Left to right: South Garage's leadership team -- Maintenance Manager Emily Bollensen and Transportation Manager Kimberly Fleming.
This Women’s History Month, Metro Transit made some history of its own. For the first time, two women are leading a garage as transportation and maintenance managers.
Taking a moment to reflect on their roles at South Garage, we asked Kimberly Fleming and Emily Bollensen to talk about their career paths and how to inspire other women to consider careers in transit.
Emily Bollensen, maintenance manager
How did you start your career in transportation?
After becoming a young mother, I went to trade school out of necessity and then worked in automotive maintenance. For a few years, I shifted careers to hone my management skills. And for many years, I applied to Metro Transit hoping to return to vehicle maintenance. That dream came true in April 2015.
What do you like most about your work?
The people I work with. I work hard to be a servant leader for people in the trade industry who traditionally don’t experience that leadership style, so I try to make my team feel valued as people first.
What can be done to support women in the workplace?
Metro Transit is doing a great job of supporting women, including the Advancing Women in Transit Employee Resource Group. I’m also excited about four women who have joined the mechanics apprenticeship program. However, there’s always more we can do to create paths for women.
What advice do you have for other women interested in a career like yours?
Don’t be afraid. While it can be daunting to consider a career in the typically male-dominated trades, don’t let that stop you. You will find people to support you and become your champions.
Kimberly Fleming, transportation manager
How did you start your career in transportation?
When I was a kid – about 6 years old – I remember seeing a woman driving my city bus for the very first time. As she drove, I watched everything she did and thought to myself, ‘I could do that!’ So, when I turned 18, I started my career in transportation as a school bus driver, and the rest is history.
What do you like most about your work?
Metro Transit is like family! I like helping people and enjoy seeing people succeed. And I truly enjoy helping others build on their strengths and improve upon their weaknesses.
What can be done to support women in the workplace?
When I started here in the 1980s, less than 2% of operators were women. Today, there’s over 20% and counting! The difference is encouragement and empowerment. Since I started, there’s been more effort to do both.
What advice do you have for other women interested in a career like yours?
Ask for help, meet people, and put yourself out there. Throughout my career, I have had a lot of help along the way. There are many programs, networking, and mentorship groups here – so take advantage of those opportunities. If you don’t, people won’t know who you are or if you want to advance you