FAREWELL SPOTLIGHT: TANIA RAMIREZ
In keeping with our tradition, we ask our team members to share a few last words about the great work they have done and their experience with us.
What was your title: Legal and Policy Fellow
Tell us a bit about your time at Circulate (planning, policy, roles, how long).
I spent 14 weeks as the Legal and Policy Fellow at Circulate, where I supported transportation policy research focused on the financial recovery of public transit agencies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large part of my work involved building and maintaining a comprehensive spreadsheet that analyzed transit agencies across the United States. I researched each agency's financial profile, identified funding challenges, and evaluated the initiatives they implemented to restore ridership, reduce fiscal deficits, and improve long-term sustainability.
In addition to research, I participated in advocacy efforts by attending public meetings and learning how transportation policy is developed and implemented at the local and regional levels.
What was your favorite part of working at Circulate?
My favorite part of working at Circulate was the opportunity to explore an area of law and policy that was completely new to me. Although I hope to practice intellectual property law, I've always had a genuine interest in public policy, and this fellowship gave me a chance to stay connected to that passion while learning about transportation planning and advocacy. Just as rewarding was getting to know the incredible people on the Circulate team. Learning from colleagues with backgrounds in planning, policy, and advocacy gave me a broader perspective on the many ways professionals can create meaningful change. Their passion for improving communities was inspiring, and it made my experience at Circulate amazing.
What are your favorite projects or accomplishments from your time at Circulate?
One of my favorite accomplishments was learning about aspects of transportation advocacy that I never expected to be part of my role. I learned how to prepare and deliver public testimony at MTS, SANDAG, and City Council meetings, which helped me become much more confident speaking in public and advocating for policy change.
One of the highlights of my internship was being quoted in the local newspaper after providing public testimony. It was exciting to see that my voice could contribute to important community conversations. This experience showed me how advocacy, public engagement, and planning come together to create meaningful change and was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Circulate.
What are you doing next, and what are your career plans?
This fall, I will return to law school to begin my second year (2L). During the semester, I will also be externing for a United States Magistrate Judge, where I look forward to strengthening my legal research, writing, and analytical skills while gaining firsthand experience with the judicial process.
