Time With The Boss: Kimberly Cella, Citizens for Modern Transit

Kimberly Cella
Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT)

Website: https://cmt-stl.org/
Industry: nonprofit, transportation

What is your mission?
CMT leads efforts to help establish and expand access to an integrated, affordable and convenient public transportation system while driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

What was your first job?
Selling shoes to children at a family-owned store. It was a very humbling experience.

What was your worst job?
I’ve never had a job I didn’t like.

What led you to your industry?
I graduated with a marketing degree, and my counselor told me about an entry-level position at CMT. I wanted to build my communication skills. Nearly 25 years later — I am still here.

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
Launching a program with SafeTrek. The personal safety app gives CMT members and registered transit riders peace of mind knowing they have immediate, real-time access to emergency personnel if needed.

Who is your industry role model?
Most of my inspiration is drawn from, and modeled after, successful programming in other cities/countries versus a specific individual.

How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?
Transit access extends beyond getting individuals from point A to point B. It creates jobs, stimulates local economies, attracts investment, addresses social and racial equity, and more. CMT is consistently creating innovative ways to demonstrate this through programming, events and educational opportunities.

What’s the hottest trend in your industry, and are you going to jump on board?
People want immediate access to transportation. That’s why Uber is popular. It motivates our mission. Public transit needs to be expanded to cover more riders, in more neighborhoods.

What’s the hardest part of your job?
Fundraising and getting people who don’t have a vested interest in transit to understand the value of our mission and what it really means for the region. Our slogan — “Transit: some of us ride it, all of us need it” — lays the groundwork for these discussions.

What’s the best part?
Seeing the impact made on a micro level. A lightbulb goes off when people see the benefits of riding, building and living near transit.

What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?
Look at the collective impact of your products/services. Be brave. Go beyond your comfort zone.

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
There are so many places — I love Francis Park, The Hill and the zoo. We can get bogged down with what’s wrong when we really should focus on all the good in this city.

What book is on your nightstand?
“I’ve Been Thinking... Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life” by Maria Shriver. It was a recent gift from a friend.

What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?
Believing success comes with collaboration and teamwork. This includes the dedication of our board, priceless volunteers and my staff.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Be with my family, read, run and coach my daughter’s volleyball team.