Join us this Bay Area Transit Month for a deep dive into the intersections of gender and transit with this series of events featuring leaders in the field of transit. From governance of transit agencies; to the day-to-day operations of buses, trains, and ferries; to advocacy & activism -- the way we all get around the Bay Area is not gender-neutral. Tune in to learn how transit shapes people’s experience in a gendered way and how by incorporating different gender backgrounds into transit work, we can make a transportation system that works better for everyone.  

The series continues on September 17th with a panel discussion between transit professionals in coordination with WTS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. The panel is moderated by Jasmin Mejia, Transportation Environmental Planner Group Leader at the engineering, technical, professional and construction services firm Jacobs. Ms. Mejia is also the President of San Francisco Bay Area chapter of WTS which is an international organization dedicated to shaping the future of transportation for the public good through the global advancement of women.

The panelists are Kate Miller, Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority; Myeisha Williams, General Manager of the Transdev Antioch, location and Shannon Arms, Operations Manager at VTA. Register today to tune in to this unique Transit Month event!

About the participants:

Shannon Arms is a distinguished transportation professional with 28 years of progressive experience at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Throughout her extensive career, Shannon has excelled in various leadership roles, including Operations Manager of Bus and Light Rail, Transportation Superintendent, Transportation Division Supervisor, Transportation Field Supervisor, and Bus Operator. Her dedication and expertise have made her a pivotal figure in the transportation industry.

A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Shannon has championed these values throughout her 17 years as a frontline bus operator and beyond. She is the founder of Women Innovating Transit (WIT), an organization dedicated to promoting innovation and professional development for women and their allies in the transportation sector. Through WIT, Shannon has spearheaded initiatives to support and mentor women, driving significant progress in creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace. Shannon holds a Transit & Paratransit Management Certificate from the University of the Pacific and a certificate from the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE). She is deeply committed to ensuring that transportation policies and practices are viewed through an equity lens. Shannon is passionate about guaranteeing that all workers, especially women in transportation, have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.

Her commitment to excellence, combined with her empathetic approach to customer service, has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Santa Clara County community. Shannon Arms continues to lead with vision and integrity, making a lasting impact on the transportation industry.

Myeisha Williams is the General Manager of the Transdev Antioch,CA location and has accumulated over twenty years of experience in the transportation industry. Her professional journey began in 1996 with MV Transportation, where she held positions as a Bus Operator, Dispatcher, and Supervisor before advancing to the role of Operations Manager. During her tenure, she successfully managed the Paratransit operations service, ensuring alignment with business requirements and making significant contributions to staff development. In 2003, Myeisha joined Laidlaw/First Transit as a School Bus Operator, and continued her career as a Dispatch/Supervisor. Her exemplary performance led to her promotion to Assistant Safety Manager, a position in which Myeisha oversaw location BTW trainers, recruited new operators and maintained compliance processes. In 2020, she further progressed to the role of Assistant General Manager, taking responsibility for leading daily transit operations, monitoring employee performance, and fostering professional relationships with clients, union partners, and the community.

Jasmin Mejia serves as the Social Value and Equity Leader in the San Francisco Bay Area and Environmental Project Manager and Group Leader of the engineering, technical, professional and construction services firm Jacobs. She brings 16 years of experience delivering infrastructure projects in California. Her technical background in analyzing project impacts on the human and natural environment, inclusive of water, land use, transportation, and policy allows her to bring a holistic perspective to project and program delivery. She serves as a liaison between agencies, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and Jacobs to collaboratively advance inclusivity, equity, and generate social value through program delivery. She provides strategic guidance and leads the delivery of CEQA and NEPA environmental documentation for infrastructure projects. Locally, she serves as the Chapter President of the WTS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Jasmin’s almae maters includes the California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, American University, and the United Nations-Mandated University for Peace.  

About the organizers:

The Transbay Coalition is a grassroots public transportation advocacy group championing bold near-term solutions to the Bay Area’s regional transportation challenges. Learn more at www.TransbayCoalition.org