When I was asked during the interview ‘why do you want this job’, I replied ‘because encouraging people to walk and bike is what I do’. My name is Jacqueline Villnave. I’ve been biking or walking to various jobs and graduate school for over 10 years. I joined the BTA several years ago and have volunteered to stuff envelopes, sell BBQ, ride with middle schoolers, and table at Bridge Pedal. I’m a member and volunteer with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition. I recently received a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion from Portland State.
My interest is helping people make simple lifestyle changes that get them more active, and ultimately lead to better health. I’m delighted to find a program at the BTA that allows me to turn my passion into a professional position with an awesome organization.
I joined the Safe Routes to School team as the coordinator of eight schools in August. It’s been a (mostly fun) whirlwind ever since! Now as the bike and pedestrian safety classes come to an end for the season, and with International Walk and Bike to School Day behind us, it’s time to take a deep breath.
But don’t think we’re kicking back with our feet up until Spring. The Safe Routes team is excited to be working with the individual school teams to come up with fun ways to keep kids and families walking and biking despite the cooler, darker, wetter days… Walk + Bike Wednesdays? Turkey Trot? Walk Around Oregon? Walk Across America? The possibilities are endless! Stay tuned…
Editor’s note: Jacqueline’s only one of the new BTA Safe Routes Coordinators; the other has yet to be selected
Great to have you on the team Jacqueline.
It was great to see you set up a table at the recent Piedmont Neighborhood Assoc. meeting.
Look forward to working with you. Please keep me informed of all the great stuff you’re up to.
Cheers,
–Jonathan
BikePortland.org