The first entry in our new Women in Mobility Spotlight series, highlighting members of our Women in Mobility Peer Group.
What does ‘mobility’ mean to you?
A: To me “Mobility” signifies the capacity for individuals to securely, affordably, and dependably reach their desired destinations.
What motivated you to pursue a career or interest in the mobility industry?
A: What inspired me to embark on a career into the mobility industry is the glaring disparity between the current state of mobility and its immense untapped potential. I was motivated to contribute my efforts towards catalyzing the transformation in this field.
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on in the industry or classroom?
A: My current project is the most exciting, which is integration of various technologies and use cases into a micro-mobility vehicle called SARIT. Micro-mobility has been a huge influence on the multi-modal transportation system through EU and some parts in the USA. I see a huge potential and need for Micro-mobility in Canada.
Going back to what ‘mobility’ means to you, what do you think is the biggest challenge or obstacle facing the industry today?
A: There are many challenges but the biggest one I see is the collaborative efforts required between government entities, municipalities, and corporate /business sectors to effectively integrate mobility initiatives. This task necessitates careful consideration of public acceptance and the cultivation of social awareness of emerging technology.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the mobility industry in the future, and what changes would you like to see?
A: I hope to witness increased representation, empowerment and inclusivity for women across all aspects of the industry. I want to see changes in Leadership, which includes executive roles and influential decision making positions, Technical Entrepreneurship, which includes supporting women to actively contribute to technology driven advancements in mobility, mentorship programs, and access to funding.
Can you share any personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the mobility space?
A: Having people from diverse backgrounds can bring unique mobility needs while designing transportation systems and related infrastructure. As women we tend to consider the needs of others around us, which can brings a more inclusive perspective of urban planning and safety.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in mobility and/or tech?
A: I started by learning as much as possible, through webinars, and talking to people in the field. It may seem like a small step but its a start, and as I learned more, I understand and came across other aspects and domains of mobility. Knowing where your passion lies is important. Mobility can be seen through different lenses (Public awareness, Policy and Guideline, Engineering, Urban Planning, Infrastructure, etc, to name a few). Find your lens!
Are there any specific resources, organizations, or networks that have been valuable to you in your professional journey within the mobility/tech industry?
A: WEtech (of course!), LinkedIN has many profession groups to join based on your interests, PSOE, PEO, research organizations, UWindsor, UofT, York University, UBC
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements?
I have dedicated times in the day to read and keep up with industry news, (Automotive News, Tech Brew, Plug and Play Detroit, Urban Mobility Weekly, Self Driving Stories, What’s up Mobility?, MOVE: Mobility Reimagined, EE times.
What is one thing that you wish more people knew about the mobility industry, and why?
Mobility is not one domain, but an ecosystem of its own with so many domains. This is essential because when we are not able to acknowledge the big picture of mobility, we miss how each domain plays an important role is the support of its other domains. That is why I consider it an ecosystem, with coexisting and interdependent elements working together.
Check out more Spotlights in our Women in Mobility Spotlight series, highlighting members of our Women in Mobility Peer Group, as well as our Women in Tech Spotlight, that highlights women in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent tech community.
