Innovate Memphis, a non-profit focused on delivering civic solutions, has announced the hiring of Nikki Dildine as schools program manager for Commute Options. Dildine will be responsible for developing partnerships with local schools to provide outreach, communication, and education on Commute Options Travel Demand Management Initiative programs.
An initiative of Innovate Memphis, Commute Options serves as a resource to improve choices to use public transportation, rideshare, bicycling, and walking to work or school, reducing the number of single-vehicle commute trips in Memphis by providing fun, safe, and easy alternatives.
Dildine will work closely with school administration, staff, principals, teachers, parent associations, and students to encourage sustainable transportation choices. Her team will offer engagement opportunities to schools with the goal of shifting from drive-alone commutes to using public transit, walking, biking, and carpooling.
A native of Indiana, Dildine began her career as a school counselor with Memphis-Shelby County Schools after completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in school counseling at Purdue University. She later made a career change, working as a client support manager with Vining Sparks, until this year.
While I enjoyed my interactions with clients, I found that I truly missed working with educators, students, and their families,” Dildine said. “I'm so excited to have this opportunity with Innovate Memphis and get back to work I'm passionate about. Memphis is the home I've chosen as an adult, and I'm eager to make positive change and impact in any way I can.”
The goal of the Commute Options Schools Program initiative is to change how school communities travel, resulting in healthier children, a cleaner environment, and cost savings for families. Dildine will serve as a resource for educational information and outreach materials to support school transportation safety programs, social media campaigns, walking/biking route planning, starting a school carpool, and other events. In addition, she will serve as a liaison between schools and community partners, stakeholders, and resources.
“We are thrilled to have Nikki onboard,” said Jackson McNeil, transportation and mobility director for Commute Options. “Her history of commitment to serving Memphis and her experience working in local schools will be a wonderful asset to the program and our partners. I'm confident that her work will help parents, students, and school staff choose sustainable transportation to school as we work towards a healthier and more equitable future for our youth in Memphis.”
The Schools Program initiative will complement the overall mission of Commute Options by emphasizing the impact of daily transportation choices, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and the ease of alternative methods of transportation.
To learn more about Commute Options, visit commuteoptionsmemphis.com.