Farewell Message from Interim Executive Director Esther Rivera
Almost 3 years ago, I made some huge professional changes and accepted the State Policy Manager role at Cal Walks. I remember feeling excitement at how a first-generation woman of color was about to be immersed in affecting change at the state level! I asked myself three questions: Am I up to the task? Can I learn all the ins and outs of this job? Can I apply my local experience to such a diverse landscape? These same questions came up as I stepped into my Deputy Director and Interim Executive Director roles. The truth is, every time I felt I had mastered a task, I found a new angle and perspective. I’ve learned so much from my time at Cal Walks and have grown exponentially and now it’s time for a new chapter in my life.
As I approach my final days as a proud team member, I’m reflecting on 3 years of working with a spectacular team, working alongside amazing partners, and celebrating everything we’ve accomplished together. I think the best way to say goodbye is with a short and sweet list of all the things I’ve loved about working at Cal Walks and a few calls to action for our partners and supporters.
To the Cal Walks Team: When COVID-19 started, I appreciated how we encouraged each other with homemade recipes, destressed with dollhouses and art, and even attempted Tik Tok dance challenges! I hope you all remember to focus on the work, but to always take care of each other and encourage self-care.
To the Greenfield Walking Group (GWG) and GWG Youth: You’ve brought big changes to your community and held your own in meetings with elected officials. You inspire me everyday and remind me to be brave. We need to always remember to focus on the power of youth and involve their perspectives in shaping policy at the local, state, and national level. Not just in transportation advocacy, but in all sectors and in our own strategic plans.
As a field, we need to continue to dive deep into how our work has a direct impact on immigration, racial justice, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, housing, climate change, criminal justice, policing and enforcement, and the list goes on and on. We need to keep highlighting what factors impact people’s mobility options and keep pushing for intersectional change in the work. We should be continually evolving and evaluating how we can move closer towards liberation.
Our coalition work has prompted Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission to talk about Complete Streets more by making public comments and showing up to meetings. Keep pushing for change and the change will come.
Please consider supporting the work Cal Walks does with a monthly donation. Your support helps Cal Walks host community meetings, advocacy events, and policy roundtables across the state to ensure that what matters to the community is embedded in our state work.
The truth is, I can go on and on about what I love about Cal Walks and everything I’ve learned. As I wrap up my time, I’m excited for the future of the organization and the leaders that are emerging. In these final days, I find myself asking myself those same three questions about the future. But now, it’s with even more excitement for what’s to come!