March 8th marks International Women's Day, and Blaise Transit is honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who are leading the way in transit agencies across North America. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, the rise of women leaders in transit is both empowering and transformative. Their contributions not only reflect their dedication and expertise but also pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
Today, we wanted to highlight three exceptional leaders who are driving positive change in their communities through their roles in transit: Hillary Geneau, Anum Maqsood, and Blaire Sylvester.
Hillary Geneau, Director of Corporate Services - Municipality of North Grenville
Hillary Geneau has achieved a significant milestone by spearheading the launch of NGtransit – the community's inaugural form of public transportation. As a driving force behind this groundbreaking initiative, Hillary has demonstrated leadership and vision. With an all-female internal team and the invaluable contribution of Shannon Wood, who leads the operator Mobility Transportation Specialists, NGtransit has revolutionized accessibility within the community.
Reflecting on her standout accomplishment, Hillary shares, "Our latest and biggest accomplishment was launching NGtransit – our community's first form of public transportation. The on-demand service is open to anyone traveling within our community."
Hillary's advice for aspiring women leaders in transportation is both empowering and encouraging. "Women looking to get involved with transit shouldn't be afraid or intimidated," she says. "There are many great networks that you can get involved in to connect and share experiences."
Anum Maqsood, Community Transportation Project Manager - Middlesex County
Anum Maqsood's leadership at Middlesex County has been marked by transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and inclusivity. From launching new inter-community transit routes to introducing innovative programs like the Blaise Transit app and the free library bus pass loan program, Anum has been at the forefront of driving positive change within and around the County.
"Over the past year with Middlesex County, I have had the privilege of leading several transformative initiatives," says Anum. "One standout accomplishment has been spearheading the launch of new inter-community transit routes."
Her advice to women aspiring for leadership roles in transportation is rooted in self-belief. "Embrace challenges and opportunities with confidence and resilience," she advises. "Remember that your unique perspective and contributions are invaluable assets to the field, so embrace them confidently."
Blaire Sylvester, Public Transportation and Business Development Coordinator – Norfolk County
Blaire Sylvester's passion for helping her community access essential services through affordable and reliable transportation is truly inspiring. "I'm proud to be able to help members of my community access the services they need which may otherwise be out of reach," says Blaire. "Connecting to affordable, accessible, and reliable transportation is such a key component to improving the quality of someone's life." As a leader in transit, Blaire has played a pivotal role in achieving success within her community’s on-demand transit program, “2023 was our highest ridership year since launching in 2011. This tells me something is working – we’re able to help more people than ever before. It’s exciting to see years of hard work pay off in such benefit to my own community.”
For women aiming for leadership roles in transportation, Blaire emphasizes the diverse skill set and the rewarding nature of the field. "Transit – particularly rural transit – is a challenging but rewarding field," she notes. "If you're looking to work in a field that can have a direct positive impact at both the individual and community level while developing a variety of personal skills – local transit is a great option."
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us not only acknowledge the achievements of these incredible women but also reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering women in transit and beyond. Their leadership serves as an inspiration for a more inclusive and equitable future in transporation. Happy International Women's Day!
Blaise Transit, a leader in the development of innovative software solutions for public transit, is excited to announce the appointment of Olivia Li as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
We know most transit agencies are constantly striving to enhance their rider’s experience. However, amidst the excitement of offering new technology to passengers the crucial aspect of communication often gets overlooked. On-demand transit represents a paradigm shift in traditional transit models, with its tech-driven approach requiring active participation from riders. Yet, many riders may be unfamiliar with this concept, especially if it's the first time it's being introduced in their community. The introduction of new technology adds another layer of complexity, necessitating effective change management.
Earlier this year, Blaise Transit began a new partnership with the Klamath Tribes in Southwestern Oregon. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in providing innovative, on-demand transit solutions to the Chiloquin and Klamath Falls regions, further underscoring the critical need for accessible and efficient transportation in the 574 tribal communities across the United States.
