One year after hiring our first statewide organizer, Transit For All PA is growing its footprint! Joining the team for the first time at our Organizing Spring Training, we’re deepening our statewide relationships through three regional organizing fellows in Lancaster and the Lehigh Valley. Read below to learn a bit about the people surveying transit riders and workers, and building the movement for transit in Lancaster.
Laura Pauls-Thomas (they/she)
Why I love Lancaster: I love living in Lancaster because people here are genuine, welcoming, and willing to step up to create the positive change they want to see. The small size of our community makes it so that, with consistency and persistence, community members can make a big impact.
Bio:
Laura Pauls-Thomas is a storyteller, community organizer, and joy-monger. Pauls-Thomas is the founder and director of Ride, Roll & Stroll Lancaster, a young adult-led, intergenerational advocacy and community-building project that advances safe biking, walking, and better transit. They serve in volunteer leadership and board roles and connect efforts across several transportation, land use, and urban social vitality organizations within the City of Lancaster. Laura works full time as a nonprofit communications director and when they’re not doing any of the things already mentioned, they enjoy knitting, sewing, travel, and being outdoors with their spouse, Andrew, and dog, Pinto.
Kearasten Jordan (they/them)
Why I love Lancaster: I love being able to walk to and from our local markets and being able to catch a train to bigger cities if I need some time away.
Bio:
Kearasten Jordan is a Black queer artist, activist (and on occasion comedian) born and raised in Lancaster pa. They enjoy making art with friends, and connecting with community member’s about their own passions. Kearasten spends most of their time consulting, making art and sewing.
Dr. Angela Adler (they/them)
Where I live: I live in my hometown in Berks county, and I work in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
Why I love these places: I love seeing how Pennsylvania cities and neighborhoods are growing and changing, especially compared to when I was a kid.
Bio:
Dr. Angela Adler (they/them) is a disabled community leader aligned with the disability justice movement. Dr. Adler is the regional director for Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living, providing home and community support for disabled folks in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Dr. Adler holds a PhD in sociology supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars program. Dr. Adler has been a public transit, bike, and walking commuter in small and large cities, and has advocated for disability accessibility in public transit systems. Dr. Adler’s family is involved in local government and organizing in Berks County.
