At MV, investing in our people is essential to how we serve our passengers and communities. We believe that when employees are supported with the right training, mentorship, and growth opportunities, they’re empowered to build meaningful careers and deliver their best work every day.
Through our Career Development Spotlight series, we share the stories of team members whose careers have grown alongside MV. These spotlights highlight how internal development programs, hands-on experience, and strong leadership support open pathways from frontline roles to leadership positions.
Up next in this series, we’re excited to feature Rosemary Nevarez, General Manager of our Schaumburg division. Rosemary joined MV without prior transit experience and, over the past 12 years, progressed through multiple operational and leadership roles. Her journey reflects MV’s commitment to developing talent from within and investing in the long-term success of our people. Read on to learn more about Rosemary’s career path and the experiences that shaped her leadership.
Can you talk about your career in transit prior to MV? Were you working in transportation before, or was this your first time?
I was completely new to the transit industry when I joined MV in 2013. I did not have prior transportation experience before starting my career here.
Can you share a little bit about your journey at MV? What positions have you held prior to becoming a General Manager?
I started at MV as a dispatcher, then moved into a lead dispatcher role. From there, I became the Operations and Safety Manager, followed by Assistant General Manager. In 2024, during the rebid, I stepped into the General Manager role.
What originally drew you to MV 12 years ago?
I wanted to build a career in transportation because of the vital role it plays in people’s daily lives. Being able to support the community and help others in a meaningful way felt rewarding and fulfilling to me.
Along your journey at MV, was there any specific training, mentorship, or development opportunity that helped you grow?
One of the most valuable opportunities for me was participating in the General Manager Development Academy (GMDA). The program connected me with experienced mentors and peers across the company, helped me learn best practices, and strengthened my leadership skills.
How did the GM Development Academy help you build relationships and a support network?
Being part of the GM Development Academy not only accelerated my professional growth, but also helped me build lasting relationships and a strong support network with colleagues across the company.
What is one skill or lesson you’ve learned at MV that has been key to your success? Adaptability and continuous learning have been critical to my success. Being open to change and growth has helped me navigate new challenges and opportunities.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your career journey at MV?
I’ve been fortunate to receive support from many people throughout my career at MV. While I worked closely with Jesus Valenzuela, overall it has been the culture and collective support of the organization that has helped me grow.
How do you support and mentor others who want to grow within the company?
I believe in being approachable, sharing my experiences, and encouraging continuous learning so others feel supported as they grow in their careers.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at MV?
MV is a place where growth is encouraged, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and develop professionally.
When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy traveling, exercising, and spending time with my kids.
What would you say to someone who is interested in joining MV but is concerned about growth opportunities?
MV truly provides many opportunities for growth through training, tools, mentorship, and ongoing support.
Looking back, what does it mean to you that you started without transit experience and are now a General Manager?
Starting without transit experience in 2013 and becoming a General Manager 12 years later reflects how much MV invests in training, development, and employee growth. That support made this career progression possible.
What do you enjoy most about working at MV?
I appreciate the growth and development opportunities, as well as MV’s constant effort to enhance services and make a positive difference in the communities we serve.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at MV?
One of my favorite memories was when a client called needing urgent help evacuating seniors during a fire at a senior center. Our team responded quickly, sending drivers to safely evacuate elderly and disabled individuals, which truly highlighted the impact of our work.