Soaring Eagle Award
Presented by the SAME Foundation
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Rockville, Maryland | 6:00–9:00 PM
Recognizing visionary leadership that uplifts the A/E/C industry and inspires the next
generation of STEM professionals.
In 2026, we proudly honor Terri Mestas, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Sound Transit, as the inaugural Soaring Eagle Award recipient.
Presented by the SAME Foundation, the Soaring Eagle Award honors visionary leadership that uplifts the A/E/C industry and inspires the next generation of STEM professionals. This prestigious national recognition celebrates individuals whose bold leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to mentorship are shaping a smarter, more resilient future for the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) community.
What This Award Represents
The Soaring Eagle Award honors a transformational leader who exemplifies the highest standards of courage, integrity, and vision.
Cornerstones of Leadership
Courage – Fearless innovation in high-risk or high-impact arenas
Integrity – Trustworthy, transparent leadership rooted in service
Vision – Foresight that redefines what’s possible and prepares us for tomorrow
Symbolism in Our Logo
The stars in the Soaring Eagle emblem represent the diverse stakeholders who shape the future: students, educators, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities.
SAME Soaring Eagle Press Release2026 Soaring Eagle Award Honoree
Terri Mestas
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sound Transit
Terri Mestas is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience leading large, complex infrastructure programs for aviation, space exploration, military installations, national and international anti-terrorism physical security, and innovative project delivery for the transportation industry. As the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Sound Transit in charge of the delivery of their $75+ billion system expansion program, she is responsible for one of the largest transit capital programs in the country.
This regional expansion will transform Sound Transit’s current 32-mile, 33-station, two-line light rail system into a 116-mile, 83-station, five-line light rail system over the next two decades. The expansion also includes going from 83 miles to 91 miles of regional commuter rail and opening 45 miles of brand-new bus rapid transit service. Mestas’ project delivery approach maximizes economic impact through quality career jobs, workforce development, STEAM youth engagement, and inclusion of small, diverse firms.
Mestas previously led the $30 billion capital improvement program at Los Angeles World Airports, the largest aviation capital improvement program globally, which included terminal, landside, and airside mega projects in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games at LAX and Van Nuys airports. Mestas held executive leadership positions for one of the largest design and construction firms supporting public and private organizations globally. This included leading the Capital Improvement Program for numerous organizations such as NASA, numerous Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, and the Los Angeles Community College District, the nation’s largest community college district with a multi-billion-dollar College Facilities Bond Program.
Join us for the Soaring Eagle Awards Dinner & Gala during SAME’s Capital Week in Rockville, Md.,
as we celebrate excellence in engineering leadership.
Soaring Eagle Corporate & Individual Benefactor Opportunities
Become a Celebrated and Recognized Benefactor!
Join us as a benefactor of the Soaring Eagle Awards Celebration and position your brand in front of a high-impact audience of federal A/E/C leaders, decision-makers, and rising professionals.
Your contribution will amplify this celebration and showcase your commitment to advancing leadership across the federal A/E/C community. By aligning with this prestigious event, you’ll gain visibility among top decision-makers, industry leaders, and emerging professionals—while reinforcing your support for excellence, innovation, and service.
For more information contact Kathy Off, at Koff@same.org.
TITANIUM BENEFACTOR – $25,000 (One available)
- Table of Eight at event
- Premier “front + center” table location / front of stage
- 2 bottles of Veuve Clicquot brut
- Commemorative champagne flutes
- Content Integration: Opportunity to integrate brand messaging into the event content on SAME Foundation / Soaring Eagle Award “Step and Repeat” backdrop and other event promotion and graphics – firm logo
- Private reception with honoree, guests, and SAME Foundation leaders
- Branding on event materials and opportunities for sponsor branding during the gala
- Full-page program advertisement / profile
- Digital and print media promotion
- Save-the-Date, event website, social media, print media
- Special LinkedIn acknowledgement
- Sponsor video presentation during event OR live one-minute remarks on stage at event
- Post-event thank you – digital + print media
- Professional event photography for promotional use post event
PLATINUM BENEFACTOR – $15,000 (Four available)
- Table of Eight at event
- Premier table location
- Commemorative stemless wine glasses
- Private reception with honoree, guests, and SAME Foundation leaders
- Branding on event materials and opportunities for sponsor branding during the gala
- Half-page program advertisement / profile
- Digital and print media promotion
- Save-the-Date, event website, social media, print media
- Special LinkedIn acknowledgement
- Custom Cocktail Station / bartender in pre-function space – honoree’s choice / selection) – 4 stations max
- Post-event thank you via social media channels
- Professional event photography for promotional use post event
GOLD BENEFACTOR – $7,500 (Ten available)
- Table of Eight at event
- Premier table location
- ¼ page Event program ad
- Digital and print media promotion
- Save-the-Date, event website, social media, print media
- Post-event thank you via social media channels
SILVER BENEFACTOR – $4,500 (Unlimited)
- Four Complimentary tickets (half table) to event
- Reserved Table Seating
- Logo on website, social media
- Company logo listed in program
STRATEGIC PARTNER BENEFACTOR – $2,500 (Non-profit only; Unlimited)
- Personal Invitation for Presidents/CEOs, Executive Directors
- Two complimentary tickets to event
- Reserved seating
- Logo on website
- Logo listed in program
- Recognition at event
FRIENDS OF STEM – $1,000 (Unlimited)
- Two complimentary tickets to event
- Name or company logo listed in program
$250 – Ticket price
$300 – Ticket + $50 Donation to Foundation
NOTE: A portion of your contribution may not be tax-deductible. The SAME Foundation will provide a written acknowledgment of the fair market value of benefits received.