We’re celebrating #TDMWeek and #CareersInTransit week with stories of our team highlighting the limitless possibilities for careers in transportation. 

You’ll meet faces behind WeDriveU, such as Seyi, Michelle, Taralynn, and Jason, and discover how journeys that began as a town planner, bus driver, aspiring chef, and fueler/cleaner sparked their success. They’re great examples of the talented workforce behind America’s transportation systems that reduce carbon emissions, ease traffic congestion, and improve accessibility in our communities.

Here’s to the unique tapestry that makes WeDriveU and our industry a special place to build your career. Jump to job openings.

Our voices across WeDriveU profiles mark campaigns with two valued partners the week of September 16-20:

• Our friends at the Association for Commuter Transportation present #TDMWeek, a nationwide observance celebrating the many benefits of Transportation Demand Management (TDM). Observed by states, cities, elected leaders, transportation organizations, suppliers and more, WeDriveU is proud to support.
• #CareersInTransit week is hosted by the North American Transit Alliance (NATA) to promote exceptional career opportunities in the transit industry offering a lifelong potential to grow your skills, experience, and leadership potential.

A Global Transit Tour

Seyi Osiyemi, General Manager

WeDriveU General Manager Seyi (pronounced shey-ee) Osiyemi leads our team and services for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus operation and brings his global perspective to make transportation shine.

Born in Nigeria, Seyi is an accomplished transportation industry leader with a fascinating and vast journey. He has lived and worked in the UK, Australia, Uganda, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Seyi is committed to the enhancement of safety programs and places precedence on community engagement.

An Opportune Elevator Ride

After college, Seyi set out to the United Kingdom (UK) to become a town planner. Seyi found his first job in transit in London where he focused on onboarding their Geographic Information System (GIS) network, walking and exploring the city to map out signs for their system. During his search for a town planning position, a chance conversation in an elevator introduced him to the growing opportunities in transit.

Seyi’s ambitions evolved into a dynamic, international career in transportation, and revealed the connection between global transportation systems and the impact that public transit has on the daily lives of people everywhere.

Working for a local authority, he began managing transit impact assessments and negotiating with businesses to contribute to transit funding and implement improvements. Seyi believes these assessments are valuable for U.S. organizations to consider to fund their projects and meet their needs. By involving businesses, the assessments create opportunities to play a meaningful role in the community while enhancing transit infrastructure and overall efficiency.

The Community Puzzle

Despite cultural differences and varying transit challenges across the globe, he observed that the core principles of running a transit system are the same despite one’s physical location. Public transit is more than a means of transportation, it is an essential service that connects communities and reduces reliance on personal vehicles, an essential step in the global fight against climate change.

Seyi believes transit is a crucial piece of every community puzzle by creating robust public transit networks that serve everyone.

Seyi’s message to those in or thinking of entering the transit industry is clear; transit is not just a job, it’s a calling. In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions, the importance of efficient and accessible public transportation has never been greater. No matter the country or the city the goal remains the same: to keep the world moving one bus, one train, one paratransit vehicle, one microtransit ride, and one transit system at a time.

As a champion of WeDriveU’s team-first mentality, Seyi nurtures an environment where morale and performance can thrive. He sets examples and actualizes success by engaging, educating, and empowering the team. He adds, “Public transportation is only one of the few industries where every decision you take has a direct impact on people” in our communities, our nation, and around the globe.

All Roads Lead to Transit

Michelle Jorgensen, Area General Manager (West)

WeDriveU’s Michelle Jorgensen serves as Area General Manager (West Operations) which includes California, Arizona, North Dakota and Missouri, as well as General Manager for WeDriveU serving Kern Transit in Bakersfield, CA. For nearly six years in her General Manager role, Michelle has overseen an operation that covers 8,000 square miles and provides inter-regional and inter-city transportation as far as Los Angeles County. The team operates 62 buses.

Running such a vast and complex operation, one might imagine Michelle has been in the transportation industry for the entirety of her career. Prior to WeDriveU, Michelle pursued her personal passion as a teaching chef with a taste for European pastry, graduating from culinary school second in her class and working on cookbooks and participating in television programs such as Cake Wars and Food Network Canada.

Michelle then applied for an operations role with WeDriveU. How is the culinary and transportation world connected? Throughout Michelle’s vast professional career, she served as a paralegal for a high-profile international law firm where she oversaw the logistics of a litigation department. Michelle also served as an Operations Manager of Logistics for The Department of Defense and Department of Justice where she ran operations for two California military bases.

