Espousal Strategies, LLC

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program continues to build momentum with a $1.4+ billion grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program. The grant underscores the federal government’s deep support for replacing the Interstate Bridge to provide multimodal transportation choices and economic opportunities for people across the region.  The Espousal Strategies, LLC team is proud to be part of this historic effort, supporting conversations with elected officials and community leaders about the need for an earthquake resilient crossing that reflects our community values.  

COMTO Announces 2024-2026 Board of Directors Washington, DC — The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is pleased to announce the newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. This distinguished group of leaders will guide COMTO's efforts in advancing the transportation industry through innovation, equity, and sustainability. 2024-2026 COMTO Board of Directors: Board Chair: Tanya Adams, Sr. Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, WSP, USA 1st Vice Chair: Lester Woods, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, Missouri DOT 2nd Vice Chair: Gwendolen Gray, Vice President, Program Management, HNTB Treasurer/Secretary: Yetunde Olumide, Chief Financial Officer, WMATA Member at Large: Kimberly Slaughter, Executive Consultant, Olivier Inc Member at Large: Debra A. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Denver RTD Member at Large: Sharon Jean-Baptiste, Vice President, JACOBS Member at Large: Dave Wong, Vice President/Transportation Client Development Director, HDR Member at Large: Johnell Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Espousal Strategies Council of Presidents Representative: Steven Granson, Associate Vice President, Transit & Rail, HNTB Council of Presidents Representative: Rich Watson, Senior Director, Labor and Employee Relations, MTA Council of Presidents Representative Alternate: Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, LA METRO https://lnkd.in/eW8c5Z3r #COMTO #Equity #Transportation #Leadership #BOD

Thank you Espousal Strategies, LLC Strategies for being a sponsor of our summer special  🌟 Espousal Strategies, LLC Strategies is a public affairs firm that solves their community’s issues with innovative solutions rooted in equity and collaboration. With the support of our sponsors, we are able to provide more sustainable transportation options and fresh, locally-sourced produce to those who need it most. We are currently in the middle of our first crowdfunding campaign. If you would like to help us achieve our fundraising goal for our summer special, please visit mysuma.org/donate.

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) announced Friday at their National Meeting & Training Conference that Espousal Strategies Founder and President Johnell Bell has been elected to the COMTO Board of Directors as an at-large member.  With 40 chapters across North America, COMTO Headquarters is the leading national advocate for employment diversity, inclusion and contracting opportunities in the multi-modal, multi-billion-dollar transportation industry. The organization represents a diverse group of more than 3 million minorities in the United States and Canada who work in all modes of the transportation industry. With experience running a small business, working for transit agencies, staffing elected officials, and serving as Principal Equity for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program , Johnell understands what it takes to center equity in infrastructure policy and projects. His experience will help COMTO continue to move the industry forward and expand access to economic opportunities within the transportation sector.  Congratulations, Johnell!

Wow! What an incredible week at COMTO’s 53rd National Meeting & Training Conference! 🚆🚌🛫    The Espousal Strategies, LLC team is feeling energized and inspired after engaging with transportation leaders from across the country. Here are some highlights:    + We were honored to sponsor the 20th Anniversary celebration of COMTO's Careers in Transportation for Youth (CITY) Internship Program. Our founder, Johnell Bell, delivered remarks welcoming the 2024 CITY Intern Class. These bright young minds reminded us that leadership knows no age limit! 🌟 + Our team attended sessions led by experts who are championing equity in transportation. We're excited to apply these insights to our work in advancing more inclusive and community-centered infrastructure projects. + Networking with peers and industry leaders provided invaluable opportunities to share best practices and discuss innovative approaches to public engagement and equity initiatives. + We were particularly moved by discussions about how federal infrastructure investments can be leveraged to build generational wealth in underserved and underrepresented communities.    As we return to the office, we're reinvigorated in our mission to center equity in every aspect of planning and infrastructure development. A huge thank you to COMTO Headquarters for organizing such a dynamic and meaningful event! 

our Director of Business Development, Bree Nicolello, put it best! Espousal Strategies, LLC is looking forward to COMTO Headquarters annual conference!

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, a cornerstone of equality in America. This landmark legislation ensures that no one is excluded from federally funded programs based on race, color, or national origin. For six decades, Title VI has been a powerful tool in advancing equity and inclusion across our nation. Its impact reaches into every corner of public life, from education and healthcare to transportation and housing. At Espousal Strategies, LLC we're proud to support public and private agencies and their partners in upholding the principles of Title VI through our comprehensive civil rights compliance, audit, and consultation services. Our team of experts helps organizations navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements while fostering more inclusive spaces. In today's climate, where some seek to roll back progress on equity and inclusion, Title VI stands as a bulwark against discrimination. It continues to guarantee fair treatment for people of all backgrounds, reaffirming our nation's commitment to equal opportunity. As we reflect on 60 years of Title VI, let's recommit ourselves to a vision for a more just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/gXCktnng

We have a number of great positions open: -Equity Analyst -Equity and Compliance Support Specialist -Government and Community Engagement Coordinator Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gPwwbrwX

As a black-led firm, we pause today to honor the black giants who paved the way for a more just and equitable Country. Indeed, on June 19, 1865 -- two years after the Emancipation Proclamation -- our enslaved brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, were given word that their tortertus chapter had ended. We remember these struggles of the past and those that lie ahead as we continue to fight for equity. At a time when so many of these hard-fought freedoms are under attack -- we renew our resolve by the courage of these individuals and the legacy they've left. Let's continue to call out injustice in every form and collectively work together for a more just and perfect nation and world. https://lnkd.in/g4EX_uUD

Espousal Strategies, LLC is a proud member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), a leading voice for equity in transportation.   This year, we are deepening our partnership with COMTO Headquarters to sponsor the Careers In Transportation for Youth (CITY) Internship Program during its 20 Year Anniversary. For two decades, the CITY Internship Program has provided minority college students with an opportunity to explore careers in the public transportation sector. Since its inaugural year, the CITY Internship Program has evolved into a paid summer internship that offers interns a unique chance to gain professional and practical experience in transportation. The goal is to prepare the best and brightest youth to become the future leaders, decision-makers, and change agents in the industry.     Interested in hosting a COMTO CITY Intern or know a young person who could benefit from this great opportunity? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/e5dYyepm We hope to see many of you at COMTO’s National Meeting & Training Conference in Houston in July!