2016 DOT Civil Rights Virtual Symposium Speaker Bios - Session 1

Speaking with One Voice: Accelerating Access to Opportunities

Building Transportation Equity: Identifying Title VI Issues Throughout the Transportation Project Cycle

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan currently serves as a Lead Civil Rights Analyst at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Departmental Office of Civil Rights.  In this capacity, Ryan is responsible for enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, investigating external complaints and potential instances of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as well as compliance and training related to Title VI.  Ryan joined the team at the Departmental Office of Civil Rights in 2016, having previously served with FHWA’s Office of Civil Rights.

Jonathan Ocana

Jonathan Ocana is the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Title VI Program Coordinator. In his capacity, he oversees FTA’s Title VI complaint investigations, develops and delivers Title VI external training modules, and works with internal staff to ensure consistent application of DOT’s Title VI regulations. Additionally, Mr. Ocana is leading an FTA team in devising Title VI based solutions in response to the Department of Transportation’s new Ladders of Opportunity Initiative. Previously, Mr. Ocana had been the Acting Civil Rights Officer for FTA Region II (New York and New Jersey), where he ensured FTA grantees complied with Title VI, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and FTA’s Equal Employment Opportunity requirements.  Mr. Ocana earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.