As part of our Pride Month 2025 celebrations, WeDriveU’s Out and Proud Employee Network (OPEN) and Unidos Latinos Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) hosted Navigating Pride and Progress, a virtual event for team members and allies nationwide to discuss identity, intersectionality, and community in transportation.

WeDriveU’s featured guest, Jose Hernandez, Senior Manager of Marketing and Digital Programs at Metrolink and Board Member of Latinos In Transit (LIT), shared his inspiring personal journey as an LGBTQ+ Latino professional in the transit industry. He welcomed attendees through candid storytelling and meaningful reflections on allyship, authenticity, and advocacy.

How Individual Stories Drive Collective Change: Top Takeaways

1. The Impact of Intentional Allyship

Jose emphasized how intentional support from mentors helped shape his confidence and career. “Allyship has truly changed the trajectory of my life,” he said, recalling a pivotal moment when a colleague empowered him to step into his voice and identity. This underscored the power behind advocating for others with intention.

“Allyship has truly changed the trajectory of my life.” – Jose Hernandez, Metrolink

2. Authenticity Creates Culture

“When one person is authentic,” he explained, “it shows others they can be too.” His message highlighted how vulnerability and openness can transform workplace culture into one of trust and connection.

3. Progress Isn’t a Straight Line

The event’s moderator, Alfredo Ramirez, Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at WeDriveU, reminded attendees: “Growth isn’t always linear. Take an aerial view and celebrate how far you’ve come.” This reminder to pause and recognize progress, even when the path isn’t perfect, is a channel for reflecting on and recognizing the long-term impact and transformation that often unfold over time.

“Growth isn’t always linear. Take an aerial view and celebrate how far you’ve come.” – Alfredo Ramirez, WeDriveU

4. Reflecting the Communities We Serve

Jose spoke to the heart of equity in transit: “If our staff doesn’t mirror our ridership, how can public transit serve everyone?” Actual progress means tolerance isn’t just a value in transit; it’s a necessity. To build systems that genuinely serve all communities, we must strive for opportunities to connect by building meaningful communities and be part of something special across every level of our organizations, ensuring our teams reflect the communities we serve daily.

“If our staff doesn’t mirror our ridership, how can public transit serve everyone?” – Jose Hernandez

WeDriveU’s Proposal Manager and OPEN ERG Chair Marc Rivers celebrating Pride Month 2025

5. Keep Doing the Work

Jose concluded with an important reminder: “Don’t stop doing the work, even when you encounter roadblocks. Where can you leave good intentions?” Creating a welcoming environment for all employees is an ongoing effort, and every conversation has the potential to plant the seeds of meaningful change.

The Navigating Pride and Progress event celebrated authenticity, growth, visibility, and vulnerability, emphasizing our shared responsibility in shaping a positive collective environment. Progress begins when we show up for one another with courage, curiosity, and care – qualities that align with our WeCelebrateU initiatives ensuring WeDriveU team members feel heard, supported and inspired. We’re committed to continuing to make space for every voice and every step forward in the transit industry.

Happy Pride Month!

WeDriveU extends our heartfelt thanks to Jose Hernandez and our ERGs for leading such an engaging and impactful program. These events are one of the many ways we’re creating a vibrant workplace where you can chart your next career journey in transportation with limitless possibilities. Take a look at the amazing opportunities where we’re hiring across the country.