Bernardita Calinao

Bernardita Calinao is the Founder and CEO of Walkspan, a data-driven and location intelligence technology company based in New York City.1 Her company focuses on advancing urban livability and walkability on a global scale by developing solutions to enhance the walking experience in cities.1

Background and Expertise

Bernardita holds a PhD and has a background in transportation consulting.1 Her expertise lies in urban planning, data analytics, and location intelligence technologies. She draws inspiration from Jane Jacobs' work on urban planning and community engagement.1

Walkspan's Mission and Approach

Walkspan's primary focus is on improving the walkability of urban areas. The company:

• Collects over 200 data points on sidewalks
• Analyzes various dimensions of walkability, including safety, beauty, utility, vibrance, legibility, access, comfort, interest, and social equity
• Uses computer vision and machine learning tools to process and analyze data
• Has data for 45 cities and aims to expand to more1

Vision for Urban Spaces

Bernardita envisions city streets that are:

• Full of life, beauty, and energy
• Reflective of and contributive to their communities
• Safe and engaging for residents, including children
• Not dystopian environments amidst modern buildings1

Entrepreneurial Journey

As an entrepreneur, Bernardita has learned to:

• Shift from an academic approach to a more practical, user-focused mindset
• Value the importance of finding the right team members
• Persist through obstacles and challenges
• Appreciate the support of entrepreneurial communities, such as the Tech Incubator at Queens College1

Bernardita Calinao's work with Walkspan aims to operationalize urban planning theories using modern technology, with the goal of creating more livable and walkable cities worldwide.