About Us


The Practice

Aura Management Consulting, LLC, is a certified, woman-owned consulting firm based in El Sobrante, California. Founded 2003, Aura is dedicated to providing management consulting services primarily to municipal and federal transit agencies throughout the United States. The firm’s core competencies lie in vehicle engineering, however, we also possess construction management capabilities, both of which are geared to the transit industry. Aura combines the managerial and technical talents of its professionals to provide fully integrated solutions to our clients, and we have helped transform them into cutting edge agencies.

Aura is built on a strong foundation of intellectual acuity, solid business relationships, forward thinking, and most importantly, integrity. Our ability to look beyond the surface and understand the challenges facing our clients sets us apart from our competitors. Furthermore, our adherence to sound business and accounting practices is beyond reproach.

We also understand that likability and trust are factors that influence decision-making. Organizations want service providers they can trust. To this end, we are dedicated to developing long-term, trusting relationships with our clients. We do this by identifying the ideal staff for their project needs, ensuring they are getting maximum return on their investments, and delivering on time.

Our commitment to clients is unparalleled. Not only do we provide qualified staff tailored to their project needs, but we believe it is imperative to leave them with a personal, positive and professional experience working with the firm. We understand the pressures for agencies to manage budgets with limited resources, and to this end, we carefully monitor the financial aspect of our programs, while implementing cost control strategies throughout the engagement.

Our commitment to staff is to foster a working environment that provides them with an opportunity for personal and professional growth. It is important that they recognize the meaningful role they play in the satisfaction of our clients, as well as the success of the firm. We value their contribution and interact with them not just as mere workers, but as an integral part of our business. This approach has been successful insofar as ensuring quality at all levels of our service.


Mission Statement

Our Commitment as a Firm is to:

  • Provide quality, value-added consulting services to our clients commensurate with their business objectives.
  • Adhere to the company philosophy, which maintains that integrity, commitment, and fairness are the cornerstones of successful business relationships.
  • Foster a working environment that promotes innovative thinking, enabling individuals to make a meaningful contribution to our clients, and in turn to the firm.
  • Respect our employees, treat them fairly, and support them in maintaining a balance between work and family.
  • Give back to the community, and strive to set a positive example for our youth.
  • Never forget our humble beginnings, understanding that humility is a virtue.

Faye Smothers – Founder & President

As Founder and President, Faye Smothers oversees all facets of the firm. Over the course of her professional career, spanning several industries, she gleaned concepts critical to successful project and business management. Upon starting the company her objective was clear and focused: to provide clients with superior, competitively priced services in an effort to help them achieve tangible, measurable results, while maintaining excellent business relationships. She also desired to create a well-managed firm whose employees were committed because they felt their contributions were valued and appreciated. Faye has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis with a concentration in Transportation. She also undertook post-graduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and holds certificates from the Anderson School of Management in Entrepreneurial Studies and Management Development, as well as in Leadership and Human Resource Management.

In addition to her unique ability to apply strategic thinking and innovative solutions to projects, Faye excels in her ability to make solid business decisions based on her 24(+) years of industry experience. With exposure to the fields of transportation and energy management, Faye has performed as an Operations Manager/Director at corporate levels for various-sized consulting firms. She has a proven record of accomplishment in project and financial management, and takes pride in her ability to create a positive work environment and lead by example. She understands that integrity and dedication are major contributors to a company’s success, and works diligently to reinforce those principles daily.

Faye is a strong advocate for the youth of today, and is devoted to doing her part to create opportunities and provide guidance, particularly for those at risk. She is a supporter of the United Negro College Fund (as see here as one the donors during an auction at one of their galas), and she has been active in various community-based programs. Additionally, she has provided financial assistance to underprivileged students as they transition from high school to college, and has also sponsored internships in order to expose young adults to the business environment.

Aura Management Consulting, LLC provides professional transit management consulting services throughout the United States.