Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Leadership, Progress and Empowerment at RTD

Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.

As we celebrate Women's History Month in 2025, the theme "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations" resonates deeply within the public transportation industry, particularly at RTD. This theme underscores the collective power of women who educate, mentor and inspire future generations of leaders. At RTD, we proudly highlight the women shaping the present and future of public transportation through the “Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements and Leadership” initiative. This series showcases how women’s leadership is driving innovation, inclusivity and equity within RTD’s transit system.

Women’s History: Paving the Way for Progress in Public Transportation

Women have long been catalysts for change in the public transportation sector, overcoming societal barriers and challenging the status quo to pave the way for future generations of leaders, innovators and advocates. The 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," highlights how women have not only broken barriers but actively shaped the future of transit. Their perseverance and vision have made public transportation more inclusive, equitable and accessible, creating pathways for women to lead in this essential industry.

Notable Women in Public Transportation Progression

• Dr. Mary E. Walsh – First Female President of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Walsh made history as the first woman to serve as APTA’s president, advocating for safe, equitable and sustainable public transportation. She focused on improving services for underserved communities, particularly women and families.
• Edith M. Houghton – First Woman to Manage a Major U.S. Transit System: As General Manager of BART (San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District), Houghton broke new ground as one of the first women to manage a major U.S. transit system. Her leadership helped shape the future of transit management, demonstrating that women could excel in leading complex operations.
• Carmen E. Turner – General Manager, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA): Turner made history in 1983 as the first Black woman to lead a major transit agency. She expanded WMATA’s system and set a precedent for inclusivity in transit leadership, showcasing how diverse perspectives strengthen public transportation.
• Judith Heumann – Disability Rights Advocate: Heumann was a trailblazer for accessible transportation and public spaces. Her advocacy was key in advancing accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities had equal access to public transit systems and other essential services.
• Elaine Chao – First Asian American Woman to Serve as U.S. Secretary of Transportation: Chao made history as the first Asian American woman to hold this position, serving from 2017 to 2021. Her tenure was marked by a focus on infrastructure, safety and the importance of modernizing U.S. transportation systems.

‘Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements and Leadership’: Women Moving RTD Forward

At RTD, we celebrate the women moving us forward—together. Through the “Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements, and Leadership” initiative, we highlight the remarkable women whose leadership and dedication guide RTD toward greater inclusivity and accessibility. These women are more than role models; they are shaping the future of public transportation and ensuring that women are represented at every level. This initiative showcases the diverse roles women occupy at RTD, from bus operators and body shop mechanics to executive leadership, demonstrating the wide array of career paths available at the agency. Through authentic storytelling, the series inspires both current and prospective employees, illustrating how RTD fosters a culture of support, growth, and leadership for women in the workforce. The “Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements, and Leadership” videos are available on YouTube, where you can watch the full-length five-minute video showcasing these incredible women, along with accompanying personal vignettes at RTD featuring Human Resources stories.

