Technologist. Urbanist. Futurist.

People often look at me in a very confused manner when I describe myself using these words.

“But how, Jackie?” they say, “aren’t you an environmentalist? And a social justice advocate?”

And my response is always the same:

I am all these things. I want to see the world transformed for good. I want to see leap frog technology solve the world’s most challenging problems. I want to save these planet. I want more trees and less plastic.

jackie omotalade

What is a technologist?

In short, I’m a person with highly specialized knowledge on technology.

What is an urbanist?

I am an urbanist. I recognize and support the reality that more people are moving into urban environments and this movement is a good thing. I support more urban housing of all types. I prioritize walking, biking and transit, and support a high quality shared public realm.

I am an environmentalist and an humanitarian. I want equitable strong public infrastructure that uses water, energy, and building materials efficiently and effectively. They also promote natural methods for cleaning stormwater, disposing of solid waste, and providing recreation space.

Urban living supports the environment and saves our planet because it reduces society’s impact on natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Every apartment a city builds is one less single-family home that knocks down trees, destroys wildlife habitat, and puts another carbon-emitting car on the highway.

What is a futurist?

I’m a mother so the future matters to me. I’m doing my part to make the future a greener, more equitable, inclusive and welcoming place. My calling is advocacy.