I recently completed the full interview process with Transdev for the Operations Manager position and made it to the final interview stage. While I was ultimately not selected, I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the team and learn more about their work in autonomous vehicle operations and community mobility. I’ll admit that I left the process feeling a bit conflicted. Despite being highly qualified and progressing through multiple rounds, I can’t help but wonder if factors such as my race or sexual identity may have played a part in the final decision. There’s no clear way to confirm that, but it’s a feeling that’s hard to ignore given the consistent challenges underrepresented candidates face in the hiring process. That said, I’m still grateful for the experience. It was a chance to grow, to practice articulating my value, and to see how a company like Transdev is shaping the future of transportation. I hope to see continued progress across the industry in creating spaces where diverse voices and perspectives are not only welcomed but actively valued.