Meet some of the amazing women of King County Metro!

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, we’ve asked some of the fantastic women at King Count Metro to discuss why they work in transit.

Desiree Andersen, Metro Transit Operator

Being a Metro Bus Operator has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. Each day I get to interact with people from all walks of life. I get to look through a unique window into our King County community. Driving for Metro has taught me to be grateful for the little things, having a warm home, reliable transportation and people who support me.

I am amazed by the women at Metro and I learn so much from them. They are always there to support and provide advice. I appreciate how the women of Metro find ways to be tough in a historically male field, while also being kind and warm when you need someone to talk to. The Metro employee community is one that uplifts its members and provides pathways to a variety of careers in transit. We all call each other brother and sister, which is fun because no one knows what it is like to be a transit operator unless you have been a transit operator.

Gwen Clemens, Metro Contracted Services Managing Director

Living my values is incredibly important to me, and King County Metro provides the perfect platform to do that in my career. After 20 years in federal transportation, I was thrilled to join King County in 2005, eager for the opportunity to serve my community. Joining Metro in 2019 continued and enhanced my journey in living my values.

In working with our contractors as the Contracted Services Manager, it’s clear that transportation is still a male-dominated field. However, Metro’s commitment to King County’s True North Vision and Values, along with the services we offer through the Contracted Services Section—such as Access Paratransit, Community Access Transportation, DART, Metro Flex, Vanpool, Vanshare and Community Van—allow me to live my values daily.

Our team works tirelessly to address the root causes of inequities, ensuring equal access to mobility and opportunities for all, while also positively impacting the environment. It’s a true honor to work alongside and support other women in the CS Section, peers across Metro, and women leaders in the department. These connections further allow me to embody my values at work. Thank you, Metro!

Nasim Haji, Metro Facilities Maintenance Superintendent

 I am proud to contribute to King County’s priority of providing safe, clean and reliable services as a woman in transit, supporting Metro’s mission of delivering accessible, equitable and efficient transportation. Working in this field allows me to play a key role in connecting communities, promoting sustainability and driving positive change. It is empowering to be part of an organization that values diversity, equity and inclusion and actively fosters a culture where women’s voices, leadership and perspectives are respected and valued. I am inspired by the opportunity to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generations of women in transportation. Making a meaningful impact on the community while advancing equity and social justice principles is both rewarding and fulfilling.

Michelle North, Metro Power Electrician Constructor

 Being a female electrician at Metro means breaking barriers in a field where women are still underrepresented. Every day, I take pride in ensuring that our transit systems operate smoothly and reliably, knowing that my work directly impacts the community. It’s empowering to be part of a team that values skill, dedication and innovation, regardless of gender. Working in transit has given me the opportunity to grow, challenge expectations and inspire others who might not have considered this path. I’m proud to contribute to a system that keeps our city moving forward.

Janice Mann, Metro Project/Program Manager

 Even in the toughest and most challenging situations, there is joy in doing work that matters.  Throughout history women have created a vital support system that drives our communities and moves progress forward.  This is prevalent throughout King County, and I am honored to be a part of that women-driven mechanism.  Metro’s dedication to diversity is what strengthens it as a community facing organization. Transit is not only an organization dedicated to providing essential transportation services to our communities, it is an organization that provides equity in access to education, jobs and resources to those who may otherwise be economically, geographically, socially and/or physically hindered.

Transit leaders have worked tirelessly to create internal and external environments of inclusion and acceptance. It is a place that encourages individuality while also fostering teamwork, collaboration and community. In my time at Transit, I have found myself surrounded by dynamic people who support and encourage me to grow and expand. In this position not only am I able to learn from and work with women who do work that I aspire towards, I am able to be a role model to others. There is always an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a greater good and to do impactful work that will last well beyond my time here.

Being a part of the Zero Emissions and Clean Energy teams has afforded me a unique and remarkable opportunity to do groundbreaking work that has been and will continue to be widely celebrated in the transportation industry. I have learned some of my greatest lessons of resilience and perseverance while working in transit. I have developed technical and mental agility as I have navigated the intricacies of working and existing within the King County culture.

Victoria Tobin, Metro Rideshare Coordinator

 The best part of being in public transportation is getting to interact with our public Vanpool commuters and employers each day. Being in public transportation means we move King County forward, connecting people to what they need most when they need it: Employment, services and their community.