Editor’s Note: Kate Lewis an Americorps VISTA service member who will be helping us with our transportation work. Here’s a little more about her, in her own words.

Kate Lewis

My name is Kate Lewis and I am the newest addition to the MLUI team. I am currently serving a second year as an AmeriCorps VISTA here in Traverse City and I’m excited to be hosted by such an outstanding organization.

I am originally from Pittsburgh, Penn., and I’m a 2008 graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in History. Before, during, and after college I paid the bills by working in the service industry, which allowed me to travel all over the world. I’ve had the opportunity to live and study in England and Malta. Since college, I’ve lived in South Florida and Colorado, finally landing in Traverse City almost two years ago.

My love of travel and the independence it granted me sparked a passion in active transportation. Before moving “up north,” I thoroughly researched the region fearing there would be no way for me to commute via bicycle. I was overjoyed to discover organizations such as TART Trails, BATA, and MLUI, which are dedicated to promoting a variety of transportation options.

Now I have the opportunity to work with all of these organizations to help achieve their shared goals. Over the next year I’ll be working on rail projects, transit improvements, and MLUI’s Local Motion program. Currently, I’m assisting in organizing commuter workshops to take place later this fall and continue to be an Education & Safety Coordinator for Risk Watch, an injury prevention coalition.  

I want to thank everyone for such a warm welcome. I’m looking forward to all the great work we’ll get done together!