National Express, Latinos In Transit partner to expand career opportunities in transportation

National Express Transit (NEXT) has partnered with Latinos In Transit (LIT) to advance NEXT's commitment to building a diverse and inclusive environment where employees thrive.

“I’ve always believed that the key to delighting our customers is a passionate team that brings unique backgrounds and skills to an environment where they feel inspired and supported,” said Mark Foster, COO, NEXT. “As I look across the transit organization, I see employees who are as diverse as the passengers and communities we proudly serve. This is a perfect example of how we’re lending our passion and expertise to help LIT and National Express advance the next generation of leaders at the forefront of transit innovation.”

With this announcement, NEXT is unveiling NEXcelerate, a diversity and inclusion initiative to help employees reach their full potential in roles from bus drivers and dispatchers to safety supervisors and general managers. The effort will cultivate Latino and Hispanic talent and resources, under the guidance of NEXT Vice President of Business Development and newly elected LIT Board Director Rick Pulido.

Highlights:

• LatiNEXT – Pulido is launching an internal Latinos network called LatiNEXT to celebrate team members’ unique backgrounds and roles, nurture diversity dialogue, promote career opportunities and match employees with leaders of both organizations for mentoring and coaching.
• NEXthrive – Employees will gain career enrichment resources and opportunities to apply new skills in innovation areas throughout the company, plus succession planning roadmaps to advance into new roles. This will begin with employees who were inducted into the LIT Leadership Academy: Michell Jorgensen, general manager (Bakersfield, CA); Norma Liera, safety manager (Fresno, CA); Linda Espinoza, general manager (Manteca, CA) and Tania Santana, general manager (Temple Hills, MD).
• NEXcares – Builds on National Express’ Partners Beyond the Bus program by continuing collaboration between local teams, customers and organizations supporting underserved Latino and Hispanic communities, particularly those impacted by COVID-19 and economic disparities.

Plans include expanding these programs across divisions with additional resources from other National Express partners, such as WTS International (advancing women in transportation) and COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials).

“As I reflect on my 37-year career in the transit industry, I’m reminded of my early days serving as the general manager of the El Metro transit system in my hometown of Laredo, Texas, a community that is 95 percent Hispanic," said Pulido. "Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors guide and encourage me by opening doors I never thought were possible. I’m excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Latinos In Transit in honoring our rich heritage and giving back, so future generations can pursue their dreams by leading the future of mobility at National Express.”

“LIT welcomes National Express as a Diamante member, and we’re looking forward to a long-lasting meaningful partnership,” added Alva Carrasco, president, LIT Board of Directors. “We’re also excited to benefit from Rick’s vast experience and contributions to the transportation industry and look forward to his contributions to our organization’s growth and development.”