We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeVynne Starks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeVynne below.
DeVynne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
HERide was created specifically to serve an underserved community: women who have been overlooked in the ridesharing industry when it comes to safety and comfort. In 2018, Uber reported nearly 3,000 sexual assault incidents in the U.S., while Lyft received over 4,000 reports between 2017-2019. These numbers highlight a critical gap in the industry, leaving women feeling vulnerable and without safe alternatives.
HERide addresses this issue by offering a platform where women can choose to ride exclusively with other women. This not only provides peace of mind for passengers but also creates a safer environment for female drivers, who often feel uncomfortable picking up male passengers. By prioritizing safety and inclusivity, we’re empowering women on both sides of the ride—whether they’re earning or traveling.
For us, this isn’t just about ridesharing; it’s about creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and respected. Our platform helps women reclaim their sense of safety, and that’s what drives our mission every day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into ridesharing started with a call from Jillian Anderson, the founder of HERide, inviting me to join her company as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) and co-founder. At the time, I was running my own successful boutique PR agency, Cultiv8PR, which focused on helping brands amplify their voices and build strong reputations. Jillian and I had a longstanding connection—she was actually my RA in college—and I’d been a supporter of HERide since its inception.
When Jillian asked me to join her mission, I saw it as an incredible opportunity to use my expertise to help grow a company that truly aligned with my values. As a bootstrapped company, HERide relied heavily on earned media and strategic communications to gain traction, and my role was to build a robust PR strategy that would amplify the brand’s mission. Saying yes to that call allowed me to work alongside Jillian to transform HERide into a trusted platform for women, built by women, with safety and empowerment at its core.
This journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Watching HERide grow while staying true to its mission of serving women has been incredible, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve made and continue to make in the ridesharing industry.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What’s helped us build our reputation in the market is HERide’s ability to be a true trailblazer in the ridesharing industry. From the beginning, we’ve prioritized innovation and safety in ways that set us apart. We were the first platform to exclusively offer all-female drivers, long before Lyft introduced Women+ Connect, proving that we were ahead of the curve in understanding and addressing women’s unique needs in ridesharing.
We also led the way in piloting biometric safety features to create a more secure experience for both riders and drivers. These advancements show our commitment to not just participating in the industry but pushing it forward. HERide isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about setting new standards that influence the entire market and put safety and empowerment at the forefront.
Our reputation is built on trust and innovation, and I believe it’s our willingness to constantly find new ways to address safety concerns is what has kept us ahead of the competition and keeps our community growing.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for HERide has undoubtedly been the power of word of mouth. From the start, we’ve built a platform that was co-created with our community, ensuring that we truly meet their needs. By listening to their feedback and making inclusivity a priority, we’ve earned their trust—and that trust translates into organic recommendations to friends, family, and peers. When women feel safe, valued, and heard, they naturally want to share that experience with others.
In addition to word of mouth, new clients are drawn to HERide because of the convenience and simplicity we offer. Our pre-booking options allow riders to plan ahead, giving them peace of mind, and our app is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. Another major draw is our pricing: unlike many competitors, HERide does not currently charge surge fees. Surge pricing, which occurs during times of high demand, can significantly increase ride costs on other platforms, making rides less accessible. By avoiding this, we’re able to keep our rides affordable and predictable, which our customers truly appreciate.
This combination of community-driven development, affordability, and convenience has been key to attracting and retaining our clients. We’re proud to provide a service that women not only trust but actively recommend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.HERide.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devynne.starks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getheride/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devynne-starks-935bb9133
- Twitter: https://x.com/getheride?mx=2
Image Credits
DeVynne Starks