Soaring Eagle Award Honors Terri Mestas

The Inaugural Soaring Eagle Award Takes Flight, Celebrating Leadership, Vision, and the Future of the A/E/C Industry

The inaugural Soaring Eagle Award, presented by the SAME Foundation, was celebrated this week, marking a milestone moment for the industry and establishing a new national platform to recognize extraordinary leadership, courage, integrity, and vision across the architecture, engineering, and construction community.

Years in the making, the Soaring Eagle Award was created to honor individuals whose impact extends beyond projects, to those who inspire progress, elevate communities, and shape the future of the built environment.

The evening brought together leaders from across the country, uniting public and private sector voices in a shared commitment to advancing excellence and inspiring the next generation.

“This award was built on the belief that leadership in our industry is about more than what we plan/design/build—it’s about how we lead, who we inspire, and the legacy we leave behind,” said Sally Riker, F.SAME; chair of the Soaring Eagle Award & Gala.

The event celebrated Terri Mestas with Sound Transit, whose career exemplifies the spirit of the Soaring Eagle. Her bold vision, unwavering integrity, and unflinching courage throughout her professional life will have a lasting impact on the A/E/C community, her coworkers, and her family.

Hosted and led by the SAME Foundation, the event reflects a broader mission: to create a lasting platform that not only honors today’s leaders, but also inspires tomorrow’s.

“Terri Mestas is a trailblazer whose leadership inspires excellence and drives progress across the A/E/C industry,” said Maj. Gen. Tim Byers, SAME Foundation President. “She embodies the spirit of the Soaring Eagle—lifting others, expanding opportunities, and leaving a legacy of impact. We are honored to recognize her as the inaugural Soaring Eagle Award recipient.”

The success of the inaugural event was made possible through the support of dedicated benefactors, partners, and a passionate team who believed in the vision and took a leap of faith to bring it to life.  All net proceeds benefit the SAME Foundation and its mission to foster engineering leadership for the nation through its outreach programs.

“This is just the beginning,” said Riker. “We are building something that will endure—a platform for recognition, inspiration, and connection for years to come.”

As the Soaring Eagle Award looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to elevate the leaders who are shaping our world and to inspire the next generation to rise.

To learn more, visit the Soaring Eagle website, or contact Kathy Off, koff@same.org, 703-549- 3800.

About the SAME Foundation Founded in 2016, the SAME Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to fostering engineering leadership for the nation. It funds STEM outreach, leadership training, and mentorship programs that advance national resilience and workforce readiness. The Foundation has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar) and a four star rating from Charity Navigator. It is registered with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC – #59814) and Benevity.

About SAME Established in 1920, the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) unites public and private sector professionals from across the A/E/C and national security communities. With over 22,000 members, more than 100 Posts around the world, and a National Office in Alexandria, Va., SAME drives partnerships, delivers solutions, and develops people to support America’s national security priorities. Check out our SAME Best Practices for award nominations before sending in your proposal to make it a seamless process!

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