This past Spring, Mobycon welcomed Helena Von Der Ohe to the DACH Team! Helena is joining us as an Advisor for Communication and Mobility (Referentin für Kommunikation und Mobility) to help us actively shape the future of mobility internationally. Read below to learn more about what brought her here and her future at Mobycon.
Helena’s interest in urban mobility began in Berlin, where the city’s dynamic environment sparked a fascination. “Growing up in Berlin, I was always intrigued by the fast-paced city life and the way cities evolve,” she reflects. That curiosity led her to the Netherlands, where she pursued both her BSc in Human Geography and Planning and her MSc in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the University of Groningen.
It was during her time as a student in the Netherlands that Helena’s perspective on mobility shifted dramatically. Daily cycling (rain or shine) inspired her daily routine. “I experienced firsthand the benefits of sustainable mobility, not just the environmental advantages, but also the improved quality of life, accessibility, and the joy of moving through a well-designed city.”
Helena’s connection to an active environment is rooted in her love of the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining. She used to be a kitesurfing and windsurfing instructor, and still indulges in these activities occasionally when given the chance.
Helena views mobility through a human-centered lens. “I’m especially drawn to how mobility systems shape everyday life. Active transportation, like cycling and walking, is key to creating more just and inclusive cities,” she says. For her, it is about more than infrastructure. It’s about creating environments that invite people to move sustainably, safely, and joyfully.
Her academic work explored themes of urban transformation and spatial justice, while her real-world experience living in both Berlin and Groningen helped her see the contrast between car-centric and people-centric urban planning. “In Berlin, streets often feel stressed and dominated by cars. In Groningen, they feel calm, efficient, and alive.”
Although Helena is early in her career, her lived experience across cities has taught her a crucial lesson: “Infrastructure shapes behavior, but lasting change also requires a cultural shift.” She emphasizes that planning must begin with the user’s perspective, and believes urban mobility should be reimagined not just as technical, but as a tool for equitable urban transformation.
What excites Helena most about joining Mobycon is the company’s unique ability to bridge Dutch best practices with global contexts. “Mobycon has a special strength: translating what works in the Netherlands into solutions that work around the world,” she says. She’s eager to bring her critical thinking, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning into this collaborative and values-driven environment.
Helena’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for Mobycon, and we are excited to see how her unique perspective and passion for mobility will contribute to shaping more sustainable and livable cities around the globe.
Contact Helena to learn more about our work at Mobycon. Together, we’re cycling towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