Featured Women in the ‘Why RTD?’ Initiative

• Debra A. Johnson – General Manager and Chief Executive Officer: As the first female General Manager and CEO of RTD, Johnson has been a transformative leader, driving significant advancements in accessibility, equity and sustainability. Under her leadership, RTD in 2025 launched Zero Fare for Transit Equity Day to improve accessibility for underserved communities and promote transit as a civil right. Johnson has championed workforce diversity, ensuring that women and people of color are represented in leadership roles. She also spearheaded strategic infrastructure improvements, overseeing the maintenance of light rail lines and the optimization of bus routes, making RTD a more reliable and sustainable transit option for the growing Denver metro area. Johnson’s leadership exemplifies the theme "Moving Forward Together," as she continues to shape RTD’s future with a focus on equity, access and inclusivity for all.
• Charlene Polege – Chief People Officer: Polege fosters a culture of inclusion and equity at RTD, ensuring that all employees, particularly women and underrepresented groups, can thrive. Her leadership continues to inspire future leaders, demonstrating the power of diversity in leadership.
• Valencia Sanchez – Body Mechanic, Body Shop: Sanchez is a trailblazer in a male-dominated field. As a body mechanic, she ensures that RTD’s fleet is in top condition. Her leadership encourages women to pursue technical careers in transportation, inspiring the next generation of women in trades.
• Krystal Pacheco – Business Support, Bus Operations: Pacheco plays a critical role in keeping RTD’s bus operations running smoothly every day. Her work behind the scenes reflects how women can thrive in administrative and operational sectors. She continues to break ground, with a family legacy of women in transportation, including her mother, former RTD bus operator Debbie Garcia, and daughters Jessica and Alyssa Mora, parts clerks.
• Urvashi Shrestha – Compliance Specialist, Small Business Opportunity Office: Shrestha ensures that women and disadvantaged small businesses have opportunities within RTD’s contracting processes. Her efforts help foster a more inclusive future for the transit industry.
• Eryn Grover – Learning Administrator, Human Resources: Grover empowers RTD employees by developing the skills they need to succeed and advance in their careers. Her dedication reflects RTD’s commitment to nurturing women’s leadership in public transit.
• Erin Vallejos – Senior Manager, Contracted Services: Vallejos ensures that RTD’s partnerships with contractors align with its mission, exemplifying how women can excel in contract management, a key area for public infrastructure success.
• Jess Shipers – Director of Talent Acquisition: Shipers leads RTD’s recruitment efforts, ensuring that women have access to opportunities in public transportation. Her work is integral in fostering a diverse workforce at RTD.
• Monica Oakes – Manager, Human Resources Administration Services: Oakes ensures smooth operations for RTD’s Human Resources Department. Her leadership fosters a fair and inclusive work environment, inspiring others to contribute to RTD’s equitable culture.
• Donna White – Bus Operator, East Metro Division: With 25 years of service, White exemplifies dedication and commitment in serving RTD’s customers. She is a prime example of the leadership and impact that women in transit have in their communities.

The women highlighted in the “Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements and Leadership” initiative offer just a glimpse of the incredible work being done by women across the agency. We honor these trailblazers and the many women within RTD who are tirelessly moving us forward, together. Their steadfast commitment and contributions are shaping a more inclusive, accessible and equitable future for public transportation, exemplifying the power of women leading in every facet of transit.

Celebrating Women’s Contributions

RTD encourages its staff and broader communities to honor Women's History Month by participating in the following women-centered activities:

Support Women-Led and Women-Owned Businesses

In Colorado, more than 244,000 small businesses are owned by women, representing nearly 45% of the state's total. This makes Colorado a state with the highest concentration of female business owners. During March, take time to support local women-led and women-owned businesses, including:

• Angelia Han, Not Yo Mama’s Cupcakes: A unique take on baked goods that blends Han’s love for hip-hop, her Asian heritage and the universal pursuit of happiness.
• Fathima Dickerson, Welton Street Café: Visit the new location for this family-owned soul food staple that remains a culinary and cultural pillar in Denver’s Five Points community.
• Risë Jones, TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore: A Five Points tea house centered on the “art of conversation and engagement.”
• Brittany Iseli, Joy Fill: A household goods store offering refillable and sustainable products for an eco-friendly lifestyle, including beauty and personal care items.
• Robin Lohre, Talulah Jones: A Certified Green lifestyle boutique offering home décor, children’s toys, handmade jewelry and small-batch self-care products.
• Julie Nygard, The Chocolate Therapist: A chocolate shop and gourmet coffee bar founded on the health benefits of all-natural chocolate.
• Paige Briscoe, ReRoot: A one-stop shop for plant lovers offering workshops, classes and opportunities for community connection.

Additional Women-Oriented Activities Around Town

• Self-Guided Public Art Tour: Explore public art created by or depicting women in Denver. This collection features works by talented sculptors, painters, muralists and designers. Review a list of pieces and plan your own art adventure.
• Women's History Month at the Depot Museum: On March 8, celebrate with the Broomfield Historical Society featuring trivia, games and a special appearance from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Local historian Colleen Sawyer will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Center for Colorado Women's History: Visit this museum dedicated to the bold stories and experiences of Colorado women. Take a guided tour to learn more about the impact of women on the state’s history.

As we reflect on the profound impact women have made—and continue to make—across the public transportation industry, we are reminded of the critical role they play in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all. At RTD, we stand proudly in the footsteps of the trailblazers who have come before us, and through initiatives like “Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements, and Leadership,” we celebrate and honor the women who are leading the way today. Their strength, dedication and leadership inspire us all to move forward—together. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us renew our commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders in public transportation and beyond, ensuring that their voices continue to shape a brighter, more accessible tomorrow.

Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.