Feonix Insider is your all-access pass to stories shared by industry professionals and community members who play a role in shaping the future of mobility and health equity. In each episode, we dive into real-world challenges and innovative solutions that impact the health and well-being of communities across the country. From candid conversations with industry leaders to firsthand accounts from the people we serve, Feonix Insider gives you a front-row seat as we work toward creating mobility solutions for everyone.
Building Pathways: Equitable Transit and Community Engagement with Haleema Bharoocha
What does it take to build transportation systems that truly work for everyone?
In this episode of Feonix Insider, Feonix Founder Valerie Lefler sits down with Haleema Bharoocha to discuss how equitable transit begins with listening to communities, building authentic partnerships, and designing mobility solutions that put people first.
In a 2019 study, 100% of the young women surveyed reported experiencing sexual or gender-based harassment on public transportation in their area. Haleema helped turn that alarming finding into action through the Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) Not One More Girl initiative.
In this powerful conversation, Haleema shares how more than 1,100 youth, 300 community members and 15 organizations helped reshape transit safety in their community.
The results? 59% of riders now know what to do when they witness harassment, and riders' sense of safety improved by 36%.
More than a conversation about transportation safety, this episode is a real-world case study in how listening to communities can lead to measurable, system-level change. Tune in to hear thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for building stronger, more connected communities.
Topics covered include:
The importance of community centered transportation planning
Building equitable and accessible transit systems
Cross sector partnerships that drive lasting impact
Transportation as a social determinant of health
The future of mobility and community engagement
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about creating transportation systems that connect people to opportunity.
23 Apr 2026
Leading the Future: Advancing Transportation Innovation with Peter Appel
In this episode, Peter Appel, Managing Director at Logistics Capital and Strategy LLC, and Feonix Board Member and Treasurer, joins our founder, Valerie Lefler, for a critical conversation about transportation innovation, leveraging data for transportation decision making, and key issues in transportation safety. With approximately six million vehicle accidents occuring each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Peter and Valerie discuss how transportation entities are embracing innovative solutions to increase safety and mobility.
Peter has more than 30 years of leadership and consulting experience in transportation across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He served as the Administrator of the US Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), where he led major safety management, research, technology, and transportation data initiatives.
13 Oct 2025
Transportation Transformation: A Pathway to Health Equity and Community Growth with Ashley Hutto
Ashley Hutto discusses with Valerie Lefler how transportation impacts health equity and community growth, revealing strategies for bridging mobility gaps and driving equity through policy in this interview.
24 Jul 2025
Overcoming Mobility Barriers: A Deep Dive with Colleen Casey, Ph.D.
Colleen Casey, Ph.D., discusses the significant obstacles in mobility access and how Feonix is fostering change through collaboration, in an interview about creating inclusive transportation solutions.
14 May 2025
Building Bridges: Mobility and Community Empowerment with Joe Provenzano
Joe Provenzano, Director of Mobility & Volunteerism for Ford Philanthropy, discusses mobility solutions and community empowerment with host Valerie, exploring Ford Philanthropy's initiatives and partnerships in this interview.
20 Mar 2025
Navigating America's Mobility Crisis: Insights from Industry Leader John Peracchio
In this episode of Feonix Insider, host Valerie Lefler sits down with John Peracchio, a leading expert in intelligent transportation systems. With a background spanning law, automotive consulting, and public service, John shares his unique perspective on the intersection of transportation, policy, and social impact.
With a focus on the importance of investing in public transit, John highlights the urgent need for sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions. He also sheds light on the bureaucratic and regulatory challenges that hinder progress—and what can be done to overcome them.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how we can make transportation work for everyone, especially our most vulnerable travelers.
Tune in now!
Who has been a guest on Feonix Insider
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ashley Hutto
Colleen Casey
Joe Provenzano
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