Three New Otak Honorees Named at Women of Vision Awards 2025
October, 2025
Members of the Pacific Northwest’s AEC industry gathered for the Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) Oregon’s annual event where three experts from the Otak team were recognized for their accomplishments as women in the field. This year, the DJC Women of Vision Award recipients included Alex Cettie, Miki Bragg, and Mandy Flett.
The occasion marks the newest members of a long list of Otak women who have been honored over the past several years:
- 2024 – Kristen Ballou and Sarah Oaks
- 2023 – Saretta Tillmaand, Amanda Owings, Margaret Steinhilber
- 2022 – Millicent Williams
- 2021 – Tanya Boyer, Rachel Laura, Cathy Kraus
- 2020 – Serah Breakstone, Tina Keller, Angela Khosa-Marangwanda
- 2019 – Ashley Cantlon, Amy Scheckla-Cox, Teresa Huntsinger
Learn more about all three and see what peers had to say about their contributions to the industry on the way to earning this career accolade.
Meet the 2025 Honorees
Alex Cettie, Project Manager
As a member of Otak’s owner’s representative group, Alex began her career in the AEC industry a decade ago with a focus on transportation engineering. Her career has advanced since joining Otak to grown into primarily supporting a variety of healthcare and public agency clients, all while bringing a unique collaborative mindset.
“Alex is a rising star… She brings a contagious enthusiasm and a conscientious leadership to the projects she is involved with and is passionate about client advocacy.”
– Shawn Klinkner, Business Unit Leader of PMCM
Among the many projects Alex has helped lead with an emphasis on public engagement, a couple stand out. Critical renovations to the historic Salmon Run Bell Tower in Vancouver, Washington left the structure behind fencing during construction. It’s located in the state’s oldest public park and while on site managing construction one day, Alex was approached by a family interested in what was happening behind the scenes. Alex went inside and recorded a video which she then shared with the family who later wrote the city to say thank you, mentioning that their son enjoyed watching the video daily.
Alex also led efforts to develop and successfully secure a bond for the Hoodland Fire District that protects a critical 45-square-mile corridor around Mt. Hood in Oregon. Its main fire station, in operation since 1966, had been renovated numerous times but could no longer meet the community’s growing needs. After procurement of the project team and sourcing additional funding to offset taxpayer costs, Alex’s efforts led to a bond that passed with nearly 60% affirmative support from a community that will now be better positioned for emergency response.
Miki Bragg, Senior Project Manager
Making a lasting impact through both project contributions and leadership that strengthens our internal systems, Miki is also a member of the owner’s representative team. As part of 17 years in the industry, she’s been at Otak for nearly five of those. In that time, she’s applied the mantra of, “be the change you want to see,” in every aspect of her day-to-day activities, setting a high standard for project delivery and peer mentorship.
“Miki brings a strong voice to her work. She’s confident, direct, and not afraid to speak up or advocate for what she believes is right… She cares deeply about doing great work and helping others do the same.”
– Sarah Oaks, Director of PMCM
Playing a key role in successful project delivery for several public agencies, Miki has had a hand in ensuring essential facilities are opened on time and with minimal disruption to their communities. This includes work improving the Salem-Kiezer School District—Oregon’s largest—where a bond program allowed for comprehensive updates across its facilities. Her background in general contracting has introduced more disciplined processes that have streamlined workflows and reduced risk for clients. It’s all part of an ability to see the bigger picture as Miki consistently anticipates challenges before they escalate. Whether it’s identifying potential contractor compliance issues earlier, clarifying scope ambiguities, or ensuring documentation is properly in place, her proactive mindset prevents costly delays and positions the team to respond with confidence and clarity.
Miki’s commitment to teamwork also extends beyond regular office hours. She is no stranger to making extra time for some added mentorship and team building that emphasizes trust, mutual support, and reliability. Outside of work, she carries these principles into her involvement with the community As a Girl Scout leader, youth soccer coach, and volunteer, Miki’s commitment to her community is part of personality, not just her profession.
Mandy Flett, Construction Manager
For more than 20 years, Mandy has supported Otak projects across planning, federal, transportation, and construction management teams. Her natural ability to maintain and grow connections with peers has been central to finding success with such a diversity in disciplines.
“Over the years, I have overseen the progress of multiple projects varying in size and I feel Mandy excels in technical/design ability and project management. Mandy has demonstrated professionalism through their work product and client management skills… I’ve appreciated the opportunity to get to know [Otak’s] staff and have been impressed with the work they have done.”
– Todd Wehner, Project Manager at BPA
Mandy’s superpower is recognizing gaps. With behind-the-scenes leadership, she takes it upon herself to understand the unique issues that affect multiple parties and find common solutions. During critical situations Mandy excels at managing crises with calmness and efficiency. Quick and transparent communication are her foundation for finding resolutions that minimize disruptions and maintain client trust. This is extremely important when working construction projects where time is very valuable and quality relationships keep operations running smoothly. It’s something that’s led her to forge relationships with a variety of clients. From stakeholders in mass transit to those in environmental science agencies, her ability to maintain cohesive teams stems from a love of connecting with people.
The connections Mandy makes span clients, teammates, and her community. This includes mentoring new hires as they navigate their roles. She helps them manage expectations, balance workload, and teaches them efficient ways to work within the team. Mandy provides guidance with insight into the company culture that ensures new employees feel supported and confident in their roles. Her approachable nature and willingness to share her knowledge foster an environment of continuous learning and growth.