its Community Outreach Programs, through its Declutter and Donate Clothing Drive in response to COVID-19. Members of COMTO Miami collected gently used clothing and accessories from April 12 – May 15, 2021. On Saturday, May 15, 2021, volunteers worked collaboratively to sort and bag the clothing. Led by the Chapter’s President Valerie Williams and Event Coordinator, Dana Wilson a van packed to capacity with the clothing donation was delivered to the Camillus House (Homeless Shelter) located at 1603 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136.
The Camillus House has been providing many life-altering services for over 60 years by providing hope, through their Direct Care Ministry. The Direct Care Ministry at the Camillus House is the oldest and probably the most well-known of services. Hospitality Services focuses on providing immediate care such as overnight shelter, showers, clothing exchange, mail, and telephone usage. Hospitality serves as the essential entry point into the full continuum of care offered by Camillus House.
COMTO Miami Chapter collected hundreds of toys for the children at the Lotus House Women’s Shelter. In response to COVID-19, the Chapter wanted to bring some cheer to those in our community. Led by COMTO Members, Aretha Joseph and Frank Brown, toy collection boxes were distributed throughout the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation & Public Works facilities. Unwrapped toys were collected from December 9 to December 20, 2020. On Monday, December 21st the toys were sanitized and loaded on a truck for delivery to the Lotus House, located at 217 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136. Derrick Gordon, Assistant Director of Bus Services and COMTO Special Advisor accompanied the group for the delivery.
Lotus House is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women, youth and children. Lotus House provides sanctuary, support, education, tools and resources that empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self -sufficiency, and build safe, secure lives.
As a part of its Community Outreach Programs, and in response to COVID-19, COMTO Miami wanted to assist the men and women in our community. COMTO Miami members collected gently used clothing and accessories from November 9th to December 9th for its Declutter and Donate Clothing Drive. Volunteers came together on Saturday, December 11th to sort and make ready multiple boxes of clothing, enough to completely fill a minivan. The Camillus House (Homeless Shelter) located at 1603 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136 was the selected recipient of the clothing.
The Camillus House is celebrating 60 years of hope, offering Direct Care Ministry. Hospitality Services focuses on providing immediate care such as overnight shelter, showers, clothing exchange, mail, and telephone usage. Hospitality serves as the essential entry point into the full continuum of care offered by Camillus House. In addition, Substance Abuse Treatment; Vocational Training; Transitional and Emergency Housing; Camillus House offers a picture ID, which assist in re-establishing identity by obtaining birth certificates, social security card and other forms of identification.
The security team lead by Miss Queen herself, made sure that our donation was handled with the utmost care and processed promptly. During the visit Members, met resident/ volunteer Jacob whose life was turned completely around through the efforts of Camillus house. Jacob gave Chapter Volunteers a tour of the facility which included the Shower and Clothing Exchange program. The Miami Chapter President, Mrs. Valerie Williams assured the Camillus House staff that this would not be our last visit or contribution.
The mission of COMTO is to ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, education and professional development. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) was created to provide a forum for minority professionals in the transportation industry. COMTO’s membership includes individuals, groups, transportation agencies, private sector corporations, non-profit organizations, and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs).
