One word to describe yourself: Unconventional
Alma Mater: Missouri Baptist University (B.A. & MBA)
Fast fact about yourself: I am an extremely proud girl dad of a four-year-old girl named Alyssa, I play men’s softball in my free time. Just recently, I was on a hit TV game show (Beat Shazam with Jamie Foxx) with a co-worker and I also attended and completed Eno’s Transportation Mid-Manager program.
What’s your best experience on transit and what made it memorable? One of my most memorable experiences had to be riding the 7 train in NYC during the summertime. Something about summers in New York completely shifts the energy of the entire city. I was born and raised in Corona, only a few blocks away from the 7 train. At first, it was just a train. But it really hit me once I was about 11 or 12 going to a subway series (Mets vs Yankees) game. I remember getting on the train and during the ride, the atmosphere was lively and vibrant, filled with diverse people from all walks of life. What made it particularly memorable was the sense of excitement and anticipation among everyone heading to the game. The rise itself was smooth, but as we approached Shea Stadium, you could feel the energy building up. Upon arriving, the aroma of hotdogs, sounds of chants, along with the ballpark music, created a special and electrifying atmosphere. It was a perfect blend of the city’s energy, tradition, and community spirit. The whole experience highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of New York City, making a day to remember.
Kendel Ortiz, MBA, deputy director, maintenance of way (MoW) operations training, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad, has worked his way up to his current position. He has held many positions before his current role, including trackworker, foreman, surfing foreman and foreman/new hire instructor. Colleagues say Ortiz is always looking for ways to help everyone by further educating himself and asking for opinions from those who are constantly doing the job day in and day out.
He is creating a QR qualifications code for employees to use as an easy way to keep track of all the qualifications they have and need, created instructional videos on how to correctly do the newly implemented CWR policy to ensure employees do it correctly and safely. He is also working on creating several programs, including a welding, surfacing, Structures/B&B and machinist (mechanics) training program. The programs will help build depth within MoW and help develop a better and overall more knowledgeable employee. Ortiz working closely with the program development and program support teams with VR training. Their hopes is to give the instructors the ability and flexibility to teach employees how to do certain tasks such as running a piece of track equipment without having to go out on the tracks and put anyone in danger all while giving the machine operator the ability to familiarize themselves with running a piece of equipment.
Ortiz created a new hire trackworker program to ensure that from the very beginning of a railroaders career, they get all the tools they need to succeed and grow and the knowledge to do the work correctly. He would use his personal vacation days to beef up his knowledge on safety by attending Occupational Safety and Health Administration classes and visiting other railroad facilities. Colleagues say he is always looking for the opinions of those that are in the field in how he can help them understand their job duties and how to perform more efficiently and effectively.
Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?
One of the reasons I am where I am today is because of my previous assignment as a foreman/new hire instructor. The fact I had the ability to guide and educate new hires or newly promoted employees is what did it for me. Ensuring the employees have a smooth transition into the organization and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively was the driving force of where I am today.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
There are a few things that I enjoy about my job, such as the opportunity to tackle new challenges regularly and the chance to continuously learn and grow. The dynamic nature of our work keeps things interesting and pushes to help innovate and develop new skills but what I truly enjoy is the ability to be a part of a group whose purpose is aimed in developing and positively influencing individuals' careers, contribute to organizational success, innovate in training practices and collaborate with multiple diverse departments makes being a part of the operations training team truly fulfilling.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is meeting diverse learning needs. It requires us in Operations Training to consider the learning preferences of all individuals. Finding the right mix of training methods (e.g., classroom, online, hands-on) and content that resonates with everyone is key. Through research, experience and compassion, our team must develop ways to accommodate diverse learning abilities without compromising high standards and expectations. We have a duty to help each employee reach their full potential, personally and within Metro-North.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?
In all honesty, my biggest accomplishment has yet to be accomplished. Becoming a father was the greatest moment in my life, proud girl dad of my four-year-old daughter Alyssa, but the accomplishment will come when I raise my daughter to be an outstanding human being and a productive member of our society.
What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?
An accomplishment I would like to work towards is to see the practices our team creates, modifies and updates become an industry standard. That is how I would know that we got it right.
Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?
Best piece of advice I can give is embrace lifelong learning. In today’s rapidly changing world, knowledge and skills quickly became outdated. By cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, you can stay relevant and position yourself to accept new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
About the Author
Brandon Lewis
Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor. He is also a co-host of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast.