Transit Chief Finds Her Heart in Birmingham
In a recent interview, transit executive Charlotte Shaw opened up about her deep affection for Birmingham. The CEO of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), Shaw was initially resistant to relocating to Birmingham. However, much like many others before her, she quickly fell in love.
“I fought coming here because I didn’t know much about it other than what I’d seen from the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement,” Shaw recounted. “But when I came here and interviewed with the Mayor [Randall Woodfin] and got to explore the city, I fell in love.”
Birmingham’s vibrant downtown area has a special place in Shaw’s heart, particularly the Pizitz Food Hall – a historic building transformed into a hub of diverse eateries. “All the restaurants know me,” she said, confessing that she’s gained a few “Birmingham pounds” since setting up home here.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Despite adaptive her fondness for the city, Shaw admits that striking a balance between work and personal life is still a challenge at times. In her rarely-found downtime, she loves to travel with her wife, Wanda Shaw, and indulge in her passion for reading. She’s particularly fond of books that explore the caste system, as they motivate her to challenge the status quo and help others do the same.
“I’m reading ‘The Color of Law’ currently, which discusses how America was coerced into segregation. There’s a great deal of deep-rooted institutional racism that has entrenched us in our present position. Those in roles such as mine must understand the impact of history so that we can change our future,” Shaw explained.
A Supportive Network
Shaw, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, credits her strong support network as one of the primary pillars that hold her upright. “We’re incredibly close. We’ve gone through life together – having kids, losing parents, forging career paths. In this role [as CEO], you face a whirlwind of challenges. It’s comforting to have people around who truly have your back,” said Shaw.
Looking Towards the Future
Even at the age of 64, Shaw remains enthusiastic about the future. She anticipates branching out into new realms in the next two or three years. “I’ve just started, and this role has made me realize that I can do more. I sense there’s a book in me and foresee numerous speaking engagements. I want to contribute significantly to economic development, but I’m still figuring out what form that will take,” she shared.
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