TCC is a proud recipient of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Grant administered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Seattle-King County Public Health. As a part of this grant, we have been developing educational programming to engage three Peer Educators from South King County to learn about and engage around barriers to transportation access in their neighborhoods. These three amazing young women will be working with our Director of Education & Engagement this year to learn the language around transportation equity, planning and advocacy. Check out their bios below to learn more about them!
Karishama Vahora
My name is Karishama Vahora and I am currently studying Medical Anthropology and Global Health with a minor in Informatics at the University of Washington. A fun fact about me is I love to bake, I make some really good banana and chocolate chip muffins.
Transportation Choices Coalition stood out to me because of the policy implementation aspect. I am excited to not only be a voice for change but to also address issues with community-led solutions. Almost every time issues regarding communities like White Center are “solved” based on assumptions, it’s time that people from our community start sharing their truths and we as organizations start listening. By the end of this year, I hope to gain knowledge around public transportation in King County and in other counties, policy and leadership skills. I look forward to the growth and mentorship and can’t wait to start my ride with TCC.
Leyila Mustefa
I am a third-year student studying Political Science at the University of Washington-Seattle. In my free time, I am most likely dancing to Beyoncé or rock climbing. One of the things I am excited about being a peer educator is having the opportunity to learn more about the dilemmas our communities face and learning to how better serve my community. As a political science student, this is an opportunity to become a familiar face to local politicians and starting relationships with legislators and local advocacy groups.
Jessica Par
Hello! My name is Jessica Par and one interesting fact about me is that I never learned how to swim or ride a bike. I’m a third year student, double majoring in Education and Communications at UW-Seattle campus. I’m super excited to be working closely with my long-term mentor, Regina, and my two great friends, Leyila and Karishama, whom I’ve known since high school through first generation college Summer Search and Upward Bound. I’m also looking forward to learning more about the different types and aspects of communities around me, especially in terms of equity related work, and how I can contribute by making an impact to these communities.