A Matter of Logistics

Logistics seems to have followed Michelle, or Michelle has followed logistics, even when cooking and baking. “Everything is logistical,” she exclaims. The fundamental question is “How do you get from point A to point B and back safely, efficiently, and remain cost-effective? How do you do that?”

Michelle acknowledged the incredible WeDriveU team, noting her leadership has played a significant role in the mentorship Michelle received throughout her onboarding and the capacity in which she can fulfill her role as General Manager and better serve the community.

Serving the Community

“I enjoy working in transit because we serve our community. You’re helping people. It is not only about transporting people from point A to point B, but it is about building relationships with your team members, and yes, serving transportation needs, but more importantly serving your community and their needs,” she said.

In addition, the inclusive WeDriveU community provided Michelle with an opportunity to serve as the secretary for the Unidos for WeDriveU employee resource group (ERG) and she was part of the first graduating class of the Latinos In Transit Leadership Academy.

WeDriveU enables Michelle to cultivate her team. Despite expected challenges, “together, we make it even better for the community.” Michelle’s team facilitates several community-driven projects to serve those around them from collecting food for food banks, providing items to a local shelter for foster children during the holidays, and packaging hygiene kits for the homeless. “I like to serve. Being in transit gives me that outlet. I serve and help people all day long. WeDriveU builds community, supports the connections we make, and wants us to be part of the communities we serve. It is rewarding,” Michelle concluded.

From Bus Driver to Safety Trainer

Taralynn Hall, Safety Trainer

Taralynn Hall began her transit career as a driver serving the Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) in Charleston, SC. Her passion and background in education caught the attention of WeDriveU Safety Manager Tiffany Hopkins, who encouraged her to consider stepping up to a role on the Safety team.

31 CDLs and Climbing

Tiffany coordinated this week’s celebration marking the 31st employee to earn their CDL thanks to Taralynn’s guidance. Her contributions earned her recognition as WeDriveU Charleston’s Employee of the Month for August. Taralynn is pictured above (center) with General Manager Patrice Gilliam-Miller and Area General Manager David Bonner.

Tiffany says Taralynn’s favorite part about her job is being able to help mold the next generation of bus operators as well as the people she meets and the relationships she’s able to build along the way.

Tiffany added, “Whether they’re entry-level drivers (class D regular license) or already have a CDL and just need the passenger endorsement, Taralynn has invested her time and energy into each and every trainee, and always with a smile on her face.”

A Family Legacy in Transit

Jason Woznac, Maintenance Manager

Growing up in a household where public transit was more than just a means of getting around, Jason Woznac’s connection to transportation began long before his professional journey. His mother, a paratransit operator, climbed the ranks to become a general manager in Massachusetts. For Woznac, riding the bus with her wasn’t merely a daily routine, it was his first classroom in the world of transit. “I grew up on the bus,” Woznac reflects. “Transit has always been a part of my life, and watching my mom navigate her role inspired me from an early age.”

For over 20 years, Woznac has built a career that mirrors the dedication he witnessed as a child. Starting as a fueler/cleaner in 2003, he has navigated the evolving world of public transportation across various cities and roles. Today, he serves as a Maintenance Manager in Charleston, SC, where his hands-on leadership style has made him a key contributor on the team.

Leading by Example

When asked about the challenges and rewards of his role, Woznac emphasized the dynamic nature of the job. He said, “It’s always something different every day. It’s not a desk job. I’m out there, making decisions, solving problems and working alongside my team.”

Reflecting on his journey, Woznac’s deep-rooted connection to the industry is clear. “It’s a career, not just a job,” he emphasizes. For those considering a path in transit, particularly young mechanics or those in trade schools, his advice is clear: “You’re going to learn a lot more than just being a diesel mechanic. With advancements in technology, from electronics to electric buses, it’s a constantly evolving field.”

As the transit industry continues to change, with the introduction of electric buses and new safety protocols, Woznac is focused on ensuring his team is prepared. He’s implemented hands-on training, partnered with vendors for specialized instruction, and even engaged local fire departments to address the unique challenges posed by new technologies.

“I’m here because I love what I do,” Woznac says simply. And with that love comes a deep responsibility, to his team, his city and the countless people who rely on them every day.

Our commitment to connecting communities is made possible by the passionate team supporting customers every day. Each employee is part of a collective footprint that encompasses values, culture, traditions, and experiences that enable us to provide safe and reliable transit and shuttle solutions to our passengers.

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