Workforce Diversity Wednesday: 2025 Round-Up

As part of an ongoing series, NABSA is highlighting four individuals working in shared micromobility to spotlight diversity within the industry and encourage others to take part in the field.

In 2023, the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) launched Workforce Diversity Wednesdays to showcase the variety of jobs that exist in shared micromobility. The interviews highlight individuals’ work and roles with the hopes of helping people interested in shared micromobility see themselves in the industry.

This Wednesday, we are rounding up NABSA’s interviews from 2025 — hearing from Jae Watkins at Lyft Urban Solutions, Charolyn Mosley at Indego with Bicycle Transit Systems, Odochi Akwani at the Better Bike Share Partnership, and Dr. Lloyd M. Cheatom Sr. at POGOH! For the full interviews, visit the links.

HOW DID YOU COME TO ARRIVE AT WORKING IN SHARED MICROMOBILITY AND YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

“I began my career in shared micromobility after working two years as a Community Ambassador through POGOH. The Community Ambassador Program is grounded in equity and focuses on connecting Pittsburgh’s marginalized communities, BIPOC, and mobility-deficient neighborhoods to the bikeshare program. This was an opportunity for my cycling club to broaden and continue our mission of service in various communities by inspiring others while promoting and providing healthy activities, as well as encouraging mindfulness and invoking gracious space.” – Dr. Lloyd M. Cheatom Sr

“My career has focused on marketing and communications for sustainability, spanning recycling, water, and now transportation. For the past six years, I’ve been working in transportation and developed a passion for accessible solutions that help people explore their communities. Many community members have shared with me how much more of their neighborhood they discover when traveling by bikes, e-bikes, and scooters.” – Jae Watkins

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

“I enjoy communicating the benefits of bike share to community members. The connection between access to affordable transportation and physical/mental health is something I’m passionate about. This role allows me to bring awareness and offer bikeshare as a balm to many individuals who need safe, reliable transportation, but also a way to engage and support a healthier lifestyle with ease. Bikes can help to foster interconnectedness and encourage bonding within a community. Something as simple as a bike ride can help someone improve their health while commuting in a way that’s financially sustainable. I see bikeshare as a layered pathway to overall public and community health. In addition, as Community Engagement Manager, I invite community members to have a seat at the table when it comes to the planning and expansion of our system, assuring them that their voices matter, and the stories, information and opinions they have to share are valuable. Community partners and members are the foundation of this work; there wouldn’t be an equitable system without them and I’m glad that I can work with individuals and organizations to build a system that reflects their input and the demographics of our entire city.” – Charolyn Mosley

“My favorite part of my job is chatting with people and learning about the unique projects they’re working on in their communities. It’s inspiring to speak to passionate people who are serving their neighbors by helping them to gain access to this public transportation option. I learn something new each time I interview someone, whether it’s niche info about a part of the country I’ve never visited or a particular engagement method that works well for a certain area. Through my writing and interviews, I’ve seen the power of programs and community engagement that focus on equity, inclusivity, and creative solutions to address residents’ needs.” – Odochi Akwani

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

“The most surprising thing has been the rapid evolution of the micromobility landscape. It’s a constantly changing industry, and I’m continually amazed by the innovation and creativity driving its growth. As a marketer, it’s exciting to keep pace with these changes and communicate directly with stakeholders and riders to ensure we’re supporting our city partners and the communities we serve. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the level of community engagement and the genuine desire from cities and partners to collaborate on solutions that benefit everyone. I truly value the cooperative environment in the micromobility space. It’s about more than just transportation; it’s about building stronger, more connected communities.” – Jae Watkins

“So many people don’t understand bike share, what it means for the future of travel, and the climate of their community (especially those navigating gentrification). There’s also still a great number of people who haven’t taken a ride in years, or don’t know how to ride at all — so it’s always a joy to bring awareness to something new that could impact their lives in ways they may not realize. Every community deserves to have access, every individual has the right to have affordable transportation options, and to be able to choose what works for them once properly informed. If I can help someone reconsider the way they travel, and realize how bikeshare is good for them, their community and the environment, this is always a pleasant surprise. Working with the public will always be a new experience; people and communities are ever-changing, but our commitment to building an expansive, equitable system will always be the core and intention of our work.” – Charolyn Mosley

“I’ve been most surprised by how much the shared micromobility industry relates to my other work in health communications. It’s opened my eyes to how intersectional it all is. Through this work, I’ve been introduced to many folks who come from diverse educational backgrounds and work in this industry. I’ve heard from not only shared micromobility systems but also policymakers and nonprofits that are interested in what SMM means for the health of their communities. My experience learning from those working to make shared micromobility more equitable, paired with my health communications work for immigrants in Philadelphia, has inspired me to pursue a degree in public health, which I’ll be starting this fall!” – Odochi Akwani

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The Better Bike Share Partnership is funded by Freedom Together Foundation as a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and the PeopleForBikes Foundation to build equitable and replicable bike share systems. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Have a question or a story idea? Email odochi@peopleforbikes.org.