As 2025 comes to a close, CKL Engineers is proud to look back on a year defined by meaningful growth, technical excellence, and deeper community engagement. From major project milestones to team achievements and industry recognition, the past twelve months showcased our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions while continuing to expand our impact across Illinois, Georgia, and beyond. The following are some of 2025's highlights for our firm:
Skyway Bowl Donation
At CKL Engineers, we believe in supporting our community and preserving its landmarks. When we learned that Skyway Bowl, Chicago's last Black-owned bowling alley, was facing potential closure in April 2025, we felt compelled to act. To aid in their efforts to remain open, CKL Engineers donated over $4,000 to Skyway Bowl's fundraising campaign, Operation Save Our Lanes. The money went toward refreshing their entire stock of bowling shoes.
CMAA Chicago Luncheon
Additionally, CKL attended CMAA Chicago's April Luncheon with Craig Turner, the Chicago Department of Transportation's First Deputy Commissioner. He showcased multiple projects, both ongoing and in the procurement phase, that will shape Chicago's transportation future.
2025 WTS International Annual Conference
In May 2025, our CEO Mae Whiteside Williams attended the 2025 WTS International Annual Conference this month, located in Toronto, Canada. We were able to meet several transportation officials and colleagues alike from across the world.
Midway Airport's Runway 13C/31C Groundbreaking Ceremony
In June 2025, CKL Engineers was proud to join the Chicago Department of Aviation and our project partners at the groundbreaking ceremony for Midway Airport's Runway 13C/31C Rehabilitation Project!
As one of Midway’s largest airfield upgrades in recent years, this project revitalizes the airport’s main runway and intersecting taxiways, enhancing safety, improving geometry to meet FAA standards, and supporting firefighting operations with a new access road.
At CKL, we’re excited to contribute to a project that will serve millions of passengers and help modernize one of the busiest airports in the country.
PSMJ’s AEC INNOVATE 2025
CKL Engineers took a trip to Austin for PSMJ’s AEC INNOVATE 2025 in June. CEO & Founder Mae Whiteside Williams, as well as VP of Operations Kenneth Clay, received lots of insight on how AI and emerging tech are transforming the AEC industry. As a firm committed to embracing cutting-edge solutions, CKL Engineers is eager to engage with industry leaders, participate in insightful sessions, and explore the latest advancements that are shaping the future of civil engineering.
CKL Leadership Workshops
CKL Engineers had our first Leadership Workshop at Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse, hosted by Marvin Bembry, this June. At this event, select members of our team gathered to sharpen their skills, share insights, and build momentum that will last for years to come. We had a second workshop the following month, building on the various initiatives we began at the previous event while discussing new ideas and concepts.
IDOT Bulletin Win
In July, CKL Engineers was officially selected by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as the prime consultant for PTB 216 – Item 25 in District 2. We're assisting IDOT's Traffic Operations in District 2, providing our trademark engineering excellence to the people of Northwest Illinois.
Best and Brightest Companies to Work For 2025
In August, CKL Engineers was named one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2025! This honor recognizes our unwavering commitment to building a workplace that thrives on communication, professional development, and employee wellness. A heartfelt thank you to #TeamCKL: this achievement reflects your dedication and passion to providing engineering excellence everywhere you go.
Career Fair Blitz
This September, our team attended three career fairs across Illinois. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Northern Illinois University, our team met hundreds of enthusiastic and talented students. Qualified candidates have since been interviewed and may become capable engineers at #TeamCKL!
2025 March Of Dimes - Rufus Taylor Award Recepient
On October 3rd, our CEO and Founder Mae Whiteside Williams was awarded the Rufus Taylor Award at the Annual March of Dimes Construction and Transportation Awards Luncheon. The award honors Mae for being a trailblazer in the Chicago civil engineering market. #TeamCKL came together with many notable names in the industry to celebrate her accomplishments.