Who

Liza is a transportation policy analyst, urban planner, project manager, community organizer, and communications professional skilled at building the human infrastructure necessary to change physical infrastructure. She founded the Providence Streets Coalition in 2019 with stubborn optimism in a future that holds safe, equitable, and sustainable mobility for all. She is also on the organizing team for Providence Bike Jam (PBJ), a social group ride / mobile dance party that happens on the last Friday evening of every month. Get in touch with Liza.

Jamie Pahigian is a volunteer advocate who has been working with the Providence Streets Coalition since 2022. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the City of Providence’s North Main Street Task Force. In his professional life, he is an analytical chemist working in the Geology Department at Brown University. He lives in Providence and commutes primarily by bike and on foot.

Alexander is a lifelong Providence resident. So far he has never owned a car and has been a RIPTA rider since he was a student at Classical High School, at least. He graduated from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC in 2011. He spent fifteen years in nonprofit fund development and strategic planning, working mainly with small nonprofits in Southern New England, before changing careers to finance in 2024. He is thrilled to be able to serve on the board of the Providence Streets Coalition and help to build a more people-friendly Providence. He currently lives in the West End with his dog, Saga.

Myles Brawn-Husband is a longtime advocate from Providence Rhode Island whose goal is to better his community. Myles started his 10 year career in advocacy at Camp Jabberwocky, a camp for young adults with distinct disabilities. He worked on fundraising, giving speeches, and served as the posterchild for the camp until leaving in 2021. He then started a retreat with some  former staff from Jabberwocky called Ashmere project, where he is an active board member. Myles sits on the Statewide Independent Living Council board, volunteers at the Ocean State Independent Living Center, serves on the RIPTA Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee amongst other things. Myles looks forward to starting this chapter with Providence Streets Coalition.

Peter Erhartic has been fortunate to live in walkable neighborhoods in Boston, New York City, and his current home in Providence. Having always commuted by bike, foot, or public transit, he appreciates how pedestrian-friendly cities promote wellbeing and a strong sense of community–all reasons why he’s thrilled to support the Providence Streets Coalition.

Professionally, Peter leads Building Block, a real estate advisory and owner’s project management firm that partners with public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven developers to shape vibrant places. He’s a proud resident of Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood, where he lives with his wife, Annie, and their two young children. When he’s not poring over site plans, you’ll find him rowing on the Seekonk River, exploring the city’s neighborhoods, or enjoying its remarkable public spaces with his family (special shout-out to Brassil Park).

Mr. Lovera has over 20 years of transportation engineering experience specializing in complete streets, traffic engineering and highway safety. He is a native of Mexico City and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He started his career at MassDOT, which also includes several positions at RIDOT and the private sector before returning to MassDOT in 2022, where he currently serves as Deputy Director of Highway Design.  He has been responsible for managing Rhode Island’s Highway Safety Programs (NHTSA), involved in the implementation of the first Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon in New England, and a passionate modern roundabout advocate.  In his current position he aims to continue improving spaces for people  walking, biking and using transit in the Commonwealth.  During his spare time he serves as the Chair of the Town of Barrington Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, where he resides.

Greg is a transit planner with more than 18 years of public transportation expertise. Greg’s passion for public transportation stems from the belief that improving mobility and community access are important tools in creating communities that are more equitable, vibrant, and livable. Currently, Greg works as a Principal with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, where he works with communities and transit providers across the US in addressing challenges to deliver transit service more effectively and efficiently. Previously, Greg worked at RIPTA from 2011-2022, where he ended his tenure as the agency’s Chief of Strategic Advancement. Prior to RIPTA, Greg worked as a service planner with the Transit Authority of River City in Louisville, KY. Greg obtained his Masters of Urban Planning from the University of Louisville in 2009.

As a board member of PSC, Greg looks forward to advocating for systemic improvements in how Rhode Island delivers public transportation across the state, ultimately in service of making a transit network that is more equitable and accessible.

Katie West is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI). In her role at HNRI, Katie helps lead statewide efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing through coalition-building, public and civic engagement, and policy advocacy. She is passionate about building collaborative infrastructure and advocating for more connected, inclusive communities through investments in affordable housing and public transit. 

Prior to joining HNRI, Katie held roles at the University of Rhode Island and the RI Association for the Education of Young Children. She is a lifelong Rhode Islander and holds BA and MPA  degrees from the University of Rhode Island.

A community organizer, marketing professional, and ride-or-die bike jammer, Dylan Giles joined the Providence Streets Coalition full time in July, 2024 to become Operations Manager focusing on expanding and strengthening PSC’s advocacy and tapping into new networks and resources, with the goal of deepening PSC’s work and uplifting the community. Originally from Raleigh, NC, Dylan earned a Journalism Certificate from the Indiana University School of Journalism and a B.S. in Ballet Performance from IU Jacobs School of Music, before moving to the Ocean State in 2011 to begin his career with Ballet Rhode Island where he worked as an artist, marketing director, and box office manager. Inspired by the community of mobility advocates and leaders, Dylan is excited to continue learning from talented colleagues to advocate for safe, equitable, and reliable transportation options. He can usually be found riding his bike to or from getting tacos.

dylan@pvdstreets.org

Nicole is a seasoned government affairs professional with over 19 years of experience in political strategy, legislative advocacy, and coalition building. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Hope Strategies, LLC, where she leads lobbying efforts, campaign building, and strategies across sectors and represents clients before Rhode Island’s legislative and regulatory bodies. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island SEIU State Council, where she advanced progressive labor policies and managed complex political campaigns. Nicole also held a decade-long advocacy role with the Healthcare Education Project in New York, championing major healthcare legislation and organizing community health initiatives. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in Political Science, she remains deeply committed to equity, public service, and civic engagement.

An educator, storyteller, and community strategist, Deja Foster joined the Providence Streets Coalition in 2025 to lead fundraising efforts and strengthen relationships with donors and partners. With over a decade of experience in education, youth development, and grant writing, she brings a deep commitment to equity and community-driven change. Deja holds a Bachelor’s in English and Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Master’s in Education and a Grant Writing Certificate From UMASS Boston. Passionate about storytelling and creating equitable systems, Deja’s work centers collaboration, innovation, and community voice. Deja is extremely excited to bring her skills and passion for advocacy to Providence Streets Coalition. 

deja@pvdstreets.org