Head of Global Policy for Public Transportation and Accessibility
Uber Technologies, Inc.
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering | Portland State University
Master of Science, Transportation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Years of Professional Experience | 17
Current City | New York, NY
Hometown | Beaverton, OR
Favorite Mode of Transportation | Aviation
Interests & Hobbies | Cycling, Sports (NBA, NFL, Soccer), Presidential Biographies, Aviation, Transit
Fun Fact | Since leaving undergrad, I’ve lived in 6 great cities on both coasts and the Midwest.
Please describe your current role within the transportation industry/community.
I currently oversee Uber’s public policy work in areas involving public transportation, accessibility, and transportation equity.
How did you get started in your career and what led you to your current role?
I started with a strong interest in cities and urban planning in high school when I did not even know transportation was a career option. Thanks to interesting classes and meeting a lifelong mentor at Portland State University, I quickly grasped on to civil engineering as my major. In grad school, I drilled further into public transportation with internships at the Chicago Transit Authority and FTA. After school, I continued to explore my interests through consulting, local and federal government, non-profit, and finally the private sector all while moving cross country several times between SF, NYC, and DC. Although I changed cities and jobs, the one constant was staying involved with the transportation community through TRB, YPT, and Transportation Camp.
What motivates you as a person and as a professional?
Like many of us in transportation, I believe that we can make a big difference in people’s lives by improving the way we move around our cities. We have a great opportunity to create more sustainable, more accessible, and more efficient ways to move for everyone.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Working remotely in a field that thrives on in-person communication.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Solving complex policy issues with friends and colleagues throughout the industry.