MAX Transit spotlights Bracie Smith in observance of Women’s History Month! Learn from Bracie how having the right attitude and approach can positively impact work productivity and personal fulfillment.

What does your work consist of? 

In brief, it consists of all the duties that go along with supervising the Fixed-route and Paratransit call center agents and their Team Leads. That includes training, counseling, coaching, mentoring, scheduling, and team building as well as providing support for customer issues or requests. 

Why are you passionate about the work that you do?

I knew when I came here on the first day that this specific job at this specific company was where I am supposed to live out part of God’s purpose and plan for my life. I have never doubted it and my passion comes from staying focused on my life’s purpose and trying to make sure that whatever I do here makes a positive difference in someone’s life on a daily basis. 

How are you challenged in your field/industry?

I am challenged by the fact that the “every day” of this job is new every day. By that I mean each day is different and most of your planning has to be fluid (which can be good and bad). You have to easily adapt and be ready for anything. 

How do you overcome your challenges?

I overcome challenges by not allowing them to become excuses as to why I can’t succeed. I am always reminded that the Spirit within me allows me the ability to rise above any challenges that I may face. It’s really true that your attitude determines your altitude

How is being a woman working in your role unique?

Well, I don’t think being a woman in customer service is actually is unique…not even in the transit industry. What can be unique is the approach one brings to it. I approach it as a calling, a purpose, and a responsibility that I am committed to and take very seriously. I also, remember to enjoy it and look for ways to have fun in it.

What is your vision for the future?

I am about five maybe seven years close to retiring from a work-life and my goal is to leave BJCTA knowing that I made a difference here. Personally, I want to spend more time with my amazing husband and family doing things that we have created on our bucket list. 

I am en route to living every day like it is my last and finishing strong what has been a beautiful life’s journey with very few regrets and a whole lot of gratitude.

MAX Transit spotlights Sybil Green in observance of Women’s History Month! Sybil wears many hats and holds many professional titles including executive assistant (BJCTA), engineer, motivational speaker, published author, and member of the National Association of Professional Women. Learn how faith and determination play a role in her professional achievements and ambitions for the future.

What does your work consist of?

My work is never consistent. A typical day could include the following:
·        Providing support to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as needed
·        Assisting Human Resources with New Hire Orientation and onboarding like scheduling potential applicants and interviews
·        Approving employee’s payroll hours
·        Compiling weekly and monthly reports
(Above are a few items I handle before lunch) 

Why are you passionate about the work that you do?

I am passionate about my administrative work because it gives me the ability to assist, organize and help others. I am a firm believer that if you find something that you are passionate about, and make it a career, you’ll never work a day in your life! In essence, you will be doing something you enjoy, and someone will pay you to do it! 

How are you challenged in your field/industry?

There are several challenges in this field including:
·        Managing the executive calendar, schedule, and workload. If managing more than one executive, conflicting priorities become a major challenge.
·        Communication (clear and concise instruction are vital)
·        Keeping your skills competitive
·        Functioning well under pressure
·        Being proactive
·        Finding the answer if not provided
·        Strategic support
·        Flexibility to adapt to change & extra responsibilities.
·        Performing well in stressful situations

How do you overcome your challenges? 

In my career, I’ve overcome many challenges through faith, motivation, and family. Also, I’ve enhanced my skill set by choosing to further my education which earned me a Network Engineering Degree. Classes like “How to perform well under pressure” and “How to handle conflict in the workplace,” both helped me. 

How is being a woman working in your role unique? 

It is unique to work as a woman in this field because it’s easy for a woman to be organized, professional, focused and driven. However, it was very unique to graduate as the only African American female in my Network Engineering class.

What is your vision for the future?

My future vision is to be one of the leaders in this agency. I see myself helping to drive the Growth of Max into a new era.

If you want True Joy, choose the path of honor, pride, self-esteem, respect, and opportunities. Choose to be a Professional in all aspects of work and life. I have. 

I am en route to excellence by becoming a true professional for life!

MAX Transit spotlights Stephanie Walker in observance of Women’s History Month! Learn about her efforts to improve public transportation through policy and staff development.

What does your work consist of?

