WINternships: Mentoring Transportation’s Next Generation

WeDriveU is excited to announce the launch of our inaugural 2024 WINternship Program, which was brought to fruition by our Women’s Inspiration Network (WIN) employee resource group. The program gives college students and recent graduates a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about rewarding career paths across our business and industry. 

We welcomed interns to three Customer Service Centers supporting transportation programs for public and private sector customers in South San Francisco, CA; Lansing, IL; and Boston, MA. 

WeDriveU’s Lansing, IL Customer Service Center team (left to right): Lashanda Brown-Smith (Interim South Cook GM), Shadonna Taylor (Systems & Process Supervisor), Mario Rosales (Operations Manager), Hailey Hillman (Intern), Luis Pacheco (South Cook GM), Sheila Williams (Safety Manager) and Oliver Medina Rodriquez (Maintenance Manager).

Shaping the Future of Transportation

The interns were selected from over 170 applicants in our search for enthusiastic, data-driven, self-starting, and dynamic individuals. In addition to impressive academic achievements, they share a passion for learning about cutting-edge shared mobility solutions and innovations that provide vital connections in communities. 

WeDriveU is proud to introduce our 2024 WINterns:

• Penguin Ravner: San Francisco, CA (studying at University of California, Berkeley) 
• Hailey Hillman: Lansing, IL (studying at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)                        
• Christina Yue: Boston, MA (studying at Northeastern University)

“The WINternship Program reflects our passion for opening doors for future leaders in the transportation industry and developing workplaces as diverse and inspiring as the passengers we serve,” said Joanna Rustin, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement. “We’re cheering for these ambitious young women leaders as they experience the dynamics of fast-paced, customer-centric operations serving millions of passengers and see the challenging and rewarding careers available to impact the future of their communities.”

“The WINternship Program reflects our passion for opening doors for future leaders in the transportation industry and developing workplaces as diverse and inspiring as the passengers we serve,” said Joanna Rustin

Limitless Career Possibilities

Penguin, Hailey, and Christina started their internship journey at a June 3rd kickoff event and meet and greet led by our Regional Vice Presidents of Operations, leadership team representatives and WIN Steering Committee members Stephanie Maher, WIN Chair and RVP (East); Joanna Rustin; Gillian Zoss, VP of Business Development; Marissa Basile, Sr. Director of Customer Success; and Tara Walton, General Manager.

WeDriveU’s Hyde Park (Boston), MA Customer Service Center team (left to right): Marie Exantus (Claims Admin), Billy Shean( AGM), Courtney Damarell (Admin Manager), Marcy Elliott (GM), Christina Yue (Intern), Carlos Alvarado Luna (Assist. Safety Manager)

WeDriveU’s interns have a unique opportunity to learn from all functional departments over six weeks. They’ll gain hands-on experience, knowledge and training alongside seasoned professionals who are excited to share what they know about public transit services and private shuttles connecting communities, campuses and workplaces. Interns will complete the program by presenting a final project and receiving guidance from their WINternship sponsors on career pathways when their studies conclude. 

They’ll gain hands-on experience, knowledge and training alongside seasoned professionals who are excited to share what they know about public transit services and private shuttles connecting communities, campuses and workplaces.

WeDriveU’s WINternship program complements a range of efforts to promote career pathways in transportation, including team members supporting career days with local school districts, and scholarships we support through partners such as the North American Transit Alliance (NATA) and Latinos in Transit.

We welcome our class of 2024 and are thrilled they’re part of our team leading shared mobility solutions that move communities, campuses, and workplaces forward.

Congratulations, Penguin, Hailey, and Christina, on embarking on your WeDriveU journey! 

Learn More

Explore career opportunities at WeDriveU.