Philadelphia, PA – Taneisha Moody has spent more than two decades behind the controls of SEPTA’s Regional Rail system, rising from a junior engineer to a senior train operator on the busy Wawa‑Media line. Throughout her career, Moody says the women she worked alongside – conductors, operators and fellow engineers – have been the cornerstone of her professional growth.
Mentorship on the tracks
Moody began her SEPTA career in 2004, a time when female representation in rail operations was still modest. “When I first started, there were only a handful of women on the crew,” she recalls. “Those women took the time to show me the ropes, answer my questions, and model what it looks like to lead with competence and compassion.”
Today, as a senior engineer responsible for safely moving roughly 1.8 million riders each year along the Wawa‑Media corridor, Moody views her role as both a steward of public safety and a conduit for the knowledge she received. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive, family‑like atmosphere on the trains, noting that a courteous interaction can brighten a commuter’s day.
Passing the torch
Moody is committed to paying the mentorship forward. She regularly volunteers for SEPTA’s internal mentorship program, offering hands‑on training sessions for new hires and hosting informal “coffee‑on‑the‑platform” gatherings where aspiring female engineers can ask questions about career pathways, work‑life balance, and technical skills.
“Our industry thrives when we lift each other up,” Moody says. “I want every young woman who steps onto a train platform to see a clear path to the engineer’s seat, just as I did when I first saw those women leading the way.”
Impact on the community
Moody’s story resonates beyond the rails. In a city where public‑transport reliability is essential to families, students, and workers, her dedication underscores the broader value of mentorship and leadership within essential services. By fostering a pipeline of skilled female engineers, SEPTA not only strengthens its workforce but also models the kind of family‑friendly, faith‑grounded workplace many community members value.
Local faith groups and civic organizations have praised Moody’s efforts, noting that her example aligns with the city’s tradition of strong families and individual liberty. “When a woman leads with integrity and serves the public, it strengthens the moral fabric of our neighborhoods,” said a representative of a nearby church that partners with SEPTA on community outreach.
Looking ahead
As SEPTA continues to expand service and modernize its fleet, Moody hopes the agency will keep investing in mentorship programs that reflect the diversity of the ridership it serves. She believes that when women are empowered to take on technical roles, the entire system benefits from fresh perspectives and a deeper commitment to safety.
For more information about SEPTA’s services, schedules, and community initiatives, visit www.septa.org.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
