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Women in Transport Team Member Michelle Fernandes

Women In Transport: Team Member Insight - Michelle Fernandes

March 18, 2025 in Team Profile

When did you join Women in Transport?

October 2023

Why did you join Women in Transport?

The first time I saw Women in Transport speakers in action, I wasn’t a member. I was just an observer, drawn to an event by the promise of insightful discussions. What I didn’t expect was to leave feeling completely inspired—moved by the stories, the passion, and the collective drive to make transport a more inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking industry.
The speakers weren’t just talking about challenges; they were sharing real solutions, bold ideas, and personal experiences of making a difference. It was a wake-up call. I realized that if I wanted to see change, I couldn’t just admire it from the sidelines—I had to be part of it.

What do you enjoy most about being part of Women in Transport?

Joining Women in Transport wasn’t just about signing up for a network—it was about becoming part of a movement. From the moment I became a member, I found myself surrounded by talented women and allies across the industry, all committed to driving change and supporting one another. What I love most is the opportunity to learn and collaborate with industry experts who are shaping the future of transport. Whether it’s through events, mentoring, or thought-provoking discussions, Women in Transport has given me access to insights and experiences that I wouldn’t have found elsewhere.
More than that, it’s helped me contribute to real, positive change. This isn’t just about career development—it’s about making transport a more inclusive, innovative, and thriving industry for everyone.

Current job title

Project Director

What does your current job involve?

As a Project Director at CPC Project Services, my role is all about building strong strategic relationships, anticipating my clients’ needs, and delivering solutions to complex business challenges. I lead major programmes and oversee multiple complex projects, working across the transport and local authority landscape..

What's the best thing about your job?

One of the aspects I value most is the ability to work with a diverse range of clients—each with unique challenges, ambitions, and goals. Every project presents an opportunity to tackle complex problems, collaborate closely with clients, and develop optimal solutions that drive the successful delivery of programmes. The transport industry is constantly evolving, and I enjoy being at the forefront of shaping change—whether it’s through delivering transformational programmes, supporting clients through uncertainty, or developing innovative solutions that improve the way we move. Every day brings new challenges, but that’s what makes the work so rewarding.

How did you become involved in the transport industry?

Many moons ago, I joined a small transport and engineering consultancy, not quite knowing where the journey would take me. What I quickly discovered was a world of opportunity—the sheer diversity of work, the huge variety of projects, and the different sectors I was able to learn from and challenge myself within. It didn’t take long for me to realise that project management in transport was my happy place. The fast-paced nature, the complexity, and the tangible impact of the work made every day exciting and rewarding. From that moment, my career journey in transport truly began, and I’ve never looked back.

What do you like about working in transport?

What keeps me engaged in transport is its ability to shape the world around us. Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about connecting people, unlocking opportunities, and driving economic growth. I love that my work contributes to real change, improving infrastructure, accessibility, and sustainability for future generations.
Beyond that, transport is an industry full of passionate, innovative people. Every project brings new challenges and collaborations, and there’s always something to learn. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes working in the sector so rewarding.

What are you most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements has been leading a programme to secure external funding for Places for London. It was a huge challenge, requiring strategic vision, collaboration, and determination—but the impact made it all worthwhile. This funding is driving real change, supporting London homes, enhancing placemaking, and enabling sustainable growth across the city. Beyond the scale of the funding itself, I’m proud of the difference it will make—creating better places for people to live, work, and thrive. Seeing the tangible benefits of my work and knowing it contributes to long-term, positive change is what motivates me every day. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on complex programmes, worked with diverse teams, and helped shape the transport and infrastructure landscape. But this programme, in particular, stands out as a defining moment—one that highlights the power of collaboration and strategic thinking to deliver meaningful outcomes.


Our partnership packages are a flexible and accessible way to support Women in Transport and your organisation's equity, diversity and inclusion objectives. Learn more about our partnership opportunities here and contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss how we can work together.

Follow us @transportwm on Twitter, on Linkedin at Women in Transport and at @transportwmn on Instagram for events, news and updates.

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Women in Transport provides a varied and lively events programme with access to thought leaders, senior stakeholders and professional trainers.

As the Secretariat to the All Party Parliamentary Group for women in transport, we are committed to working with the UK government to increase the representation of women in the transport sector.

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