The San Joaquin County Commission on the State of Women has awarded Chief Executive Officer Donna DeMartino of San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) with the Susan B. Anthony Women in Achievement award in the business category. Two RTD ad campaigns have also been singled out for recognition.
“I was indeed honored to receive this recognition from the commission,” said DeMartino. “Having begun my career as a coach operator and working my way up to CEO, I know firsthand what it takes for women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I hope my story will help inspire others to realize their dreams.”
The award was given for DeMartino’s continued leadership at RTD as well as her commitment to serving the community outside of the business. The award focuses on her many accomplishments within RTD, such as making transit more accessible by creating multiple new transfer stations, helping to improve air quality in San Joaquin County by phasing out diesel-only vehicles and replacing them with hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles, and forming partnerships with companies like UBER to provide more mobility options for RTD’s ridership. Additionally, the award also highlights DeMartino’s extracurricular activities within the community. By participating in local events, teaching classes at colleges throughout the state, and working with women’s groups in the area, DeMartino sparks hope in those she encounters and motivates them to attain their goals.
DeMartino received the award during a banquet held at the Stockton Golf and Country Club.
San Joaquin Regional Transit District has also received two AdWheel awards from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for its Rosa Parks Commemoration campaign and its Care Connection video campaign.
The RTD marketing team envisioned, developed, and executed both campaigns with the help of departments and employees throughout RTD.
“No matter what type of campaign, it always takes a team effort to turn a good concept into a great one,” said Marketing Senior Specialist Emily Oestreicher. “From the swift placement of the Rosa Parks plaques on the front seat of the RTD vehicles, to the employees featured in the Care Connection video, we are fortunate to have so many individuals at RTD who are willing to make our marketing dreams a reality.”
The Rosa Parks Commemoration campaign consisted of reserving the front seat of every Commuter, Hopper, and Stockton City bus for her with a plaque honoring her dedication to equal rights advocacy. In its second year, this commemoration occurs the three days leading up to Rosa Parks’ birthday on Feb. 4, which is also when California celebrates Rosa Parks Day.
The Care Connection campaign featured a 30-second commercial, highlighting RTD’s Care Connection program that connects San Joaquin County residents to healthcare facilities beyond the county borders. Currently, this video has been viewed 237,000 times on YouTube, and is available in both Spanish and English.
To watch the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iEdtSnmf3U.
The AdWheel awards recognize the marketing and communications efforts of APTA members and the annual awards competition creates a structure to share best practices and raise the awareness of public transportation marketing professionals’ value within the industry.
San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is the regional transit provider for San Joaquin County. RTD’s mission is to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system for the region. For more information, visit sjRTD.com, follow RTD on Facebook and Twitter, or call (209) 943-1111.
