The Levin College of Public Affairs and Education is proud to recognize Mae Thompson, a talented student of the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs who has been awarded the prestigious Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar Foundation (WTS). This scholarship, offered by WTS, an international organization committed to advancing women in transportation, recognizes Mae's outstanding academic achievements and her commitment to shaping the future of urban planning and development.

Mae, who is pursuing a Masters in Urban Planning and Development and is a valued member of the School’s Chapter of the American Planning Association, is a passionate advocate for equitable transportation systems. She also works full-time as a Transportation Planner with HDR, an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. In this role, she  collaborates with stakeholders to address transit challenges and implement advanced transportation technology for cities, counties, and states and supports transit-oriented activities, including research analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparing planning documents.

Mae's dedication to her field goes beyond her academic pursuits; she seeks to make a tangible impact on transportation systems, ensuring that equity and community voices are prioritized alongside economic considerations. Her vision is to challenge existing paradigms and advocate for transit decisions that uplift marginalized communities.

Dr. Beth Nagy, Associate College Lecturer Urban Planning Practice and APA Advisor describes Mae as “a standout young professional.” Receiving the Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship is a testament to Mae's exceptional promise as a leader in the field of urban planning and transportation.