When did you join Women in Transport?
2020
Why did you join Women in Transport?
It is important to not only actively promote working in the transport to women, but also support those who are already in it, be that at the start of their careers or those who are experienced. A more equal and equitable transport system is one that is planned, designed, operated and maintained by both men and women in equal measure. Women in Transport are working hard to make that happen and I want to be a part of it!
What do you enjoy most about being part of Women in Transport?
It's an organisation that has supported me throughout my career over the last couple of years and provided me with great opportunities - from speaking on a WiT webinar myself to helping organise events with the wonderful volunteers from the Scotland Hub. It's always refreshing to meet other women who have had similar experiences in the workplace, share expertise and discuss how transport can be improved for all.
Current job title
Associate Director - Transport Technology, AECOM
What does your current job involve?
As a consultant, I work closely with the New Mobility team to research, develop and design emerging transport technologies and advise clients on how their transport systems may be impacted by these exciting advancements. Primarily, I work with local authorities on the implementation of shared micromobility schemes, starting from the development of local policy, through to the design of schemes themselves, procurement and operations. In addition, I've had the privilege to work on a number of mobility hub schemes that are coming to fruition across the UK this year.
What's the best thing about your job?
The area within which I work is fairly niche and continually changing, keeping it both exciting but also confusing at times. I tend to sit nicely between data and policy and enjoy discussing with stakeholders what the data shows and importantly, what it means for users. I enjoy developing the story that the data is writing, talking it through with stakeholders and discussing how the new knowledge can be used.
How did you become involved in the transport industry?
Starting off in the energy industry, I quickly felt frustrated by the lack of tangible outputs from my work. Only numbers changed on a spreadsheet - that wasn't bringing me joy! So, after a bit of soul-searching I began working in development transport planning which allowed me to work both with transport engineers, but also architects and urban designers. Finally, the work I did day to day was creating something that I could see on the ground. There are a few developments around London that I played a small part in and I proudly point them out every time I'm in the big city!
What do you like about working in transport?
The transport industry is huge and includes an incredibly broad spectrum of skills meaning that every day is a school day. There is always something to learn! Even in my transport career to date, I've moved from development transport planning, to research and business development, to public policy, to emerging transport technologies. No matter what I'm working on, I know I'm having an impact and helping develop more sustainable transport systems.
What are you most proud of?
In the early days of shared e-scooters in Europe, I became truly excited and optimistic about the potential of these schemes in the UK. I threw myself into researching the rapidly growing industry, grew my profile and began contributing to thought-leadership pieces, conferences and webinars. The industry is in a very different place to where it was in 2020 but I'm proud to have closely followed its growth and worked with different organisations to understand the impact of these schemes and work to improve them so they can be a permanent feature in our towns and cities.
Our partnership packages are a flexible and accessible way to support Women in Transport and your organisation's equity, diversity and inclusion objectives. Learn more about our partnership opportunities here and contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss how we can work together.
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