January Is National Mentoring Month: Meet TARTA & Icomera Mentors & Mentees

1/14/2025

APTA invites its members to continue to tune-in during the month of January to learn about the benefits of mentoring for recruiting, retaining, and reskilling the workforce. Meet two of Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority’s (TARTA), OH, frontline mentor and mentee employees and learn about the award-winning workforce efforts of Icomera North America.

Also, APTA wants to hear from you! Contact driddy@apta.com and workforce@apta.com and share your organization’s workforce strategies and successes!

Meet TARTA frontline staff who serve as mentors and mentees. Mentee, Elijah Stockard says, “I like having a mentor because there’s always someone available to lend a helping hand or give me good advice.” A Forbes report states that 76 percent of employees think having a mentor is important and mentorship is listed as a solution to boost employee productivity and engagement.

Elijah’s mentor is Lakesha Jones. She shares her perspective on being a mentor by stating, “Now, I want to be that helping hand for someone who is starting a new job and might need guidance or someone to talk to about the challenges they face. Being a mentor allows me to uplift and support others, which is something I truly enjoy. Helping others has always been a passion of mine.” Mentorship programs serve as an opportunity for public transit employees to share knowledge and support each other on and off the road.

Keivon Thornton’s mentee statement confirms the importance of having support. “As a new driver, this job felt intimidating at first. However, my mentor has been incredibly helpful in guiding me through the transition and helping me understand my role. She has provided valuable tips that keep me sharp and focused, contributing to my long-term success. The most beneficial part has been the knowledge she shares, which has been instrumental in helping me improve and excel.”

Kevion’s mentor is Hellen Fitzgerald. Hellen shares, “I have been with TARTA for almost two years, and joining TARTA has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I chose to become a mentor because starting in fixed-route operations can be challenging; it certainly was for me in the beginning. However, some of my coworkers were incredibly helpful and supportive when I needed them, and that made all the difference in my success. Now it’s time for me to pay it forward.” Mentors play a critical role by imparting knowledge, and these experiential tips can serve as best practices to help frontline staff build skills and confidence.

Icomera Wins Workforce Awards!

Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, president, Icomera North America (second from left), with Luz Hargrove, manager of people & culture, (center), and intern Zachray Ye (second from right) receiving an award. Gabriel says, “At Icomera, mentorship isn’t a program, it’s a mindset! It’s how we shape tomorrow’s leaders, one interaction at a time.”

Icomera was recognized for excellence in professional development by the American University School of Communication for its dedication to nurturing talent and innovation by providing a meaningful professional development and mentoring experience for intern Zachray Ye.Ye worked with marketing director, Adriana M. Hemzacek, to transform analytics into compelling narratives while strategically managing shifting priorities.

Icomera’s investment in developing future industry leaders and its commitment to mentoring the next generation of transportation communication professionals places the organization in the category of an excellent employer. The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) recognized Icomera US as a 2024 Best Workplaces for Commuters Partner, based on:

  • Teleworking
  • Employee Shuttle to/from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Station
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Electric Vehicle Charging
  • Onsite Showers and Lockers
  • Onsite Amenities with Healthy Initiatives

When looking at possible solutions for the public transportation industry to recruit, retain, and reskill its workforce, mentoring stands out as strategy to invest in. APTA invites its members to continue to tune-in to learn about the benefits mentoring for National Mentoring Month!