As Women’s History Month comes to an end, check out our last highlight from the field and read about what Norma Zamora, our Area Vice President – Transit Management Service, has to say about making a difference as a Mexican American woman in Brownsville, Texas.
“Women’s History Month marks the opportunity to acknowledge the great work women have done throughout the years in transit and for their community. It also provides us with the chance to raise awareness around the women in this industry and their amazing contributions and how there are opportunities available to others.
Years ago, as the first Mexican American woman serving as Brownsville Metro’s Director for the City of Brownsville, Texas, I truly felt like I was making a difference in my community. I helped improve connectivity in our region through transportation. When one of our passengers made it a point to come to my office to thank me for the work I was doing and that a new route we added helped them get to the local college, get groceries, and make it to their doctor appointment on time, I knew I had to persevere through the challenges and stay in the industry.”
“Things became more challenging, the more I moved up in my career. As a woman, and a Mexican American woman, there aren’t many people who look like me doing what I do. Men, in my culture, don’t like being told what to do by a woman. But, when you like what you do, overcoming challenges is just part of the journey. Just because you have never been told they can do something…doesn’t mean you are not capable. My way of giving back is promoting the advancement of women in our industry within my little piece of the world.”
Do you have a woman role model who has inspired you?
“The woman who inspired me was the first Mexican American, female mayor of Brownsville, Texas – Blanca Vela. She was a strong supporter of public transportation. She shared that she wouldn’t have been able to attend college if it wasn’t for public transit. She encouraged me many times to not give up, to stand up for myself, and to stay firm in my beliefs. I believed her when she said that I could make a difference in my community and that has always stayed with me.”
