she grows cities

In this PP, I’m honored to introduce the she grows cities community to Beatris Megerdichian, who is an all-around, bona-fide badass urban planner. See below for our full conversation about transportation planning in Southern California.

Name: Beatris Megerdichian
Age: 29
Career: Transit Planner at Gold Coast Transit District 
Location: Los Angeles, CA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmegerdi

How did you decide to pursue a dual degree program in grad school?

My passion for environmental protection, my educational background in environmental economics, coupled with my work experience as a transit planner paved the way for a dual master’s degree in Public Administration and Planning. Working as a transit planner for the past three years, I witnessed the inequities of access and mobility for public transportation users. Infrequent service taking up to three times longer than driving hinders equitable access and socioeconomic growth for disadvantaged communities. For me, it’s about creating transportation options and communities that serve people from all walks of life.

Describe your dream job if you could work anywhere, anytime!

My dream job (this is when I approach retiring age) would be a Transportation Planning consultant in Armenia, my motherland, to plan, manage and build large-scale infrastructure projects. As the country continues to recover from the recent war and deals with significant political challenges, diasporas’ need to help in building for future generations is dire. I would love to shape the transportation infrastructure from pedestrian networks to land uses surrounding major transit hubs and rail networks traveling through the entire country. 

What is your favorite urban space, and why?

My favorite urban space is Olvera Street in historic downtown Los Angeles. The 0.3-mile stretch takes you back to historic California with the buildings’ architecture, a narrow pedestrian mall with dozens of restaurants and vendors, and cultural performances. The culturally rich street takes you back in time to a different country and lets you escape the city life for a moment. It’s one of many gems in Los Angeles.

How does your personal background inform your career path today?

At the age of ten, I had the privilege, along with my family, to move to the United States. I witnessed my parents take public transportation to work to support our family in a country we knew little about. Transportation liberates people from every walk of life. For me, it’s about the people and being able to help our community improve their lives through transportation. A career in transportation has and continues to allow me to do just that. 

What is it like to be a female planning professional in 2021?

It’s definitely challenging being a woman in planning, particularly in the male-dominated transportation industry. It means that to be a change agent and represent other women, my advocacy voice has to be louder in every project I’m involved in. I also make myself available and offer individualized support to other women, and strive to be a role model to influence younger generations positively.