We are thrilled to announce that Kayla Mitchell, Bike/Walk Central Florida’s (BWCF) Controller, was honored with the Citizen Transportation Advocate of the Year award at the WTS Central Florida Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet held on December 4, 2024. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing transportation initiatives and advocating for safer, more sustainable transportation options in our communities.
The event, which celebrates the achievements of transportation professionals and leaders, highlighted the continued success of the WTS Central Florida Chapter in advancing women in transportation through scholarships, professional development, and leadership recognition. Keynote speaker Michelle Maikisch, Executive Director of the Central Florida Expressway Authority, inspired the crowd with her address on leadership and collaboration in shaping the future of transportation.
Kayla was selected for this award due to her dedication to advocacy, her strong support for active transportation, and her consistent efforts to improve transportation safety and accessibility in Central Florida. Her journey into transportation advocacy began from a personal desire to walk safely around her own community. As a mom, she simply wanted to be able to walk through her neighborhood without fear for the safety of her family. This led her to become a tireless advocate for safer streets, and over the past decade, she has worked both officially and unofficially to advocate for safer streets in Central Florida.
In addition to joining MetroPlan Orlando’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Kayla helped Sanford become a designated Trail Town through a successful application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She also serves on Seminole County’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and is currently working to establish the first Florida Chapter of Families for Safe Streets.
After her introduction to BWCF, Kayla managed the Best Foot Forward program, supported the growth of the organization to develop a budget of one million dollars in less than four years. Her dedication and leadership continue to drive BWCF’s efforts to create safer, more connected communities for pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone who relies on active transportation.
Kayla’s recognition at the banquet is a testament to her tireless work and dedication to BWCF’s mission of creating safer, more connected communities. Her passion for making Central Florida a safer and more equitable place for pedestrians and cyclists continues to inspire all who work with her.
We are incredibly proud of Kayla and excited to see her continued leadership in advancing transportation advocacy. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!
Stay tuned as we look forward to Kayla’s ongoing contributions to our mission and her work to help shape the future of transportation in Central Florida.
