Just in case you’ve never heard about her before, here is the 411:  Bozoma is the Ghanaian-American woman who re-invented what a black woman wielding power in the boardroom should look like. You can find her sporting huge Afros, spandex and bright nail polish in a room full of America’s top corporate executives, yet taking charge of the boardroom and holding her own.

As sad as we are to hear of her departure from the company, which she joined in a bid to rebrand Uber’s image at the time, we’re pretty sure she’ll be giving it her usual 110% as she embarks on her new venture. She told The Hollywood Reporter :

“My past year at Uber has been transformative personally and professionally, there was so much upheaval when I first got to Uber, and it tested everything I have as a marketer and employee. There was a desire to create real change, and changing the storyline has been challenging, but I know [CEO] Dara [Khosrowshahi] has [a] real intention to make the company as great as it can be.”

Bozoma’s milestones include being named Billboard‘s Female Executive of the Year in 2016, as well as making the lists of Fast Company‘s 100 Most Creative People; Ad Age‘s 50 Most Creative People, Innovators & Stars; Ebony’s 100 Most Powerful Executives; Adweek’s Most Exciting Personalities in Advertising; and Fortune‘s Disruptors and 40 Under 40 lists.

Her 20 years worth of hardwork in her career has spoken for itself as she continues to leave a significant foot stamp wherever she goes.

Speaking on Bozoma’s departure, Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, said:

“Boz joined Uber at a time when the company was hurting — but her energy, optimism and creativity have been a key part of our ongoing turnaround. Endeavor is lucky to have her, and I’m excited to watch her work in her new role.”

Bozoma Saint John’s life is epitomized by the saying: “Wherever you are placed, bloom.” You truly never know who’s watching. We’re thankful for women like her who continue to blaze new trails while being authentic and living their truth. We wait with bated breath as she takes the next step in her career, which we are sure will be pretty epic.

Photo Credit: Elle Canada

However, with reports of  attempted abductions, incidents of sexual assault, and violent altercations instigated by drivers becoming increasingly popular, one must take safety measures to help avoid or reduce the chances of such mishaps.

Here are 5 safety tips you should take note of when riding Uber, Taxify, or any other similar taxi services:

Confirm the identity of the driver and ensure the car model/plate number matches what’s on the app

There are so many kidnappers and perverts out there who often pose as Taxify/Uber drivers, so beware! They especially take advantage of women who appear to be in a hurry or drunk, or seem distracted by phone calls. Do not automatically assume that a car that pulls up in front of you is the Uber or Taxify you called. There have been numerous reports about how women waiting for rides just ask whoever they see if they are “Uber” and fraudulent impostors reply in the affirmative. Don’t fall victim. All you need to do is check the app to ensure that the car model and plate number you see in front of you matches what’s on the app. Also, verify the driver’s identity by not only verifying his/her identity via the photo on the app, but by also calling the driver’s phone right before you enter the car. When you hear his/her phone ring and they pick up, you’re good to go.

Share your ETA with friends and family

Share your trip details with family and/or friends so they can keep track of your journey just in case anything goes wrong and they need to track you down. Additionally, send them the driver’s name and phone number. Be sure to also screenshot the display on the app that shows the driver’s photo, car, and car model and send it to your friends via Watsapp. If you wanna be a bit extra (lol), call a friend and tell them you have shared your ETA with them and make sure you talk loud enough so the driver can hear you. So just in case he’s thinking about being shady, he knows you’ve got backup. YEAH! *fist pump*

Try not to fall asleep!

Guurrllll you gotta be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t fall asleep! It would be easy for any driver with evil intentions to try to abduct you ‘cos duh, you’re not in a conscious state. Pay attention to the road and the routes the driver is taking. If you really do not know your way to your destination, it doesn’t hurt to turn on Google Maps on your own smartphone and monitor the directions as you go along. So if the driver begins to take a route that deviates from your map, you can say something so he/she is aware that you are actually paying attention.

Avoid Riding in the Front Seat

AJC reports that “passengers (especially women) who ride up front have been on the receiving end of assaults, groping and other aggressive, unwanted behavior.” So yeah ladies, the back seat it is.

Ride in groups when possible

Especially if it’s really late at night, and perhaps you are going to or coming back from a club or social function. Ride with your girls. There is strength in numbers. The driver would probably think twice before thinking of trying any funny business ‘cos he would know that you and your girls would take him out in a heartbeat.

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Got some tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Getty Images