Des Moines City Council members are set to vote on an agreement that would improve traffic safety measures on a stretch of East University Avenue near several schools. If approved, the stretch of University Avenue from East 14th Street to Easton Boulevard would see improvements. It's between that stretch where 14-year-old East High School student Ema Cardenas was hit and killed by a car in April 2022. Many people mourned for Cardenas and began to push for change. "We want to keep everybody safe that crosses University," said Linda Westergaard, the Des Moines city council member representing Ward 2. Last summer, the city council redefined what was considered a school zone citywide. It expanded speed zones from just the area surrounding school buildings to include stadiums, practice fields, and more. Monday's vote would bring change to the stretch of University Avenue that's close to Hiatt Middle School and nearby other schools. The agreement to be voted on is one between the City of Des Moines and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Westergaard says it would include a HAWK signal, stop lights, and flashing lights. "Hopefully, we'll have some things completed by the time school starts in September," Westergaard said. Other parts of the plan would see construction starting in 2024. "That part of University Avenue is a four-lane road," Westergaard said. "We want to reduce it to a three-lane road." All of this sounds like good news to someone who played and instrumental role in this push: Anna Campos, Ema Cardenas's mother. In the months following her daughter's death, Campos put her heart into attending city council and school district meetings to call for better traffic improvements. Knowing what could come following Monday's vote is something Campos has waited for. "This is proof that with your voice, you can get change done," Campos said. Campos continues to promote change, with a focus on students throughout Des Moines. She founded Simply Loved, an organization made in honor of Ema. On Friday afternoon, Simply Loved had an event with Hiatt Middle School. Campos donated 75 Vans shoes, Ema's favorite, to girls of the eighth-grade class who signed up. Campos plans to stay in touch with the girls throughout high school. "My future goals with Simply Loved is to help girls know they are worth it," Campos said.