Joann M. Satterwhite: North Carolina's First Female Bus Driver

In this episode of the Walt Weekly Podcast, Walter Latham Sr. and team interview Joanne McLeod Satterwhite, the first female transit bus operator in Raleigh, North Carolina. They discuss Joanne's upbringing, her career at Capital Area Transit, and her experiences as a trailblazer. They also touch on the importance of hospitality in the South and the impact of Rosa Parks on Joanne's journey. Throughout the conversation, Walter expresses admiration for Joanne's accomplishments and highlights her contributions to the community. They discuss Joanne's career as a bus driver, her experiences and challenges, and the impact she has made in her community. Joanne shares her passion for driving and her dedication to providing excellent service to her passengers. She also talks about the recognition she has received, including receiving the awards from the city of Raleigh. The conversation highlights the importance of making a difference and being a positive role model.

Takeaways

• Joanne McLeod Satterwhite was the first female transit bus operator in Raleigh, North Carolina, and she worked for Capital Area Transit for 35 years.
• Joanne's upbringing on a farm taught her the values of hard work, endurance, and treating others with respect.
• She applied for the bus operator job without her husband's knowledge and was chosen from 110 applicants.
• Walter Latham Sr. compares Joanne to Rosa Parks, highlighting the progress made in terms of racial equality and opportunities for women. Joanne Satterwhite is the first female bus driver in North Carolina.
• She has had a successful career as a bus driver for 35 years.
• Joanne is dedicated to providing excellent service to her passengers.
• She has been recognized for her achievements, including receiving the key to the city of Raleigh.
• Joanne emphasizes the importance of making a difference and being a positive role model.

Chapters

00:00Introducing the Guests

00:48Joanne's Background and Early Life

03:00Joanne's Career as a Bus Driver

07:09Joanne's Impact as a Bus Driver

12:55The Challenges Joanne Faced

18:52The Importance of Service to Others

23:51Joanne's Childhood and Farming Experience

28:02Joanne's Driving Experience and Training

30:58Training and Preparation

32:03Performance Evaluations

33:14Awards and Recognition

34:22Key to the City

35:29Tree Planting

35:59Current Work and Family

37:13Legacy and Making a Difference

41:15Opportunities for Women in Transit

43:05Retirement and Transition to New Job

44:13Writing a Book

47:43Positive Attitude and Impact