Cathy LaFata

As HDR’s transportation equity director, Cathy LaFata works to advance equity and environmental justice (EJ) through all phases of project development as well as in programs, policies, and partnering strategies. With over 29 years of experience Cathy has prepared numerous EJ evaluations, community impact assessments, Title VI analyses, and outreach plans for a wide variety of transportation projects across the U.S.. In recent years, she has prepared equity studies for projects at various phases of development, as well as strategic approaches to equity for clients exploring both internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and practices as well as external project prioritization and delivery with equity considerations. Cathy leads HDR’s 280-member EJ and Equity Practice Group and was recently a panelist on a 2023 TRB Webinar entitled “Successful Environmental Justice PlanningÓ. Cathy also co-authored the Metro Magazine article “Environmental Justice: A Holistic, Integrated Approach to Advance Equity in TransportationÓ. Cathy sits on the TRB Standing Committee on Equity in Transportation (AME10), and is also a member of APTA’s Planning, Policy, and Program Development Committee. Environmental Justice/Title VI Subcommittee, and Diversity and Inclusion Council.