A Farewell & A Charge to Be Bold in 2020

After seven and a half years with California Walks, I've come to the bittersweet decision to step down from my role of Executive Director at the end of January 2020. It never feels like the right time to leave an organization, but I'm extremely proud of my team, how we've grown the organization, and the direction that Cal Walks is headed. I am certain that the Cal Walks team, our partners, and the movement will rise to new heights to conquer the challenges of our times. I encourage everyone to seize 2020 and be bold with your actions to create the more just society that we all deserve.

Esther leading a Walk to School 2019 event at Orchard Elementary School in San Jose, CA

I also wholeheartedly believe in the importance of stepping aside to make room for others to grow and lead, and I am thrilled to leave the organization in the hands of an amazing team of exceptionally talented, committed, and driven womyn. At the helm, Esther Rivera will be taking over as Interim Executive Director–if you have not had the opportunity to work with her yet, then you are in for a treat! Esther is a formidable leader with serious policy chops–co-leading the SB 127 Complete Streets Campaign and fighting for accountability at Caltrans–and a proven ability to cultivate authentic partnerships with community members–including her incredible work supporting the Greenfield Walking Group and their youth leaders in Safe Routes to Parks work. I have full faith and confidence in her leadership. 

Lastly, it has truly been an honor to serve Californians and to support our on-the-ground partners in making tangible and transformative changes to some of our most underserved communities. I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every organization and community member that I have been able to help or support in some away–thank you for welcoming me into your community and thank you for all that we have achieved together. Looking back, together we have: 

• Elevated equity and social justice in the active transportation field, and specifically within the Active Transportation Program (ATP)–now, a model for traditional transportation programs to follow;

• Expanded the ATP to nearly a quarter billion dollars annually–now, the largest dedicated source of funding for walking, biking, and Safe Routes to School projects in the nation;

• Secured millions of dollars in funding for communities too often left behind–including Rexland Acres, Thermal and Oasis, and Modesto's Airport neighborhood; and

• Cultivated local advocacy to spark shifts at the local, regional, and state levels–including our work with Shasta Living Streets and the Caltrans-approved guidance for parklets on state highways. 

As Cal Walks marches boldly into this new decade, you can help grow our impact by becoming a monthly Cal Walks supporter. We simply can’t do the work we do without your help, so if you believe in our work, please consider making a donation–every single dollar helps.

As for me, I'll be taking time to focus on my health and well-being, to travel, and to discover my next leadership challenge. I wish you all the best and hope our paths will cross again in the future.