Celebrating the Women of HART!

HART celebrates the Women of HART!

In honor of Women's History Month, the HART is featuring the women of our agency by showcasing their views about the role of women in transit and what advice they have for younger women in our industry. Women in transit have unique perspectives and talents, and we're honored to share their voice throughout the month of March.

"HART believes that a diversified workforce is the key to a strong future," said HART Interim CEO, Jeff Seward. "We have some incredible women employed across the ranks at HART, and it's their unique viewpoints and invaluable insights that have only strengthened the organization and improved services. I hope you'll join me in honoring our women not only through the month of March, but all year long."

You can read some of their comments below to learn what Women's History Month means to them, what makes HART a great place to work, and their experience as a women in the transit industry.

What is the most exciting thing about being a woman in the transit industry today?

Connie Cosme - TECO Line Streetcar Motorwoman

"Working with all the men and being the only women for quite some time. It has had its challenges, but I've stuck it out. I keep the men in check."

- Connie Cosme, TECO Line Streetcar Motorwoman 

"Seeing the growth of woman in the industry. We've seen so many changes for women in key roles."

- Ruthie Reyes Burckard, HART Chief Operating Officer - 16 years

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

Latisha Jones - HART Van Operator

"I see Women's History month as a dedicated period for the celebration of women's achievements and contributions, but my first thought is women have come a long way from being a voice in society, to becoming extraordinary, educated and prominent women in society. I look at women in transit who helped shape the transit industry, like Sarah B. Owens and Sarah Grayson both African-American women who paved the way for women like me."

- Latisha Jones, HART Van Operator - 5 years

What's the best piece of professional advice that you've given other women?

Delores Chatman - HART Bus Operator

"Be yourself. The world looks at you and they see who you are. You don't have to play games with them or anything like that. Be yourself. Be respectful and be yourself."

- Delores Chatman, HART Bus Operator - 14 years

"You will learn to respect every entity of what you supervised because you once did it. All you need is a good education, good experience and number one great personality. "

- Latisha Jones, HART Van Operator - 5 years

Kenyatta Lee - HART CAO (RIGHT)

"Just make sure that you're the best that you can be, in anything that you strive to do. Take those opportunities to actually advance yourself to learn more."

- Kenyatta Lee, HART Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Chief of Staff - 1 ½ years 

What do you think makes HART a great place to work?

Ruthie Reyes Burckard - HART COO

"The opportunities that we present to employees internally. We do a lot of hiring from within and promoting up. So for me, the opportunities that have been shown to me, and afforded to me, really give me a different perspective throughout the different jobs that I've done."

- Ruthie Reyes Burckard, HART Chief Operating Officer - 16 years

"It's always been the people for me here. It's pretty good being able to meet people from all over, and HART has given me that opportunity to work with them. Pretty neat, and it's definitely different on my resume."

- Connie Cosme, TECO Line Streetcar Motorwoman  - 15 ½ years

HART believes that having strong women representation in its workforce sets a good example for other organizations and industries. Women in different positions throughout the agency, sets a stellar example to encourage and inspire the up-and-coming generation of young women to follow their career dreams and also help lead the world forward.

The Women of HART: Connie Cosme

Ms. Cosme on #429, the car she operated at the Grand Opening

Meet Connie Cosme. She has worked at HART as a TECO Line Streetcar motorwoman for over 15 years. 

Ms. Cosme's tenure at HART actually PREDATES the current TECO Line Streetcar. She was a part of the original crew of motorpersons when the system launched on Oct. 19, 2002.

"I met a lady that day (the Grand Opening) that came up to me and told me 'I did a great job.'" Ms. Cosme said. "Turns out, the woman was a motorwoman for the original Tampa streetcar system, while the men were away at war (World War II)."

Fast forward almost 16 years later, and Ms. Cosme is our most decorated motorperson!

Ms. Cosme receiving her Million Mile Award in 2016!

She is the FIRST streetcar motorperson to be awarded with a Million Miles award! The Million Miles award recognizes a commitment to safety, and great driving skills. It takes roughly 14 YEARS of driving without a preventable accident, to achieve this recognition. Our riders are precious cargo!

Ms. Cosme says that while it's "different" being a woman in a male-dominated profession, she likes it and "keeps the men in check."

The thing she likes the most about her job is the people.

"I love being able to take seniors back in time to when they were younger (when the streetcar was only 5¢). I love meeting people from all over and seeing the sparkle in a kid's eye when they board the Streetcar."

Connie, our Streetcar Wonder Woman!

Ms. Cosme back in 2003