Celebrating Latino Heritage Month: Five Transdev Leaders Share Their Stories, Culture and Inspiration
Transdev believes Latino Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Latino employees across the organization. This year, five team members from across the United States are sharing their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and the pride they take in their heritage.
From stories of immigration and family sacrifice to lessons in perseverance, resilience, and community, each spotlight highlights the unique experiences that shape our workforce and strengthen the communities we serve.
Artisha Ramirez: Leading with Positivity and Purpose
For Artisha Ramirez, Road Supervisor for Transdev’s The Wolfline at North Carolina State University, Latino Heritage Month is a time to honor the journey of her family and the cultures that shaped her upbringing. With roots in Honduras and Belize, Ramirez draws inspiration from her parents, who came to the United States seeking greater opportunities and instilled in her the values of hard work, optimism, and service to others.
Since joining Transdev in 2023, Ramirez has supported operations through road supervision, scheduling, dispatching, and team projects. She credits her Hispanic heritage for influencing her leadership style and her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee feels respected and supported.
Ramirez is passionate about helping others understand the diversity that exists across Hispanic and Latino communities. Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet powerful: be confident, work hard, and never be afraid to be yourself. During Latino Heritage Month, she encourages colleagues to explore other cultures through food, music, art, and traditions and remain open to learning from new experiences.
”For me, this month means celebrating my past ancestors and celebrating the current people who are here who have crossed over from different islands to create a better life for themselves."
Artisha RamirezRoad Supervisor, Transdev's The Wolfline Shuttle at North Carolina State University
Julio Velasquez: A Journey Fueled by Hard Work and Cultural Pride
More than four decades after immigrating from Costa Rica to the United States, Julio Velasquez, Safety Manager at Transdev’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) location in San Jose, California, remains deeply proud of his heritage and grateful for the opportunities that have shaped his career.
Velasquez’s work ethic began in his family’s coffee business, where he spent school breaks picking coffee beans and delivering coffee to Indigenous communities in Costa Rica. Those experiences taught him responsibility and perseverance, qualities that continue to guide him today.
After beginning his professional career as a radio announcer in New York, Velasquez eventually found his calling in transportation and safety. Since joining Transdev in 2016, he has become a respected leader who believes passion, pride, and dedication are hallmarks of Hispanic culture.
Velasquez also celebrates the way music connects people across cultures. Inspired by Puerto Rican music legend Tito Puente, he sees music as a powerful force for bringing communities together and showcasing the richness of Latino traditions. His message to fellow employees is to continue working hard, take pride in their culture, and remain authentic in everything they do.
”We live in an extremely diverse landscape and just as the land is diverse, so are the people, and none of us look alike. As Latinos and Hispanics, we represent a part of that diversity that gives our communities around the country that special vibe.”
Julio VelasquezSafety Manager, Transdev's Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
Roberto Contreras: Turning Challenges into Opportunity
For Roberto Contreras, Operations Supervisor at Transdev’s Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Paratransit operation, Latino Heritage Month is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations and the values they passed on.
Contreras’ parents immigrated from Mexico in pursuit of greater opportunities for their family, and their determination continues to influence his professional and personal life. As the oldest of three children, he learned responsibility early and carried those lessons into his career.
His path at Transdev began unexpectedly. After missing operator training due to a family emergency, Roberto accepted a dispatcher position instead. That decision became a turning point, leading to a promotion to Operations Supervisor within a year.
Today, Contreras believes effective leadership is rooted in humility, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn from others. Working in one of California’s most diverse communities has reinforced his belief that organizations are strongest when people from different backgrounds contribute their perspectives and experiences.
He encourages employees interested in leadership to step outside their comfort zones, trust their abilities, and draw strength from the values of perseverance, resilience, and respect often instilled through family and culture.
”Family has always been a big part of our culture. That idea of taking care of each other and helping the next person is something I carry with me every day."
Roberto ContrerasOperations Supervisor, Transdev's Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)
Vanessa Rivera: Empowering Others Through Inclusive Leadership
For Vanessa Rivera, Drug & Alcohol Compliance Administrator, Latino Heritage Month represents an opportunity to celebrate culture, honor family influences, and recognize the many contributions Latino professionals make to organizations and communities.
Rivera’s Puerto Rican heritage has played a significant role in shaping her career and leadership philosophy. She credits her father with teaching her the importance of education, perseverance, and remaining focused on long-term goals despite challenges.
When considering career opportunities, representation mattered. Seeing a Latina executive succeed within the organization reinforced Rivera’s belief that she too could grow and thrive at Transdev. Today, she is committed to fostering an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their ideas.
Rivera encourages aspiring leaders to embrace their cultural identity, lead authentically, and commit to continuous learning. She also hopes colleagues take time to learn more about Latino history and traditions. For Rivera, heritage is not only a connection to the past but also a source of strength that helps shape the future.
”Representation and inclusion are vital in the workplace because they drive innovation, enhance employee wellbeing, and reflect the diverse world we live in."
Vanessa RiveraDrug & Alcohol Compliance Administrator, Transdev U.S.
Sofia Sandoval: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Family and Service
For Sofia Sandoval, Marketing & Brand Specialist with Transdev, Latino Heritage Month celebrates the values, traditions, and family connections that have shaped her life. Growing up in a Mexican household, she learned early on to think of others, whether supporting family, helping friends, or working alongside colleagues and peers. Those lessons continue to guide Sandoval today.
In her role at Transdev, she brings a people-first mindset to her work and believes that success comes from supporting and uplifting those around her. She credits her mother with much of her personal and professional growth, and her example of hard work and dedication continues to inspire her. Sandoval values the opportunity to learn from her and strives to apply those lessons throughout her own career.
Proud of her Mexican heritage, Sandoval enjoys spending time with her family and cherishes traditions that keep her connected to her roots, including gathering around the table to enjoy her dad’s latest recipes. Spanish was her first language, and she views her culture as a source of strength, identity, and pride. Through her experiences, Sandoval hopes to encourage others to embrace their authentic selves and remain confident in their backgrounds and traditions.
”Representation and inclusion are vital in the workplace because they drive innovation, enhance employee wellbeing, and reflect the diverse world we live in."
Sofia SandovalMarketing & Brand Specialist, Transdev U.S.
Honoring Our Heritage, Inspiring Our Future
While each journey is unique, each team member shares common themes of perseverance, cultural pride, leadership, and service. Their stories reflect the many experiences and perspectives that enrich Transdev’s workforce and reinforce the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where all employees can succeed.
As we celebrate Latino Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino team members across Transdev and thank them for the impact they make every day. Through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence, they help strengthen our organization and the communities we serve while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
