Michelle Auriana Simmons is President and Principal of MAS COMM, INC., a DBE/SBE-certified strategic communications and community engagement firm specializing in transportation infrastructure. With more than 20 years of experience across FDOT Districts 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Miami-Dade Transit, and regional MPOs and TPOs throughout Florida, Michelle has built a reputation for creating culturally responsive engagement strategies that build trust, honor community heritage, and redefine how residents experience infrastructure.Before founding MAS COMM, Michelle served as Public Involvement and Governmental Affairs Director at Miami-Dade Transit, where she led large-scale public engagement efforts for one of the nation's most diverse transit systems. Her career also includes managing 89+ construction projects for FDOT District 5 and serving in communications leadership at WLRN public media.Michelle is the creator of Florida's first registered Construction Coordinator Apprenticeship Program and Florida's first registered Public Relations and Communications Apprenticeship Program, both registered with the Florida Department of Education. Through her innovative "Build to Own" workforce development model, she is expanding access to careers in construction and communications for underserved communities across South Florida.A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Michelle brings authenticity, strategy, and deep community roots to every engagement. She is committed to transforming not just how infrastructure projects are communicated — but how communities feel seen, heard, and respected throughout the process.