Program Director
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Dr. Mehri M. Mohebbi, Director of the Transportation Equity Program at the University of Florida Transportation Institute (UFTI), offers over 15 years of expertise in urban and regional planning with a clear emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. A passionate advocate for equitable decision-making and a diverse workforce, Dr. Mohebbi has consistently incorporated inclusivity into all aspects of transportation planning. For instance, in a significant project in southeast Michigan, Dr. Mohebbi worked intimately with the local Muslim community to improve Muslim women’s access to active transportation, developing a community-centric plan tailored to their specific needs. She has also devised and implemented frameworks for transit agencies that prioritize diversity and inclusion, reinforcing the belief that a diverse workforce can lead to a more gender-inclusive approach in transit planning.
Dr. Mohebbi's work has consistently integrated decision intelligence, applying mixed methods that emphasize the importance of qualitative data in informed decision-making. Her approach values community voices and lived experiences as crucial data points, creating more nuanced and impactful planning outcomes. Backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, and domestic and international cities, Dr. Mohebbi's innovative work has transformed the industry. She introduced the nation's first Transportation Equity training program, providing tools for practitioners and policymakers to measure and ensure equity in their work. Dr. Mohebbi serves on the Transportation Research Board (TRB) International Coordinating Council, and two TRB committees (AME50 and AME20). She is a graduate of the University of Tehran and the University of Cincinnati. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, such as the WTS Helene M. Overly Award.
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Framework for the Development of a Diverse Transportation Workforce in the Southeast Region
Sunday, June 16, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET