Women around the world are championing new ideas for sustainable cities, healthy communities, and active transportation. The Women4Climate global mentorship program is set on helping grow and support this new generation of change-makers.
Women4Climate is an initiative launched by C40 Cities to empower and inspire women to lead the charge against climate change. Through the mentorship program, emerging leaders are connected with local mayors, politicians, and women on the forefront of climate activism around the world. Mentees are supported through collaboration, creativity, and community to work towards measurable progress in sustainable development and thought leadership. With 16 cities already participating in the mentorship program, including the Canadian cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, the power of shared knowledge and experiences is rippling change and progress through major cities across the globe.
We are proud to share about BEST’s own Isabel Garcia and her involvement in the Women4Climate global mentorship program. Isabel is an avid advocate for walking and public transit as an accessible, healthy means of getting around without relying on personal automobile ownership. With a background in Sustainable Transportation and Mobility Management, Isabel is well equipped to speak about safe and comfortable traveler experiences, particularly as someone who personally moves through Vancouver on foot with a toddler and stroller.
Isabel encourages walking and public transit as sustainable, accessible ways to get around (stroller-tested!).
Isabel is the Manager of the Living Streets Program at BEST. Living Streets seeks to encourage walking as a means of transportation and health to build vibrant, active communities and accessible transportation infrastructure. With the changes that COVID-19 brought to city life and mobility, active transportation in outdoor settings has become even more crucial in keeping communities safe and strong. The Walk30 Challenge running from May 10 to June 13 is just one way Living Streets is encouraging people to get outdoors and get moving. Isabel’s involvement with the W4C program promises to move Living Streets forward through strategic storytelling and valuable experience from her mentor, Marion Town.
Marion is the Director of Climate and Environment with the Vancouver Airport Authority, working closely with the YVR’s Board of Directors and Executive Team to minimize negative environmental impacts at YVR and encourage sustainability and high standards. With a deep history of government work at all levels as well as a professional background in planning, Marion’s guidance and mentorship are helping Isabel develop the Living Streets Program to its highest potential and leverage communications to amplify the program’s reach.
Women are changing the world. We are excited to see this leadership and growth within our own team at BEST and thrilled to see the W4C mentorship program transforming and empowering future leaders in all cities and communities. Hats off to you, Isabel!
This blog post is written by BEST’s Molly Peters.
