Capital One hosted the Ideas Drive Mobility for All event, bringing together a distinguished group of bold visionaries, community leaders and industry innovators.

The day was dedicated to exploring how expanded access to mobility can build more vibrant and resilient communities. From insightful discussions on the future of the auto and mobility industries to hands-on problem-solving, participants engaged deeply with critical issues such as innovation, workforce development, transparency and inclusive access.

Key Insights from the Road Ahead

The event was packed with dynamic sessions designed to spark new ideas and foster actionable solutions.

The day kicked off with an inspiring panel that delved into the profound meaning of "mobility for all," which goes beyond just transportation. It's a pathway to opportunity, independence and a better quality of life, helping build stronger and more resilient communities. Panelists Inga Maurer (McKinsey & Company), Dr. Janille Smith-Colin (Southern Methodist University) and Valerie Lefler (Feonix - Mobility Rising), challenged attendees to think bigger about equitable access, and the transformative role of mobility in daily life and economic opportunity during a discussion moderated by Capital One's Sunny Karassik. They dove into topics designed to help reimagine how we build inclusive mobility ecosystems for everyone and what that means in today's rapidly evolving world.

The group identified the key challenge of helping people understand their current financial situation and what they can afford for a car loan, as car payments are often prioritized due to the importance of mobility.

One of the panelists highlighted a Harvard study of five million children that explored how family households who lived with an income at or below the poverty level broke the cycle, following the children who grew up and flourished. The single strongest factor was tied to the parents’ commute time, indicating mobility directly impacts parental involvement which is tied to a child’s future success.

Participants also highlighted the complex relationship between housing affordability, job access and transportation. Mobility can afford individuals the ability to access higher paying jobs or different jobs that are a better fit with their respective skill sets in addition to the direct correlation to housing. Individuals may move somewhere with good job access and affordable housing, but those conditions may shift 10 years later forcing people to move or face longer commutes, which could directly impact their quality of life. However, those with shorter commutes or better access to reliable transportation and infrastructure are oftentimes better equipped to provide food and security for their families. 

Strengthening the Mobility Talent Pipeline: Collaborating for Workforce Solutions - During this interactive session, table facilitators Andrella Thomas (Capital One), Brandi Harrison Trotter (Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas), C. Brent Franks (North Texas Automobile Dealers), Colleen Casey (Toyota Motor North America), Elizabeth Caudill McClain (Dallas Regional Chamber), Katie Mueller (On the Road Companies) and Tony Molla (ASE Education Foundation), led collaborative table conversations, helping participants identify shared challenges and successful models for attracting, training and retaining the next generation of mobility professionals.

Participants discussed the positive impact of industry-education partnerships—including auto dealers collaborating with community colleges—as a way to transform the Texas automotive workforce by providing proper foundational training upfront, eliminating the need for costly remedial programs.

The day concluded with a forward-looking fireside chat between Capital One’s Sanjiv Yajnik and the Car Dealership Guy, Yossi Levi. They explored the transformative forces reshaping how we move, from electrification, autonomous technology, evolving consumer expectations and bold policy innovation.

Find out more: https://www.capitalone.com/about/our-commitments/ideas-drive-mobility-for-all-driving-impact-for-a-more-connected-future/