In the transportation and mobility sector, affinity groups have long been a vital resource for advancing careers and creating a sense of community. Recognizing a gap for Asian American professionals, STV’s Gene Kim, senior vice president, co-founded the Asian American Leaders in Mobility (AALM) Group to provide mentorship, support and advocacy for professionals navigating the industry. Founded two years ago, the group has already created a strong and growing network of members, allies, mentorship opportunities and plans to expand its outreach.

In this interview, Kim speaks about what inspired the formation of the group, the challenges Asian American professionals face in advancing their careers and AALM’s plans for the future.

1. Can you tell us about the origins of the AALM and what motivated you to start the group?

Honestly, it started somewhat spontaneously. I was chatting with another industry leader, and we began discussing how other affinity groups, such as Latinos in Transit and the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), have significantly helped their members advance their careers. We both wondered why there wasn’t one for Asian Americans in the mobility sector, especially since our industry is incredibly diverse.

That conversation made me think back to my own early career. It took me over a decade to find my voice in a space that didn’t have diverse representation. I thought, what if there was a group where young professionals could learn from each other’s experiences, share advice and support each other? That’s how AALM started.

2. Why is representation important in the mobility sector?

In transit, I feel it is incredibly important to mirror the people who actually use the systems we build. Our end users are incredibly diverse demographically and economically, and so should the teams who are designing and implementing those systems. If our leadership doesn’t reflect that diversity, we risk making decisions that don’t fully serve the needs of the communities we’re impacting. That’s why it’s so important to have Asian Americans and other minority groups in leadership roles. They bring perspectives and lived experiences that can inform better projects and policies.

3. How did you approach building the group in its early days?

We started small. We just named the group, reached out to some friends and colleagues and hosted a few informal chats online. The first conversations were really about asking, “What do you need?” “What would have helped you when you were starting out?” That’s when we started to see how many people resonated with the idea. Over 200 people joined fairly quickly and the feedback was clear –there was a real need for a community that focused on Asian American experiences in the transit industry.

4. How has your personal experience shaped your vision for AALM?

 I remember what it felt like to struggle to find my voice early on in my career. For a long time, I thought hard work was enough. After about 10 years, I had gotten more comfortable speaking up and sharing my point of view. I think a lot of us were raised to keep our heads down and not rock the boat. But in this industry, that can be a career-limiting move. With AALM, I want to help others learn how to advocate for themselves sooner than I did.

5. What has been the most surprising part of starting AALM?

I was surprised by how many allies and supporters we found. When we reached out to Latinos in Transit, Alva Carrasco, who founded the group, was incredibly generous with her time and advice. She shared how they built their network from the ground up, and that guidance was invaluable. It reminded me that diversity advocacy isn’t just about one group – it’s about all of us working together to lift each other up.

6. How has AALM been engaging with its members?

In addition to the ongoing discussion in the LinkedIn group, we’ve hosted a few fireside chats with industry leaders like Allison Ishihara Fultz, Chief Counsel at the Federal Railroad Administration. It’s been a way for members to hear firsthand how these leaders navigated their careers, the obstacles they faced and how they found their voices.

We’re aiming to do more live meetups and networking events, especially at industry conferences like the upcoming APTA Rail Conference in San Francisco and the Mpact Conference. Last year at Mpact, we hosted a great group mixer at the event and deepened our sense of community.

7. What are some of the long-term goals for AALM?

Our near-term goal is to establish a scholarship fund to support young professionals and students pursuing careers in mobility. Beyond that, we’d like to create training programs, mentorship circles and more structured events to keep the momentum going. The goal is to eventually pass the baton to the next generation of mobility leaders and have them take AALM to the next level.

8. How can companies like STV get involved or support AALM’s mission?

We’re seeking industry partners to help us amplify our mission. Sponsoring events, providing mentorship or even just spreading the word about AALM can make a huge difference. I firmly believe that in transit, we should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Supporting groups like AALM is a step toward that goal.

9. For young Asian American professionals just starting their careers in mobility, what advice would you give?

Rethink everything your parents taught you. Yes, hard work matters, but so does finding your voice and using it. Don’t just keep your head down. Speak up, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. That’s something I had to learn the hard way – it’s not just about working harder; it’s about making sure people see you and hear you.

10. How can potential members get involved with AALM?

For those interested in getting involved or learning more, please just reach out through the AALM LinkedIn group or contact me directly on LinkedIn. My goal is to start a conversation and introduce other members to each other in the most impactful way possible.