Her Story
About Marqueita
I've been a locomotive engineer with Tri-Rail for 10 years now, and it's been an incredible journey. What makes my story unique is that I had no prior railroad experience before this - I actually came from working at the state attorney's office, so this was a complete career pivot for me. When I took on the engineer role, I believe I was the third or fourth Black woman to become an engineer at the company. There were a couple of people who declined the offer because it was too much, but I was very excited and took it on. I'm proud to be part of the 2% of Black female engineers in the world. My work is demanding, especially as they've added new routes going downtown and require additional certificates, but I've always believed that I have the capacity to do anything and that it can be done. Beyond operating trains, I'm deeply involved in advocacy work that I'm really proud of. I serve as a presenter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is my laser focus right now given how demanding both my career and advocacy work can be. I'm also passionate about mentorship, helping the few women who have come after me and taken up this role as well. I believe in learning new skills, pivoting when necessary, and helping those coming behind you - not just being successful for your own personal gain.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marqueita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being fearless and taking risks. I've always believed that I can do it - that I have the capacity to do anything. In this industry, things are constantly changing. They've added new routes, they're going downtown, you have to get other certificates, and it's just understanding that it can be done. That belief in myself and my ability to adapt and take on new challenges, even when others declined opportunities because they seemed too difficult, has been key to everything I've accomplished.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Grab the bull by the horns. Confidence. And stay focused. Those are the three things I think are most important when entering this industry.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge is the suicides. On a broader scale, not talking about the operational aspect of it, people don't understand how much railroad workers go through. Even if it's not suicide, there are people on the rail, people crossing the tracks, people without railroad information that keeps them safe. They don't pay attention a lot, and I think that can be really challenging for those of us in this field.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being authentic is most important to me. I also value helping others and making sure that you're not only being successful for your own personal gain, but you're also helping those that are coming behind you. It's about lifting others up as you climb.
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