Reclaiming Atlanta’s streets for people to walk, ride, and roll doesn’t happen overnight — that’s why growing inclusively and sustainably is one of the key goals we set in our 2020 strategic plan. Over the last six months, we’ve expanded our organizational capacity by building up our staff from a team of four to a team of seven. We’re thrilled to welcome our newly hired and recently promoted staff members: Rachel Stanley, Sagirah Jones, Rolanda Powell, and Margaret Mullins. Help us celebrate our new team; keep reading to learn about their journey to the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and what motivates them to spend their days working toward an Atlanta where everyone moves safely, easily, and sustainably.
Rachel Stanley joined us in September 2020 as our first-ever Senior Development Manager.
“As an Atlanta native, transportation reform is very important to me. There's so much room for improvement in making Atlanta safer and more efficient for everyone to get around. I am thrilled to serve as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition’s first development staff, thanks to Mailchimp’s Power to Grow program. It's such an exciting opportunity to build on the enthusiasm and accomplishments of the past 30 years and further connect the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to sustainable funding sources and supportive transportation advocates.”
Sagirah Jones advanced from Community Engagement Coordinator to become our Engagement Programs Manager in January 2021.
“In 2010, I went to this 'event' called Atlanta Streets Alive. A mile of Edgewood Avenue was opened up to allow people to walk, ride, jump, play, or just plain chill — in the middle of the street. My sons, four and two at the time, brought their plasma cars (think a self-propelled Big Wheel) and rolled down Edgewood with so much joy. Their joy brought smiles and laughs from adults and kids alike. Atlanta Streets Alive became a constant in our rotation of family outings.
Fast forward eight years to the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator for Atlanta Streets Alive. It was kismet. I jumped at the opportunity to have a role in the program that I loved. As Engagement Programs Manager, I get to continue my dedication to community service by connecting people with actions that result in transportation equity, more liveable neighborhoods, and safer streets for all.”
Rolanda Powell joined our team as our Advocacy Campaigns Manager in mid-January 2021.
“My relationship with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition started over 16 months ago. In September 2019, Jermaine Wallace, a 14-year-old boy, was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle while walking to school on one of Atlanta’s deadliest roads, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. The loss of Jermaine, known as 'J.J.' among family and friends, hit my community hard.
Around this time, I was elected President of my neighborhood association, became an advocate, and participated in efforts to increase safety along the busy corridor. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition offered its support to our community and was instrumental in helping us receive a new beacon light at Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Center Hill Avenue this winter. This experience inspired me to follow my passion for social justice and equality and is what led me to my role as Advocacy Campaigns Manager. I’m proud to work with such like-minded individuals.”
Margaret Mullins was contributing to our team as a part-time Communications Coordinator and advanced to a full-time role as our Admin and Communications Coordinator in mid-January 2021.
“I started commuting by bike while working as a study abroad advisor at Georgia Tech. A co-worker biked to work from time to time so I decided to give it a try. Biking was an empowering way to build joy and exercise into my commute while also saving money and choosing sustainable transportation. I also traveled internationally quite a bit as part of my job. In new cities, I always found myself excited to explore other transportation systems — and compare them to those in the US and Atlanta.
In 2015, I had a major knee injury followed by surgery. The long recovery process gave me a small glimpse into significant accessibility issues many people in Atlanta experience every day while moving around the city.
These experiences led me to enroll in the Georgia State University Urban Studies Institute masters program (currently in progress) to study and help address transportation equity and accessibility issues in Atlanta. I had followed and admired the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for a while, so when they posted the Policy Intern position, I jumped at the opportunity to apply. After learning a great deal about this organization’s work and advocacy, I was excited to return part-time as the Communications Coordinator last fall. I am ecstatic to have now joined the team full-time. I wholeheartedly believe that every person deserves safe, convenient access to sustainable mobility options. I am eager to continue working together in pursuit of an Atlanta where everyone moves safely, easily, and sustainably throughout our city.”