Leadership in Service

Last month, I made the final decision to run for an At-Large Seat on the Board of COMTO National. It was not a decision made lightly, especially in light of my other commitments, but I knew that this moment in time is unique and we are all called to contribute in full capacity to the transformation of this world into a better place for all.

What follows is my speech to the membership asking for their trust and their votes.

“We need timeless principles to steer by in running our organizations and building our personal careers. We need high standards…. the ethics of excellence.”

This quote by business author Price Pritchett is a constant reminder of the alignment between COMTO, the organization and the professional that I am.

Purpose is the fuel that drives the excellence that characterizes COMTO. Advocating for the inclusion of diverse talents and voices in the transportation industry for the benefit of all, especially the underutilized, is at the core of COMTO’s mission. A long-held tradition of service and excellence constitutes the other foundational pillars of the organization’s strength and resilience, making it a prominent leader in the industry.

In 2020, COMTO awarded me the Women Who Move the Nation in recognition of my record of excellence as an industry leader and a champion for inclusion and diversity in the industry. Nothing could have pleased me more than to be recognized by my peers for the efforts made to mentor, lead, and advocate for women and people of color over a 35-year career. Purpose and a strong work ethics are behind the excellence displayed in my professional journey.

Sharing the same sense of purpose with COMTO and witnessing its track record of excellence as a result, is what led to my decision to run for the board. I have spent the last ten years serving in leadership positions at the local and national levels including the last three years as the President of the COMTO Michigan Chapter. I know the efforts that each of you makes every day to contribute to COMTO’s mission and the load you embrace to advance the organization’s objectives and influence. I am, therefore, thankful for all the opportunities you have provided me to be of service.

I am here today to ask you to continue to trust me in leading our beloved organization as a board director. I strongly believe that while our timeless principles will allow us to continue on the pathway to excellence, the times are calling for innovators with strong vision and ability to execute to propel the organization to thrive, strengthen our existing chapters, expand beyond our borders, and build in the resilience that leads to long term sustainability.

Times are challenging, but times are also full of opportunities and hope. New Federal initiatives around Environmental Justice, racial equity and Justice40 are calling for us to us to rise to new levels of influence and relevancy. Visionary leadership that will steer the organization on this path is needed more than ever. I ask for your vote as such a leader.”

I won my seat and will start serving as a National Board Member on August 17th, 2021.