Her Story
About Desiree
Desiree Doherty is a Vehicle Maintenance Lead Technician / Supervisor with Denver Transit Operators, LLC, where she supports the maintenance and reliability of a 66-car commuter rail fleet serving the Denver Metropolitan Area. With a strong foundation in aviation maintenance technology and an FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification earned from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, she brings advanced technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, communication, and HVAC systems. In her role, she combines hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that all maintenance activities align with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and strict safety standards. Throughout her career in rail and transportation maintenance, Desiree has developed a reputation for leadership grounded in accountability, safety, and teamwork. She leads daily maintenance operations by assigning tasks based on team strengths, conducting safety briefings, overseeing quality control inspections, and providing mentorship to technicians. Her work emphasizes troubleshooting complex system issues, maintaining accurate maintenance records, and ensuring reliable passenger safety systems, contributing to an exemplary safety record within her team. Desiree’s professional journey reflects adaptability and continuous growth, transitioning from earlier compliance and technical roles into specialized aviation and rail maintenance work. She is known for her commitment to operational excellence and her ability to lead diverse technical teams in high-responsibility environments. Outside of her technical expertise, she is guided by a strong professional philosophy centered on safety, integrity, respect, quality and efficiency, values that shape both her leadership style and her contributions to the transportation industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Desiree
01What do you attribute your success to?
My own resilience. I've been through a lot, but when life beats me down, I fight back & make the decision to move forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just worry about yourself. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Focus on you, and always continue to learn, because knowledge is power, and you can take that anywhere.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep your head held up high and know that it is not going to be easy, but that's what makes us blue-collar girlies so special.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a woman in this field is both the challenge and the opportunity. I look at it mostly as an opportunity though, because I know I stand out.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my professional and personal life, I prioritize safety, integrity, professionalism, quality, and efficiency. I am committed to maintaining safe practices in all environments, acting with honesty and strong ethical standards, and upholding a consistently professional approach in my interactions and responsibilities. I also value efficiency, ensuring that I manage time and resources effectively while delivering high-quality results.
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