New Episode of NYC DOT’s Curb Enthusiasm Podcast Features Veronica O. Davis

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January 16, 2025
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New Episode of NYC DOT's Curb Enthusiasm Podcast Features Veronica O. Davis

Davis Is the Author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities and Served As Houston's Director of Transportation and Drainage Operations

The Conversation Focuses on Inclusive Transportation, Bridging the Gap Between Planners and Engineers, the Importance of Empathy and Curiosity Among Transportation Professionals, and Much More

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the release of the fifth episode of the agency's Curb Enthusiasm podcast. The episode features Veronica O. Davis, PE, author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities, and former Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations for the City of Houston. She currently serves as the Director of Cities Program for AtkinsRéalis, a Canadian engineering and construction firm. The conversation focuses on the importance of the planners and engineers collaborating, the need to have empathy and curiosity in planning transportation projects, practical community outreach to ensure everyday residents are engaged, and delivering equity across neighborhoods.

"The Curb Enthusiasm podcast looks well beyond New York City to discuss what is new and innovative in the transportation world," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "As an industry veteran in one of the nation's largest states, Veronica has now taken her skills to the international level. Veronica is also deeply commitment to a focus on equity, a top priority for us at NYC DOT."

The Curb Enthusiasm podcast focuses on issues at the local, national, and international level and features guests who discuss the most consequential transportation work happening all over the globe.

The episode is co-hosted by Emily Weidenhof, assistant commissioner of Public Realm at NYC DOT, and Diniece Mendes, director of the Office of Freight Mobility at NYC DOT.

Curb Enthusiasm is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, BuzzSprout and other major streaming platforms. More information is available at nyc.gov/CurbEnthusiasm.

About Veronica O. Davis, PE

Veronica O. Davis, PE is a self-described transportation nerd and author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities. She is currently the Director of Cities Program for AtkinsRéalis and believes everyone should have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation.

Davis boasts over 20 years of experience in civil engineering and planning. Under former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's Administration, she was the Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations, which oversaw 16,000 lane miles of streets, a million traffic signs, and 3,900 miles of stormwater lines. Davis also served as Vice President and City of Houston representative on the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

Davis is also the co-founder and former Managing Partner at Nspiregreen LLC and co-founded Black Women Bike (BWB). In July 2012, the White House recognized her as a Champion of Change and Transportation Innovator for her professional accomplishments and community advocacy in transportation.

Davis earned her dual Masters Degrees (Engineering Management and Regional Planning) from Cornell University. She has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Maryland.

About Emily Weidenhof, Episode Co-Host

Emily Weidenhof is assistant commissioner of Public Realm at New York City DOT. Emily works closely with community organizations throughout the five boroughs to transform their streets as public space. For over a decade, she has focused on strengthening communities through the creation of plazas and shared streets and retooling the curb lane for innovative programming. She's also played an integral role in NYC DOT's Broadway Vision Plan, which employs a range of tools to reimagine the famed Manhattan corridor from Union Square to Columbus Circle, which now prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists. Emily has worked as an architect and urban designer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, including at the NYC Department of City Planning.

Emily received her bachelor's degree in architecture from Pennsylvania State University and her master's degree in architecture and urban design from Columbia University.

About Diniece Mendes, Episode Co-Host

Diniece Mendes is the freight mobility director for NYC's Department of Transportation. Diniece spearheads transformative programs rooted in Delivering New York and Delivering Green, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and resilience of New York City's supply chain to bolster urban livability and economic vitality. In addition to her role at DOT, Diniece serves as Vice President on the Board of Governors for ASCE's Transportation and Development Institute, where she champions the engineering profession and promotes diversity in STEM careers, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Diniece received her master's degree in civil engineering with a specialization in transportation from University of Texas - Austin and her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from City College CUNY.

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