MCDITE Webinar Series: Vision Zero Today

This session gathers Vision Zero leaders from across the District to reflect on nearly a decade of implementation of Vision Zero policies and practices. Panelists will share lessons learned, evolving strategies, and key takeaways for transportation professionals, with a focus on what’s working, what’s not, and where public sector support is most needed. Questions are welcome during the live panel session.

Agenda:

• 12:00pm-12:05pm – Welcome/District Announcements
• 12:05pm-12:20pm – Panel Introductions
• 12:20pm-12:45pm – Panel Discussion (Moderator Questions)
• 12:45pm-1:25pm – Audience Questions
• 1:25pm-1:30pm – Final Business Announcements/Adjourn

Register Here ($30 for Members, $40 for Non-Members, $0 for students/retired)

Panelists:

Christine Baker, AICP – Arlington County, Virginia	Emad Elshafei – City of Rockville, Maryland
Christine Baker, AICP, is the Vision Zero Program Manager at Arlington County, Virginia (in the Washington, D.C., metro area). Christine led the launch of Arlington’s Vision Zero program in 2019 and has since been managing Vision Zero implementation through safety data analysis, planning, policy changes, and projects for the County. Christine has over 17 years of experience in transportation planning and has a degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from UVA and a masters in Transportation Policy, Operations and Logistics from George Mason’s Schar School.	Emad Eshafei is the Chief of Traffic & Transportation for the City of Rockville, Maryland (in the Washington, D.C., metro area).  He has a BS in Structural Engineering, MS in Construction Management and PhD in Transportation Engineering from the University of MD at College Park. He has been working for the City of Rockville since 1999 and has been the chief of the division of Traffic and Transportation for the last 20 years.
Vichika Iragavarapu, PE, PTOE, RSP2I – WSP	Kelley Yemen – City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Vichika Iragavarapu is a Senior Technical Principal at WSP, dedicated to advancing roadway safety and mobility for all users. With over 18 years of experience, she has led and contributed to a wide range of traffic operations and safety initiatives in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. Her expertise spans planning studies, engineering design, and applied research, with a strong focus on evidence-based solutions. Vichika is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds PTOE and RSP2I certifications, along with a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from Texas A&M University.	Kelley Yemen has led the creation and growth of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Multimodal Planning for the past nine years and currently serves as its Director. She leads an interdisciplinary team of planners, engineers, and engagement professionals to create safe and equitable multimodal systems across Philadelphia’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Kelley has over fifteen years of experience focused on multimodal transportation. She holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers’ Bloustein School. Previously, Kelley worked in the transportation departments for Hennepin County, MN, and New York City, as well as planning consulting with A. Nelessen Associates in New Jersey.

Moderated by Shraddha Praharaj, Ph.D, EI – City of Frederick, Maryland

Shraddha Praharaj works as a Traffic Engineer for the City of Frederick, Maryland.  She is an alumna of the LeadershipITE program and was recognized as an ITE Young Leader To Follow in 2024. She has been involved with ITE since 2014, and currently serves as the University Liaison Coordinator for the Chesapeake and Potomac Section of ITE (CAPSITE) and also as a co-chair of the newly formed ITE Mid-Colonial District Safety Committee.  In her role as a Traffic Engineer, she ofcuses on advancing various traffic calming projects, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvement projects, and coordinating Vision Zero efforts for the City.  Shraddha completed her Master’s Degree at Auburn University and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.