My Journey of Leadership, Education and Entrepreneurship

Driven by Purpose

My Journey of Leadership, Education, and Entrepreneurship

By Teresa Feldman-White

Metro Field Supervisor | Aspiring Food Truck Entrepreneur | Business Administration Student

I have learned that a woman does not have to limit herself to one dream, one title, or one definition of success. I am a transportation professional, a businesswoman at heart, and a college student. Each role challenges me in a different way, but all three are connected by the same purpose: to keep growing, to serve others, and to build something meaningful.

A Career Built on Responsibility

My journey in transportation began long before I became a Metro Field Supervisor with the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA). I have worked in transportation since 1997, building experience as a professional driver, an operations manager, and a business owner. Those experiences taught me that leadership is not simply about having authority. It is about being accountable, making difficult decisions, treating people with respect, and remaining calm when others are depending on you.

Since joining MTA in 2016, I have continued to grow professionally. As a Metro Field Supervisor, I help support the safe and reliable operation of rail service. The work requires attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and the willingness to respond when unexpected situations arise. There are days when the pressure is high and the demands seem endless, but I remind myself that the people who ride our system and the employees who operate it deserve our very best.

Working in a field where women must sometimes work harder to have their voices heard has strengthened my determination. I want my performance, professionalism, and integrity to speak for me. I also want other women to see that we belong in operations, transportation, leadership, and every room where important decisions are made.

Building a Dream Beyond My Day Job

While I am proud of my transportation career, another dream has remained close to my heart: building my own food truck business, GiGi's Kitchen, featuring Baltimore-style crab cakes and comforting homemade food. Cooking is more than preparing a meal for me. It is a way to bring people together, share love, and create an experience that someone will remember.

Getting a food truck business off the ground takes much more than a great recipe. It requires planning, branding, budgeting, consistency, and patience. I am learning to turn my vision into a sustainable business while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of my full-time career. There are challenges, and the journey is still unfolding, but I refuse to let the fact that something is difficult convince me that it is impossible.

Returning to the Classroom with Purpose

At the same time, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management—and maintaining an A average. That achievement means a great deal to me because I know the sacrifices behind every assignment, discussion, exam, and late-night study session.

Balancing work, school, and entrepreneurship requires discipline. Some days, I finish handling professional responsibilities only to turn my attention to coursework and business plans. I have to manage my time carefully and stay focused on the bigger picture. My education is not just about earning a degree; it is about sharpening the skills I need to become a stronger leader and a more knowledgeable business owner.

What Keeps Me Going

My faith, my determination, and my belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream keep me moving forward. I do not measure success only by promotions, grades, or financial milestones. I also measure it by my ability to persevere, learn from setbacks, encourage someone else, and remain true to my values.

I want women—especially those juggling careers, families, education, and entrepreneurial goals—to understand that their dreams still matter. You may have to move at your own pace. You may have to make sacrifices. You may even have to start over. But you do not have to give up on the person you are becoming.

The Legacy I Hope to Build

My story is still being written. I am proud of the transportation professional I have become, excited about the future of GiGi's Kitchen, and committed to completing my degree with excellence. More than anything, I hope my journey encourages another woman to take that first step toward a goal she has been putting off.

I believe hard work opens doors, education creates opportunities, and faith gives us the courage to keep walking even when we cannot see the entire path. I am not finished growing, and I am not finished dreaming. I am simply getting started.