Ragina Cooper Ali’s Journey of Impact 

Ragina’s Story – Vehicles for Change partner, AAA Mid-Atlantic/AAA Club Alliance: Public Government & Affairs Manager, MD & DC

Ragina Cooper Ali remembers the first time she learned about Vehicles for Change, a moment that would come to shape both her professional life and her personal values. It was nearly 20 years ago when she began her career at AAA, and she was immediately captivated by the organization’s mission. Vehicles for Change, she learned, was not just about providing transportation, it was about offering the most precious thing in life: mobility and independence. 

The vision of CEO Marty Schwartz left a lasting impression on Ragina. She attended a graduation ceremony for automotive technicians who were re-entering the workforce through the Full Circle Training program, and she was inspired. Seeing the passion in Marty’s eyes and the determination of the graduates stirred something deep within her. Ragina knew then that she wanted to get involved. 

To Ragina, the mission of Vehicles for Change was simple: it was about providing second chances. Having served as a Baltimore Police Officer, Ragina saw firsthand how life could take unexpected turns. Some of the people she served made mistakes, but those mistakes didn’t have to define them forever. They, like everyone else, deserved a second chance to rebuild and thrive.  

For Ragina, the joy of working with Vehicles for Change went beyond just the training programs. She had been fortunate to attend numerous student graduations, fundraisers, and events where families received affordable vehicles. One of her most cherished experiences was when she was able to present keys to a family, witnessing their lives change in a moment. The smile on their faces, the gratitude in their eyes, it was something Ragina would never forget. Each recipient had a story, and those stories reflected the very essence of what Vehicles for Change stood for: the opportunity to change one’s life for the better. 

It was especially meaningful to Ragina when these families shared how the gift of a reliable car impacted their day-to-day lives. No longer would they need to rely on unreliable buses or endure long, tiring commutes. With the freedom of a vehicle, they could spend more time with their children, take them on outings to places like the zoo, or visit family without worrying about transportation. They were no longer confined to the limitations that come with a lack of mobility. Car ownership, Ragina saw, was about more than just getting from point A to point B—it was about dignity, pride, and independence. 

As Ragina reflects on the future, her vision is clear. She hopes to see Vehicles for Change expand its affordable car ownership and training programs to even more communities. She envisions a world where more individuals have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, and she is committed to playing her part in making that a reality. Whether through supporting fundraising efforts or advocating for the organization’s mission, Ragina is dedicated to ensuring that Vehicles for Change continues to empower individuals for years to come. 

And when Ragina thinks back on her own first car—a 1976 AMC Gremlin, a funky green vehicle gifted to her by her car-enthusiast father, she smiles. It wasn’t just a car; it was the beginning of a journey, much like the ones she helps create for others today.