Detail thinker with big-picture planning. People and pedestrians first. Accessibility junkie. Community champion. Aspiring race traitor. Prize-winning knitter. Discusser of "forbidden" topics. Artist of many media. Physicist by training. Expert cat-botherer. Will read the first three chapters of any book. Spreadsheet wizard. Not meek.
A public transit and social justice advocate, Mari works to center marginalized communities and people over data. Coming originally from rural Appalachia they have a deep understanding of the unique transit challenges in similar areas. With past experience ranging from physics to design, all their work has hinged on communicating complex topics to non-experts in dignified and engaging ways. They specialize in addressing details while reaching towards big-picture goals and are excited to bring all of these skills to more communities.
As a short person, I stand on many soap boxes. A partial list, in no particular order :
climate change is real
racism is real and planners can help redress its effects
trans rights are human rights
protect trans kids
digital rights and access will change the world
all work is intersectional
access to the outdoors is critical for mental health
experiential learning and getting my hands dirty
music and dance are for everyone always
the best empathy-building exercise is to work retail
everyone should work in a commercial food space at some point
communities are everywhere around us and contain valuable knowledge