Carrie Johnson

From Feeling Invisible to Creating Impact: My Journey in Transportation

When I first started my career in transportation, I felt very small and unappreciated. Working in the field, I encountered a great deal of frustration from customers navigating the system. Day after day, those interactions took a toll, and I began to feel insignificant in a system so large and fast-moving. At one point, I seriously considered walking away.

However, when I transitioned into an office environment, I realized something unexpected—those same feelings of disconnection existed internally among employees. I saw colleagues who felt overlooked, disengaged, and unsure of their value. It made me pause and ask a simple but powerful question: Why? If we spend so much of our lives at work, shouldn’t it also be a place where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated?

That question changed the direction of my career.

About nine years ago, I was introduced to the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and that moment became a turning point. The ERGs gave me more than just an opportunity—they gave me purpose. They taught me how to build meaningful engagement, organize impactful events, and create spaces where employees could connect beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.

From there, I committed myself to transforming workplace culture through engagement.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading and supporting initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways. I organized a “Take Your Kids to Work Day” that welcomed two hundred attendees, creating a memorable experience for employees and their families. I help led a record-breaking blood drive following the pandemic, that demonstrated the power of collective action within our organization. I also helped coordinate many Black History Month events, curating different themes each year to keep the programming engaging and relevant. These events brought together a diverse group of employees, fostering open dialogue, cultural appreciation, and shared experiences.

In addition, I created a monthly train module class—an initiative that blends education, creativity, and innovation. This program has been showcased at major events, including open houses, and continues to spark curiosity and pride in the work we do.

One of the projects I am especially proud of is our work incorporating emerging technology into engagement. Through a collaborative effort, we introduced 3D printing and LiDAR scanning to develop detailed models of subway cars, including an HO-scale model of the R211. This project is more than just a display—it represents how innovation and creativity can intersect with employee engagement to inspire the next generation.

Most recently, I had the honor of leading my first International Women’s Month event. It was a defining moment in my journey. The event reached over 170 participants, both in person and virtually, and featured influential voices including Lauren LaRosa, Jadakiss, and senior leadership. Together, we created a space where stories were shared, achievements were recognized, and women across the organization felt uplifted and empowered. Presenting honorees with plaques signed by the President was a powerful reminder that recognition matters—and that people thrive when they feel valued.

Through all of this work, one thing has remained constant: my passion for people.

I may not have started in a position of influence, but I found my voice by lifting others. Today, I strive to create environments where employees feel connected, engaged, and proud of the work they do. My goal is to continue growing in employment engagement, using both creativity and strategy to strengthen workplace culture across the organization.

Because I know what it feels like to feel unseen—and I am committed to making sure others never have to.

The best advice I’ve learned through experience more than anything is to never underestimate the value of showing up and creating your own opportunities. Early in my career, I didn’t always feel seen or heard, especially working in the field and interacting with people who were often frustrated or overlooked. But instead of staying in that space, I started building what I wished existed events, programs, and moments that brought people together. That taught me that your role doesn’t define your impact your initiative does.

Don’t wait for permission to lead. Speak up, even when you feel like the smallest person in the room. Some of the most meaningful things I’ve accomplished like organizing large-scale employee engagement events, blood drives, and family-centered programs started as ideas that weren’t part of my job description.

Also, build relationships. Transportation is a people-driven industry, and the connections you make will open doors, create support systems, and amplify your voice. And lastly, don’t let your title limit your vision. Your influence can reach far beyond what’s written on paper.

One of the biggest challenges in transportation right now is employee engagement making sure employees feel valued, connected, and motivated, especially in large, fast-paced systems where people can easily feel like just a number.

But within that challenge is a huge opportunity. There’s space to create meaningful experiences that bring people together across departments, generations, and roles. I’ve seen firsthand how initiatives like “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” family events, and engagement programs can shift morale and create pride within the organization. There’s also an opportunity to introduce innovation like integrating new technology and creative programming to make the workplace more dynamic and inclusive.

Authenticity, impact, and connection are at the core of everything I do.

I believe in being genuine showing up as myself and creating spaces where others feel comfortable doing the same. I value making an impact, whether that’s through large-scale events or small moments that make someone feel seen and appreciated. And most importantly, I value connection bringing people together, building community, and creating environments where people feel like they belong.

Those values guide not just my work, but how I move through life. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what you accomplish it’s about how you make people feel.