Milwaukee's Sharieka Thomas Breaks Barriers as Bus Mechanic

Sharieka Thomas has shattered barriers at the Milwaukee County Transit System, becoming the only female mechanic on staff after nine years of dedication and hard work. Her rise from overnight bus cleaner to skilled mechanic demonstrates that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields like transportation and automotive repair.

When Thomas joined MCTS in 2017, she started working the third shift cleaning buses and filling gas tanks to support her two daughters. While performing these duties, she watched mechanics in the garage diagnosing engine problems and repairing brakes—work she knew she could do. Over time, she developed her skills, took on greater responsibilities, and earned promotions that eventually led to her current role as a certified mechanic maintaining the county's fleet.

Thomas' achievement highlights a significant gender imbalance in the transportation industry, where women remain severely underrepresented in mechanical and technical roles. Her success challenges long-held stereotypes and opens doors for greater diversity in these fields. Beyond her individual accomplishment, Thomas is now part of MCTS's broader effort to build a more inclusive workforce. The transit system recently launched Wisconsin's first coach/bus operator and mechanic apprenticeships, with Thomas serving as a mechanic apprentice in the inaugural class. These programs are designed to provide career pathways for workers seeking to advance without sacrificing income during training.

For Milwaukee residents who depend on public transportation daily, Thomas' work ensures the buses that connect people to jobs, schools, and services remain reliable and safe. Her story represents the kind of skilled, dedicated workforce that keeps the region's transit system running 365 days a year.