Sarah Simba, Regional Planner
Sarah joined the TJPDC in May as a Regional Planner and has been working with the Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO and on transportation projects, such as Move Safely Blue Ridge. She graduated from UVA’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy in May 2022. She earned her Graduate Diploma (License) in Mathematical Economics and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from the Université Protestant du Congo, which is the Protestant University of Congo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, her country of birth.
Q: What led you to working at the TJPDC?
A: I wanted to stay in this region. After working in development for not-for-profit organizations internationally and in the US and being involved in intergovernmental activities, I felt like I was not finished here. I am a firm believer in the work that Planning District Commissions do.
During my time at UVA and immediately upon graduating, it was so clear to me that investing in policies and transformative programs that address societal and local challenges was dire. At TJPDC, I’ve had a tremendous opportunity to match and utilize some of my knowledge, and I’ve enjoyed building on my experiences and acquiring and sharpening my skills. This role has also been a great match for my career priorities, and I am looking forward to growing some more around here.
Q: What is a fun fact that you would like to share?
A: I enjoy life pretty much. All the basics of it: from traveling to hanging out with family, playing with children (cousins, nieces, and nephews), walking in the woods, cooking, dancing, or singing.