Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the U.S. since 1987. The actual celebration grew out of a weeklong celebration organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa, California. This year, RTD will celebrate by profiling women throughout the agency, starting with Civil Rights Outreach Specialist Vivian Morales.

How did you get your start in this industry?

• I started in the transit industry in 2014 when I joined RTD as a Board Office Assistant. I have been doing community engagement and outreach for non-profits since 1997. I really enjoy connecting people with other people, resources and opportunities.

Why is it important for women to be involved in the transit industry?

• Women are the backbone of society. We need a woman’s perspective at every step of our decision-making process. That has been emphasized during the pandemic, where our customers narrowed down to essential workers, which include women who are doing double duty as providers and caretakers without the privilege of a car. 

Which woman in history has inspired you and why?

• I have to go with fellow Puerto Rican, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She is the first woman of color to serve in that role and swore in Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to serve in that role. Representation matters. 

 

 

 

 

 

Krystal Pacheco is a material handling/parts clerk.

How did you get your start in this industry?

• My mom actually retired from RTD after 23 years with the company. I went to every “Take Your Kid to Work Day” with her and always had a blast on those days. I figured why not work for RTD myself?

Why is it important for women to be involved in the transit industry?

• I think it is important for women to be a part of the transit industry because I personally know a lot of women who run their households and without transportation, the show can’t go on. We have places to be and people who depend on us. I take pride in working behind the scenes of our public transit agency knowing that I am doing my part to provide thousands of people with a safe, clean and quality way of transportation.

Which woman in history has inspired you and why?

• I can’t pick just one. There are women in history and women today that inspire me daily. Women are so beautiful and strong and we are capable of so much. To face the day-to-day challenges on top of the unexpected ones thrown at us and manage to still be able to smile and be kind to people while holding the fort down is beyond inspiring to me. I try to be inspiring to everyone I come across even if it’s just with a smile or a wave hello.

 

 

 

 

Katie Kellogg is a service worker in Light Rail Operations.

How did you get your start in this industry?

• My boyfriend recommended me to work here.

Why is it important for women to be involved in the transit industry?

• It is important for women to work alongside men in the transit industry. We take pride in our workplace.

Which woman in history has inspired you and why?

• My mom is the one woman in my life who has inspired me to chase my dreams. She is the one who made me who I am today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha Maertins is a bus operator and bus operator trainer out of Boulder.

How did you get your start in this industry?

• The way I got my start was through my Aunt Roberta Matzke. She has been driving out of Boulder for about 14 years now. She told me that if she could do this job, then I could also do the same thing. She was the one that helped me get my first driver's license. The plan was to get in and transfer to the mechanics area but, I found that I enjoy driving way more than working on the buses.

Why is it important for women to be involved in the transit industry?

• I think it is important for women to be in the transit industry because we are a part of the community. We don't let "road rage" get us down. We don't let people tell us that we can't do the same things that others do.

Which  woman  in  history  has inspired you and why?

• The woman that made a difference in my life was Mrs. Sally Ride. In 1983, she was the first American woman to travel to space. Although she, along with her fellow astronauts, never made it. I see her as a person that went for what she wanted. She showed me that we can do anything if we push ourselves to our fullest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gwendolyn Baldwin is an RTD parts clerk.

How did you get your start in this industry?

• To make a long story short, I had been working nights for the city and county of Denver and was looking for a daytime position. One afternoon I was driving down Colfax passing by East Metro when I saw a huge sign that read, “HELP WANTED.” I immediately filled out an application and received a call back for an interview. Within 3 months, I was awarded a position as a shelter cleaner, working nights {ha ha}. After a year, I moved into the parts department where I have been for the past 21 years. I love being a parts clerk in this industry. I love being able to help all my supervisors, managers and fellow coworkers… We have become family.

Why is it important for women to be involved in the transit industry?

• I believe it is a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership by being a role model for all women who would like to be a part of this industry.

Which woman in history has inspired you and why?

• Maya Angelou (poet), because of the way she speaks and weaves her words; they hit my whole body, soul and mind, and that’s something I wish I could do for everyone as well.