Valerie Lefler | Executive Director & Founder
Feonix - Mobility Rising

Valerie Lefler is the Founder and Executive Director of Feonix – Mobility Rising, an organization at the forefront of addressing transportation equity and accessibility in communities across the United States. Since establishing Feonix in 2018, Valerie has led the organization to launch impactful programs in ten states, collaborating with renowned entities like the National Institutes of Health, National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Easterseals, Ford Philanthropy, AARP Office of Driver Safety, Toyota North America, Centene Corporation, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. These partnerships and programs have solidified Feonix’s reputation as a trailblazer in developing mobility solutions that bridge gaps for individuals facing transportation barriers. Valerie’s achievements have garnered national recognition. Smithsonian Magazine hailed her as one of the “Top 9 Innovators to Watch,” and her work has been featured in leading outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, and the Christian Science Monitor. Through Feonix, she has not only introduced innovative mobility programs but also advocated for systemic changes in transportation policy and planning, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability are central to the conversation. Valerie’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with distinction from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, focusing on International Economics through studying abroad at the University of Oxford. She furthered her expertise with a Master of Public Administration with honors from the University of Nebraska—Omaha, specializing in Public Management Before founding Feonix, Valerie held prominent leadership roles in organizations driving innovation and public service. As President and CEO of Liberty Mobility Now, Inc., she pioneered solutions for rural transportation challenges, and at Integrated Global Dimensions LLC, she led strategic initiatives in intelligent transportation systems, civil rights, national defense, and research technical assistance. Earlier in her career, Valerie served as the Research Program Coordinator at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mid-America Transportation Center, where she facilitated groundbreaking research in freight transportation and STEM education. In addition to her leadership roles, Valerie is a contributor to thought leadership in transportation. She co-authored a chapter in Empowering the New Mobility Workforce: Educating, Training, and Inspiring Future Transportation Professionals and contributed to the National Academies of Sciences report on the intersection of healthcare and transportation. Valerie also lent her expertise to Driving the Future: A Vision for Electric, Connected, and Autonomous Mobility (SAE International), exploring advancements shaping the future of mobility. Valerie’s industry influence extends to her roles on national panels and committees, such as the ITS America Automated Vehicles Standing Committee and the TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program, where she has worked on advancing racial and social equity in transportation. At the heart of Valerie’s leadership is a commitment to equity, innovation, and community impact. Her work ensures that transportation remains a lifeline for all, connecting individuals to essential services and opportunities. Valerie Lefler’s vision continues to inspire change, setting a standard for mobility solutions that prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.