✨Celebrating Inspiring Women Shaping Ottawa’s Transit System ✨
✨ This International Women’s Day, we shine a light on the inspiring women driving Ottawa’s transit system forward.
From engineers, to planners, operators, customer service staff, and more, women in various roles are making a lasting impact on OC Transpo. Their knowledge, dedication to supporting residents of Ottawa, and passion for public transportation are vital to improving the city’s transit system.
For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements and valuable contributions women have made to Ottawa and OC Transpo. In this special article from The Next Stop Blog, we hear from several amazing women from Ottawa’s transit system who share their journeys, insights, and advice. who share their journeys, insights, and advice.
Katrina
Public Information Officer
As the Public Information Officer, Katrina keeps the public informed on transit topics by handling media inquiries and distributing updates on daily transit operations and long-term projects, like the transition to zero-emission buses.
“I love that every day is different,” says Katrina. “One day, I might be managing urgent media inquiries, and the next, I’m on-site with reporters. It keeps things exciting!”
Katrina’s path to transit communications was not as straightforward as you would think. After spending 15 years in fashion Public Relations, she returned to her hometown of Ottawa and chose to start a new career where she makes an impact on her community. She found her fit at OC Transpo, where she combines her skills in public relations with a desire to contribute to her local community.
For Katrina, the most rewarding part of her work is the impact that transit has on Ottawa’s residents.
“Transit is something that touches everyone in the city. More people using public transit means fewer cars on the road, which benefits everyone,” she says.
Katrina has had the privilege of working with strong female mentors who have played a significant role in her success. Her advice to other women pursuing similar careers is simple:
“Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own journey. Look at others for inspiration, not envy.”
Alanna
Manager, Rail Operations for O-Train Lines 2 and 4
Alanna is the Manager of Rail Operations for O-Train Lines 2 and 4. In her role, Alanna works on various tasks, including negotiating contracts with maintainers and resolving service issues that impact the customer experience.
My main priority, and what I find most rewarding, is removing the barriers that stand in the way of my team’s success,” Alanna shares. “Every day, I speak with staff at all levels to address their concerns and make improvements.”
Alanna’s journey to transit started as a Councillor’s Assistant with the City of Ottawa, eventually leading her to various positions at OC Transpo and on both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 O-Train Extension projects.
“I’ve always been drawn to ‘city-changing’ projects that move Ottawa forward and improve the lives of residents,” she says.
For Alanna, the best part of working at OC Transpo is the people she collaborates with.
“It’s cliché, but the best part of working for OC Transpo is the people. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the City’s finest, and that makes every role enjoyable,” she explains. “Additionally, being able to see our work in action every day is incredibly fulfilling."
Alanna also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and women supporting one another in the workplace.
"We must break down the barriers for the women coming after us, the women joining the workforce today shouldn’t have to face the same challenges we did.”
Kelly
Diesel Rail Operator on O-Train Lines 2 and 4
Kelly, a Diesel Rail Operator, has had an inspiring journey within OC Transpo. Initially a bus operator for 15 years, Kelly embraced a new challenge when O-Train Lines 2 and 4 were hiring diesel rail operators.
Now, she’s responsible for driving and operating our diesel-rail-vehicles, ensuring a smooth and safe ride for passengers while monitoring the engine and its systems.
"I never imagined I’d get to operate a diesel-rail-vehicle, but now I’m still in awe that I do.”
Kelly was part of the first group trained as diesel operators. As new operators joined, Kelly took on a mentorship role, helping others learn and succeed in their positions.
"It’s been incredibly rewarding to see both the line and our team grow over the last two years,” she says. “We’re always pushing ourselves to be the best we can be."
In addition to her professional achievements, Kelly is also a proud mother of four daughters. She believes her children have helped shape her into the strong woman she is today. For Kelly, International Women’s Day is a time to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.
Accelerating action for gender equality means ensuring equal pay and equal treatment for everyone, regardless of gender,” Kelly explains. “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: Take the risk. Make things happen. Life is short, so be all you can be!”
Sabrina
Chief Safety Officer
As the Chief Safety Officer, Sabrina oversees the Safety, Regulatory, Training, and Development service area, which includes four branches: Safety Standards Investigations and Reporting, Training & Development, the Special Constable Unit, and Regulatory Compliance, Quality Control & Assurance.
My portfolio is extremely diverse, and I manage four very unique groups,” says Sabrina. “A general day typically includes a lot of meetings, where I’m switching hats from one role to another. I’m known to always have an open-door policy and encourage open and transparent communication.”
Sabrina’s background includes a Master’s in Criminology with a focus on human rights and security. She has worked in regulatory, safety, and security roles throughout her career, including at the City of Ottawa’s Emergency & Protective Services Department. She joined OC Transpo in 2016, initially as a Specialist for Transit Operations, before moving to the Regulatory Compliance, Quality Control & Assurance team in 2020. In 2024, she was promoted to Chief Safety Officer.
“The best part of working at OC Transpo is the people,” says Sabrina. “I love working with a diverse group of colleagues, and the relationships I’ve built at Transit are ones that will last my entire career.”
Sabrina is passionate about driving positive change within our city.
“International Women’s Day is a time to lift each other up and support women throughout their careers. When I became Chief Safety Officer, I received messages from staff who were thrilled to see a woman in leadership. I’m proud to create a space for women at the leadership table.”
Sarah
Special Constable
Sarah is a Special Constable with the Special Constable Unit at OC Transpo. Since 2009, Sarah has been ensuring safety on Ottawa’s transit network. Her role has evolved, and she now focuses on data analysis, helping support investigations and enhanced public safety.
“My day involves analyzing and communicating crime data, which is crucial for delivering public safety,” Sarah explains. “We’ve developed a predatory behavior tracking system and established open communication with the Ottawa Police Service to enhance investigations.”
Sarah has also been the President of the Ontario Special Constable Association since 2019, advocating for Special Constables and working to standardize and professionalize the role across the province.
Sarah reflects on the impact of International Women’s Day.
“It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of women in law enforcement and public safety. It also reminds me that the women of today are the trailblazers for the next generation. As a mother to two young girls, this is incredibly motivating.”
Jacelyn
Manager of Construction Management in the Rail Construction Program
Jacelyn is the Manager of Construction Management for the Stage 2 O-Train Extension Project, overseeing the East, West, and South extensions. She and her team work closely with contractors to resolve issues related to schedules, quality, and traffic impacts.
“My role involves aligning priorities and ensuring we move forward to achieve substantial completion for the East extension,” says Jacelyn. “I find it rewarding to contribute to such a transformative project for Ottawa’s public transit system.”
Jacelyn worked in many construction-related roles, including consulting, before joining the City of Ottawa in 2018. She’s passionate about the positive impact that the Stage 2 O-Train Extension project will have on residents and enjoys the complexity of the work.
Mentorship has been essential in Jacelyn’s career, particularly from Chantal and Denise at the Rail Construction office, both of whom have provided valuable guidance.
“I’m grateful for the support from women who have helped me grow.”
For Jacelyn, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress and continue striving for equality.
"It’s about creating momentum for real change and supporting women around us."
For all these women, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made and to accelerate action toward gender equality. This International Women’s Day let’s take a moment to recognize the hard work, leadership, and mentorship of all the incredible women working in transit.
Together, we accelerate action for gender equality!
