Why I Work for RTD: Norma Escobar
Welcome to “Why I Work for RTD”! This article features an employee speaking in their own words about their tenure at the agency and what motivates and inspires them. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who keep the Denver metro moving.
“I consider myself a strong, hardworking, and caring woman. I care deeply about my family, my friends, and the people around me. That same care guides me at work — I want to do my job well, support others, and make a positive difference.
“People know they can come to me when they need help, and I always try to find a solution. We all have families and lives outside of work, so I believe in treating each other with understanding and compassion. To me, RTD is more than a workplace — we are people who care about and support one another.
“Before I started at RTD, I was working two jobs. I was a single mom, and I was struggling to make my mortgage payments, my food. I had a sister who worked here and my brother-in-law, who started working here as a mechanic. My sister kept telling me, you should apply. And I was like, I don't think I could ever drive those buses. But you get tired after working two jobs, and then you go home and cook and clean and do all that stuff with your kids, giving baths and helping do homework and everything. After a while, I was exhausted. And I finally decided to apply.
“I applied with Service & Cleaning. I failed the first and second time I applied to get my driver’s permit because I didn't have much time to study. I said to the person hiring, I'm very interested in the job, but I'm working two jobs. I have three kids and I'm always busy and tired. She was very understanding. That year, I applied in April or May of 2001 and got hired in August. Once I passed, I was hired right away.
“After I started, it was a lot better. The pay was a lot better. I started working overtime and I really liked it over here. And then when I started learning about the programs and about the (PDP) allowance we have, I started taking classes. English is my second language, so I was struggling with that because I didn't want to talk to people. I was very shy. But the people here were nice, and they always supported me with that.
“When RTD had the Leadership Academy, I said, I'm going to get into that. I started getting to know other people and seeing different jobs, what they do, and I started learning about other jobs. That's when I started taking management classes. I went to Auraria Campus for two years to learn how to be an administrative assistant. I learned that if I didn't have the experience, RTD cannot hire me in that position. And I said, I have to look for some other job, because I wanted to continue working here.
“When the supervisor position in Service and Cleaning came up, I wasn't thinking of applying, but people kept telling me, you’ll be good at it. I was always insecure because of my English. And then I finally decided I wanted to do it.
“One of the managers told me my interview was one of the best. I was surprised when they called me and offered me the job. But that was one of the best surprises, because I really like my job. I really like what I do.
“After the Leadership Academy, I had the opportunity to get into the Eno/MAX program. And then I had the chance to travel and meet some other people, and oh, my God, I love it. Growing not just as a woman, but professionally, I like it.
“RTD has a lot of programs and services for the community. And they have programs for their own employees to advance. They give you money for your education. A lot of people think RTD is just buses and trains. And I always tell them, no, there's a lot more. Who cleans those buses? Who drives those buses? Who fixes those buses? Who buys those buses? That's what I like about RTD: There's a lot. Being part of this company, you provide a service to the community.
“My son passed away in 2019, and that experience changed me. During that difficult time, I experienced so much empathy and support from the people around me. It reminded me that we are not just employees, we are people, and we all go through challenges in life. One thing that defines us is our ability to show empathy and support for one another through whatever we may be going through.
“I am truly grateful for the people I have met, the opportunities I have been given, and the opportunity to be part of this company and this community. Sometimes we may complain, but we have a very good job and so many opportunities available to us.
“I’ve grown as a person and as an employee through the years. I’m grateful for my family, my kids and grandkids, and for the people I’ve met along the way. Coming from Mexico, I’ve learned to appreciate different cultures and the importance of treating everyone with respect and understanding.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities this job has given me, and for the people who have supported me throughout my journey.”