WeDriveU’s Ubuntu Employee Resource Group (ERG) representatives Keyshana Jackson and Chrishaun “Chris” Hollins sat down with Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Chapter presidents Yannis Banks (Austin, TX) and Kakeesha Branigan (St. Louis) to share their highlights from attending the 54th Annual COMTO National Conference in New York City.

A Community of Leaders

COMTO’s 2025 conference brought together transportation leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the country for powerful conversations, recognition of community impact, and inspiration for the future of the industry.

Founded in 1971 at Howard University, COMTO’s mission is to ensure that transportation systems serve everyone. Its work spans professional development, scholarships, leadership training, and advocacy.

COMTO Austin Chapter President Yannis Banks shared during the Ubuntu conversation: “Transportation chose us. COMTO gives us a place to belong, to learn and to lead.”

Representing the Ubuntu ERG at the conference were Ubuntu steering committee members Keyshana Jackson (General Manager, Austin), Chrishaun “Chris” Hollins (General Manager, St. Louis), and Seyi Osiyemi (General Manager, Charlotte, NC). Keyshana and Chris described the COMTO 2025 experience as energizing, motivating and deeply personal.

Keyshana and Chris emphasized how meaningful it was to connect directly with executives and changemakers, especially women and people of color in leadership, through one-on-one conversations and powerful sessions on equity and transportation leadership.

Celebrating Chapter Excellence

The COMTO Austin chapter was honored with the Best Community Engagement Award for its outstanding outreach efforts, including scholarships, youth engagement, workforce development and small business partnerships supported by WeDriveU’s Austin, TX team.

Chapter President Banks noted, “This award really shows the work we’re doing in the community and we’re just getting started.”

Halle Haley, who leads WeDriveU Cares community programs at WeDriveU, added: “This award showcases the powerful collaboration between WeDriveU’s Ubuntu ERG and the COMTO Austin Chapter. What a great example of the collective impact WeDriveU and COMTO are making in transportation and community service in Central Texas.”

Looking Ahead

Next year, COMTO will gather in Washington, D.C. WeDriveU is excited to share COMTO’s benefits with more employees and continue the work of creating inclusive, equitable transportation systems.

As Keyshana reflected: “The impact we can make together with COMTO is limitless.”

Learn More

Explore WeDriveU career opportunities across the country.

Learn more about COMTO.