Our Women’s Inspiration Network (WIN) employee resource group is highlighting amazing women as part of our tributes to 2024 Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. They represent our immensely talented and diverse Shuttle & Transit workforce connecting communities across the U.S. and shaping the future of shared mobility with our customers.

Meet women who shine in Operations and other roles as they demonstrate the exciting career trajectory for women in transportation.

Angel Randall: ‘Embrace change and challenge yourself’

Angel’s career in transportation began in 2005 as a paratransit driver for a transit agency in Beltsville, Maryland. Over the years, she’s advanced through various roles in Customer Service, and as a Safety Manager and General Manager before reaching her current position as Safety Training Manager. Her journey is a testament to her adaptability, dedication, tact, and insight, which she cultivated from her experiences to propel her professional growth.

When she started with National Express Shuttle & Transit as General Manager of a large transit operation in Temple Hills, Maryland, in 2017, she says she appreciated the hands-on experience and fulfillment she gained from “directly serving the community and being part of a team that ensures safe and reliable transportation for passengers.”

Angel’s desire to continually develop her skills stems from her personal ambition and recognizing the importance of improvement. She’s driven to excel and contribute to the organization in positive ways. She says staying ahead of emerging technologies, industry best practices, and evolving regulations is essential to remain competitive in a dynamic industry like transportation, and to ensure the highest level of service delivery.

Angel says learning new skills and making career moves has been challenging and rewarding. It’s required her to be adaptable, resilient, and willing to step out of her comfort zone. She shares this message with her team and other members of the company’s Women’s Inspiration Network, encouraging them to embrace change and challenge themselves.

She says she’s been fortunate to receive support from the company.

“My mentors and supervisors have played pivotal roles in providing guidance, constructive feedback, and growth opportunities. The company’s commitment to employee development through training programs, resources, and career advancement opportunities has been instrumental in my skill enhancement journey.”

Angel’s message? “Embrace change and challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your current role or comfort zone to pursue growth opportunities. Take advantage of available resources, such as training programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities, to enhance your skills and expand your professional horizons. Remain proactive and adaptable, and always strive for continuous improvement. Ultimately, investing in your skill development will benefit your career and contribute to the overall success of the organization.”

Tania Santana: ‘an Incredible Experience’

Tania began her transit industry career more than 18 years ago as one of the first bilingual paratransit reservation agents in a contracted call center supporting a large transit authority. Her dedication has launched her, a step at a time, from roles providing exceptional customer relations, service delivery and operations, to her current position as an Area General Manager overseeing our customer programs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Over the course of her career, she describes her time overseeing operations as an “incredible experience” that has allowed her to acquire knowledge that encompasses the entire transportation industry. Tania was recognized for her achievements as a graduate of the 2022 Latinos In Transit (LIT) Leadership Academy.

Tania Santana (second from right) at the 2022 Latinos in Transit Leadership Academy Graduation

She said: “I feel that I have truly learned transportation from the ground up. I was hired by National Express Transit in 2017 and given the opportunity to serve as Assistant General Manager for the Temple Hills, Maryland location. In less than a year, I was promoted to the General Manager position, which I held for a little over four years. As a General Manager, I was challenged at a higher level to learn additional fiscal responsibility while running my location at above optimal performance.”

Tania (second from right) with her team supporting the company’s 2023 Stuff the Bus toy drive benefiting the local community

Tania’s drive to develop her skills stems from her desire to “move forward as a company because I really feel like I am part of a team.” When she started her career with National Express Shuttle & Transit, she says “the positive and friendly environment of the company” stood out and always made her feel a sense of unity – a message she promotes as a member of our WIN and Unidos for National Express (UNE) ERGs. Tania added: “They truly want all of us to prosper together. This translates into the overall work ethic of all employees.”

“They truly want all of us to prosper together. This translates into the overall work ethic of all employees.”

While learning new skills and making career moves, even promotions, can be scary, Tania’s message is, despite any fear, it is “absolutely worth it.”

She shares that one can empower themselves with knowledge and expertise and ought to always strive to increase their value any chance they get. Of course, “peer resources and positive impact from coworkers and family” help navigate any trepidation, she added.

Tara Walton: ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something Different’

Tara began her career in transportation as an Operator 30 years ago. Over this period, she has taken on the roles of Dispatcher, Payroll Clerk, Safety Manager, and Operations Manager. Today, she hires individuals to fill the very roles for which she has hands on experience.

Currently, Tara serves as a General Manager for the GoDurham Access paratransit program, where she enjoys helping people reach destinations they otherwise could not on their own.

“No one day is the same. We are always expanding service based on the needs of our clients,” said Tara.

Thinking back to when she started with National Express Shuttle & Transit, she loved the various types of technology that allowed her to enhance service, added ease to everyone’s job and enabled meeting day-to-day deadlines.

Her desire to keep developing her skills lies in the value she places on doing the very best she can for customers and clients alike. Each week, she challenges herself by trying or learning something new. Her strong support system includes Stephanie Maher (Regional Vice President), Elizabeth Ross (Payroll) Joe Picciano and Tara William Davis (Human Resources) and General Managers who are always available to help.

Tara also serves on the Steering Committee of the company’s WIN ERG.

Tara’s message to those considering moving into a different work area in the business:

“Don’t be afraid to try something different; have a willingness to learn and most importantly don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Stay tuned for more spotlights throughout Women’s History Month.

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