Hobbies and interests
Dance
Babysitting And Childcare
Reading
Architecture
Adult Fiction
Classics
I read books multiple times per week
Faye Dooley
625
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerFaye Dooley
625
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerEducation
Lincoln Park High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Career
Dream career field:
Architecture & Planning
Dream career goals:
City Planner
Girls Build! Camper
Chicago Architecture Center2018 – 20202 yearsGirls Build! Advisory Council Member
Chicago Architecture Center2020 – Present4 yearsSales Associate
Treats De Cuisine2021 – Present3 years
Sports
Dancing
Varsity2020 – 20244 years
Awards
- 2023 UDA Nationals 6th Place Jazz
- 2024 UDA Nationals 2nd place Jazz
- 2024 UDA Nationals 10th Place Hip Hop
- 2023 UDA All-American Dancer
- 2024 UDA All-American Dancer
Arts
Lincoln Park High School Dance Team
Dance2020 – 2024
Public services
Advocacy
Student Life Committee — Member2023 – PresentAdvocacy
Students for Change — Club Member2021 – 2023Volunteering
Chicago Mini Fest Dance Session — Teacher2022 – 2022Volunteering
Pitch in for the Parks — Cleaner2021 – 2022Volunteering
Little Lions Dance Clinic — Dance teacher2021 – 2022Volunteering
Walk to Defeat ALS Chicago — Led a Warm up2023 – 2023Volunteering
Susan G. Komen Relay for Life — Led a Warm up2022 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
RAD Scholarship
WinnerMy ties to the cycling community are deep-rooted, as cycling has always been a big part of my life. It has connected me to my family and community, beginning with my dad introducing me to the joy of cycling in the alley of my urban home. He had cycled competitively as a child in Ireland and was so excited to share his passion for the sport with me. Once I became a proficient cyclist, my family spent time together riding bikes and exploring Chicago and the neighboring areas.
My family, however, also knows the darker side of cycling. Before I was born, my grandmother suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a cycling accident caused by poorly marked road signage and unkept bike paths. The terrible accident took away her once vibrant spirit and stole her independence with lifelong repercussions. The incident still impacts my family and is a constant reminder of cycling's inherent risks. The Rob Dollar Foundation's mission resonates deeply with me as I've witnessed firsthand the toll of unsafe roads on those I hold dear. The staggering statistics of bicycle-related deaths in 2020 serve as a dark reminder of the urgency of this cause. With nearly two-thirds of these fatalities attributed to motor vehicle collisions, it's evident that we must do more to protect cyclists and pedestrians on our streets.
An example of some steps my community has taken to lower the risks of motor vehicle traffic collisions for cyclists was the creation of The 606 Bloomingdale Trail. This 2.7-mile elevated trail was once an abandoned industrial train line repurposed on Chicago’s northwest side, that now features a chain of street-level parks, scenic lookout points, and public art installations. The addition of this trail has not only lowered the risks of traffic collisions for cyclists, but it has also helped the environment. When urban planners initiated the development of The 606, it was anticipated that more individuals would be motivated to bike and opt for alternative modes of transportation instead of driving. This shift is expected to reduce carbon emissions associated with car usage. Chicago has also encouraged its usage by making bikes available to rent at nearby Divvy Stations as part of the city’s bike-share program. With the addition of The 606 to my community, I am able to cycle in a safe environment with minimal risk. Due in part to my own experiences using The 606 trail, I have made it a goal in my future career as an urban planner to continue the creation of similar infrastructure in major cities and urban environments.
These experiences have broadened my understanding of the challenges facing cyclists and fueled my determination to be a part of the solution. The Rob Dollar Foundation scholarship resonates deeply. Rob's love for cycling was tragically cut short by a preventable accident. The foundation's mission to improve safety for cyclists aligns perfectly with my desire to create roads that nurture a culture of shared responsibility. I plan to leverage my education in urban planning and involvement in clubs, internships, and study abroad programs to join the next generation of urban planners to reimage urban spaces. I plan to use my skills to design innovative solutions that prioritize road safety. As a recipient of the Rob Dollar Foundation Scholarship, I will not only have the opportunity to further my education but also amplify the voices of cyclists and advocate for policies that reflect their needs. Whether it's protected bike lanes or traffic calming measures, I'm committed to making tangible improvements. We can build a safer, more equitable transportation system by fostering collaboration.