Chantel Cabrera \\ Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions at NYCT
Chantel Cabrera serves as Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions in the office of the Senior Vice President of NYCT, Department of Subways. In her role, she manages a portfolio including wide aisle gate implementation, track intrusion and fare evasion mitigation and school-age engagement.
Chantel most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for Pace University’s New York City campus where she combined her passion for at-promise youth, community relations and local government knowledge. She previously served as the Director of Community Affairs for New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, representing Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfront communities. Prior to working with the New York State Senate, she spent five years at the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, a leading Staten Island based non-profit organization, as the Director of Workforce Initiatives. Here her focus was youth and workforce development, overseeing Summer Youth Employment and Department of Education contracts dealing specifically with alternative pathways to success.
Chantel is a double alumnus and an EOP student of Stony Brook University, attaining her B.A. in Psychology in 2008 and MSW in 2012. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and mostly recently achieved her master’s degree in business administration at Pace University in August 2023.
Why transportation?
Transportation is a new professional journey for me. I was initially drawn to the role because of the impact the responsibilities would have on the way New Yorkers navigate our city.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
As someone who lives on Staten Island, I take the ferry every morning. Growing up in Long Island I have always had access to a car but I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the subway system and taking it regularly.
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
I would focus on improving interconnectivity between different modes of transportation. This would involve creating seamless connections between buses, trains, ferries, and other transit options to make it easier for people to travel across the state without encountering barriers or inefficiencies during transfers.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by the strong, passionate and ambitious women in my network who serve as my sounding board and support system.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say, trust your instincts, know your worth and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and pivot if necessary.
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I am the Subways lead for the solicitation for secure, accessible and modern fare gates for the future of the subway system.
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
My favorite newsletters are from the regional plan association (RPA), so I can stay current on what’s happening locally and women’s transportation seminar (WTS) to be motivated by women doing great things in the industry.
What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?
Off the coast of Delaware, there’s a place called Redbird Reef named after the decommissioned subway cars that make up the majority of the artificial reef.
YPT-NYC 