My current role involves overseeing agency adherence to all Federal Transit Administration regulations and managing federal, state, and local grant programs.  Asset Management, Grants, Internal Audit, Title VI, DBE, and ADA all fall under my purview.
 
Why are you passionate about the work that you do?

Being in a senior leadership position in which I am afforded the opportunity to set policy, help improve the quality of lives of employees and customers, and also help staff develop professionally, is something that drives me.
 
How are you challenged in your field/industry?

Regulations consistently change. Staying current, connected, and engaged is a must in this field and in transit as a whole.
 
How do you overcome your challenges?

I like to put a positive spin on things…F.E.A.R. (Face Everything and Rise).
 
How is being a woman working in your role unique?

Transit is still a male-dominated industry, however, more women are in leadership positions and have seats at the table to catapult mobility forward.
 
What is your vision for the future?

​My consistent career objective is to be of service, to make a difference. In the next three years, I plan to secure a similar executive role within a fellow transit agency or serve as a transit consultant.
 

I am en route to sparking a flame that will improve, impact and ignite transit for years to come.

MAX Transit spotlights Mikesha T. Harvill in observance of Women’s History Month! Learn about the important work that she does and what makes her passionate about doing it.

What does your work consist of?

My work consists of the oversight of the agency’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI, and DBE programs. I work to make sure that we are in compliance and following the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Why are you passionate about the work that you do?

I am passionate about helping people and making a difference. I believe that I am doing that by educating my colleagues about the importance of the ADA, Civil Rights and other areas I am responsible for.

How are you challenged in your field/industry?

I am challenged by how I can make things better than they are now. I am seeking to learn as much as possible about my areas of responsibility so that I can make improvements that hopefully benefit everyone.

How do you overcome your challenges?

I overcome my challenges by taking time to slow down and learn as much about the situation as possible. That may mean reading more on the subject or calling on my peers in the industry to gain their insight. I then take everything that I learn and apply it to solving the issue.

How is being a woman working in your role unique?

I believe that I bring a warmth and compassion to an otherwise cut and dry subject. Compliance is very cut and dry. Either you are in compliance or you are not. There is not many grey areas. However, the ability to relate to the many people I interact with and show compassion and genuine concern, while being direct and educating them is my unique quality. It is not always about the message, but the delivery.

What is your vision for the future?

My vision for my career is to continue to learn and grow. I aspire to be a chief and help others to grow in their careers, as well.

I am en route to Greatness!

MAX Transit spotlights Carissa Pickett in observance of Women’s History Month! Learn from Carissa what unique challenges she faces as a woman working in finance and what motivates her to persevere.

What does your work consist of?

As the Accounting Specialist II/Payroll, I handle all aspects of preparing and distributing employees’ payments. This includes but is not limited to accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, company deductions, maintaining payroll records, and balancing payroll accounts. 

Why are you passionate about the work that you do?

I have always enjoyed working with numbers and solving problems. I don’t take it lightly being in a position of this magnitude. Payroll is one of the most important aspects of any organization. It affects the morale of the employees and reflects a company’s financial stability and reputation. Employees rely on their paychecks. Untimely payments and constant errors create a lack of trust. In this role, you have to be efficient and proficient. Being a part of any finance department requires integrity and I love what I do. It’s not a task or a chore, it’s something that I’m motivated to do. 

How are you challenged in your field/industry?

I am most challenged in this field because rules and regulations change often. Ensuring proper governmental reporting and compliance are met means we must stay abreast of all updates.

How do you overcome your challenges?

I look at challenges as an opportunity for training, development, and growth. Even in my personal life, trials and tribulations come, but I still persevere by the grace of God. 

How is being a woman working in your role unique?

Being a woman in my role is phenomenal! It challenges my mind and exercises my abilities in the male-dominated field of finance. My compassion for people and thrive to excel drives me to do better and be a better person. Being a woman to me represents power, strength, and determination. Women are destroying double standards, tearing down outdated gender barriers, we are facing diversities and criticism, we are being empowered by knowledge and wisdom and we are persistent in a society that tries to limit us. Women are unique, that’s what makes us valuable.

What is your vision for the future?

My vision for the future is to continue to educate and thrive to promote quality and productive work while operating in a spirit of excellence.

I am en route to Make A Difference!