March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, and we’re focusing on how we can break the bias within transit.

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

At TransLink, part of this work is recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in our workplaces. We’re proud to share the stories of those who work within the TransLink Enterprise and its operating companies.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we recognize some of the amazing women on the front lines and behind the scenes of transit, who work tirelessly to help keep Metro Vancouver moving.

Amanda Steed

Constable, Transit Police

It was an elementary school basketball game that lead Amanda down the career path of policing. When her local RCMP detachment challenged her team to a friendly game, it was then that she saw police as more than just frontline workers, but super hero’s. The fire to be a part of what they were doing was lit, and it’s hasn’t stopped burning since.

Rachel Woods

Mechanic, Coast Mountain Bus Company

From an early age, Rachel knew she wanted to be a mechanic. Joining the trade in her teens, she’s worked several roles in a diverse sector of industries prior to coming to Coast Mountain Bus Company. Rachel is the first transgender woman to work as a mechanic at Vancouver Transit Centre. She credits open communication and a general culture of acceptance as being paramount to her feeling valued and supported in her career. International Women’s Day is a day that Rachel is fiercely passionate about.

Ruby Frenette

SkyTrain Attendant & Trainer, British Columbia Rapid Transit 

She was hired as a SkyTrain Attendant nearly 30 years ago. She never expected it to be a career, but her love for the role and the opportunities that came from it kept her here.

Shezana Hassko

Director, Infrastructure Program Management, TransLink

Shezana started her journey with the TransLink enterprise in 2015 as a Transit Engineer with Coast Mountain Bus Company. Through the years she’s worked her way up and through the various operating companies before landing in her current role of Director, Infrastructure Program Management with TransLink. The constant throughout her career with the company has been fulfillment. She takes immense pride in knowing she’s making an impact and helping to shape the region.

 

The inspiration doesn’t stop there. Take a moment to learn about other remarkable women we’ve profiled throughout the years.

• Gigi Chen-Kuo & Kyla Daman-Willems
• Sarah Tseng, Senior Planner
• Mia Pears, Manager, Transit Network Management
• The Conductorettes
• Maria Su, Director of Research and Analytics
• Qiu Li, Electrical Maintenance Engineer
• Tasia Balding, Director of Capital and Major Business Projects
• Constable Leanne Smith, Transit Police Dog Handler 
• Sergeant Cheryl Simpkin, Transit Police 
• Leanna Turcotte, Conductor, West Coast Express

Interested in a career that moves you? Head over to translink.ca/careers to get started