What attracted you to the transportation industry?
The transportation industry kind of found me. I was just about to finish my coursework for my master’s degree in May 2015 and needed a job, so I started applying for positions at the state and I landed up getting a job at NMDOT in the Transit and Rail division as a Rural Transit Program Manager. I had no idea what I would be doing, but I was just grateful to have been offered the position.
What has been your greatest professional achievement?
Becoming the Transit Director of Administration for Santa Fe Trails. I feel like I am touching more lives and making an impact through transit.
How have women made a difference in the transportation industry?
We work hard because people depend on us, whether it be our staff or the riders that we serve. I think it’s important to show appreciation to our drivers for their hard work and showing up everyday for the people that depend on them. The women in transit that I know and look to for advice and encouragement are not only my colleagues, but they are my transit family. We check-in with each other, offer support and encouragement. Transit really is like a family.
What was the biggest influence in your selection of a career in transportation?
During the time I was a Rural Transit Program Manager I got to travel around the state and visit various transit agencies, meet staff, and learn about how transit worked and the service it provided. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and even told my supervisor at the time that I could do this forever!
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Knowing that my staff and I help people get to work, school, doctor appointments, shopping, and other essential services. For some, transit is their only means of transportation and the services we provide improve the community and quality of life for everyone.
What lessons have you been taught from the important women in your life that you have applied to your own life?
Perseverance and grace. Successful women don’t succeed by giving up especially when it doesn’t look like what we think it should be. We get up and keep going. Sometimes we make mistakes, but we are human and what’s important is we learn from them and keep going. A little bit of grace goes a long way.
How have these lessons helped you succeed as a woman in transportation?
Every day in transit is a different day and a different challenge. Some days are wins and others not so much, but the service still has to be provided. It’s never a failure as long as you don’t quit.
What natural talents do you possess that help in your chosen career?
I am personable and approachable. I have a positive attitude and willing to help the team. And I never give up!
What part of your career story would you like to share with the world?
I was an archaeologist before my career in transit.
How long have you been working for the company/organization? And what positions have you held prior to your current one?
I’ve been with the City of Santa Fe for about 6 months. I worked for NMDOT for 8 years in several positions: a Rural Transit Program Manager, the Transit Grant and Programs Specialist, the TAP Coordinator, and finally, the Transit Planning and Service Coordination Manager. Before my career in transportation, I worked for an archaeological firm fulfilling many roles as a field archaeologist, lab director, office manager and publications director.
How does what you do/what the organization does make a positive impact in the community?
Santa Fe is my hometown and I believe that the services we provide make the community a better place for all to live and visit.
What do you think is needed to further attract women to the transportation workforce?
I think that transportation is generally male-dominated, and perhaps offering internships to high school students and providing education about transportation careers to school children would help to inspire more young women to become interested in a career in transportation. There’s so much more to transit than driving a bus or van than what people think and educating kids and adults about what a career in transportation might look like is going to be essential to attract women and men to the workforce.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter this industry?
I would encourage them to utilize public transportation in the communities that they live and visit. Get to know the bus drivers about their jobs and the people they serve and ask about internships that might be available.
As told to Allyne Clarke, Marketing Manager, Rio Metro Regional Transit District.
