Welcome to the Future of Ground Transportation podcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Valerie Lefler from Feonix Mobility Rising. Valerie shares her journey and how Feonix is solving transportation barriers for underserved communities. Discover how they use advanced technology and partnerships with local transit agencies to provide mobility solutions.  Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel for more exciting content on the future of ground transportation. Stay tuned for the next episode and join us in shaping the future of transportation!   Connect with Valerie and learn more about Feonix Mobility at feonix.org. Consider donating to support their mission of creating mobility solutions for every person in every community. Together, we can make a difference! Episode Highlights: [00:02:34] Addressing transportation barriers through innovation Valerie discusses how Feonix Mobility Rising addresses transportation barriers through innovative solutions. They use advanced technology, such as mobility wallets and mobility as a service, to provide transportation options for underserved communities. [00:08:06] Transportation challenges require community collaboration Valerie emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in addressing transportation challenges. Feonix works with local public transit, government, and community stakeholders to identify and fill gaps in transportation services. [00:11:06] Flexibility and partnerships drive change Flexibility and partnerships are key drivers of change in the transportation sector. Feonix partners with ride-sharing companies like Uber and Alto to amplify their impact and provide transportation options for various communities. [00:17:09] Addressing gaps in access to care Feonix focuses on addressing gaps in access to care, particularly for vulnerable populations like immigrants and refugees. They provide transportation assistance for healthcare appointments, ensuring timely access to treatment. [00:22:21] Importance of thoughtful and intentional planning Valerie highlights the significance of thoughtful and intentional planning in business. She emphasizes the need to plan the work and work the plan to ensure successful execution and sustainability. Resources Mentioned: ·       “Leadership Secrets from the Bible” by Lorin Woolfe ·       “Screw Business as Usual” by Richard Branson  ·       “A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn To stay in touch with Valerie Lefler, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Facebook. You can also reach out via website feonix.org About the Guest Valerie Lefler is the founder of Feonix Mobility Rising, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to create mobility solutions for the health and well-being of every person in every community. Growing up in a rural area with various challenges, Valerie developed a deep appreciation for economic freedom and mobility.  She started her career in transportation research, but soon fell in love with the social impact that transportation had on people's lives. After running a tech startup focused on rural communities, Valerie transitioned to launching Feonix as a nonprofit organization. With partnerships with local public transit, government, and community stakeholders, Feonix addresses transportation insecurity and supports immigrants, refugees, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families living in poverty.  Using advanced technology and innovative approaches like mobility wallets and mobility as a service, Feonix partners with over 60 public and private transportation agencies to provide rides and fill the gaps in transportation access. Valerie's passion lies in creating sustainable change and advocating for the needs of transportat