Happy Women’s History Month, VIPs! I have to preface that this one’s for the girls —though I appreciate all my VIPs equally. But hey, it is Women’s History Month, so I’m leaning in! Building on last month’s blog, I want to continue spotlighting the incredible people who keep VRE moving. What better way to do that than by highlighting members of our Operations Board, which is made up primarily of women! Talk about perfect timing. Let’s dive into some inspiring women leading the way at Virginia Railway Express.

Supervisor Margaret Franklin: Leading with Boldness, Advocating for Change

With five years on the VRE Operations Board and now in her second term on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, Margaret Franklin advocates for increasing women's presence in the public sector. She highlights the unique perspectives women bring to issues like family planning and community resources, and stresses the importance of broader representation, including young people and diverse voices that drive progress.

Her advice to women in professional fields? "You cannot be intimidated. Be bold and fierce in your actions. Put yourself out there! Stand up, speak out, raise your hand, and join the fight. Don’t feel like you must always ask for permission — take action. Know what’s important in your field and be innovative. Everyone loves someone with ideas and the courage to act."

Franklin’s journey began in public policy. After earning her undergraduate degree in Tennessee, she moved to D.C. to study public policy at Howard University. She gained experience through internships on Capitol Hill, advancing her career over the next decade by drafting and advocating for legislation. In 2019, she took the leap and successfully ran for office. What drives her is the continued need for representation. Through initiatives like housing assistance programs and child advocacy centers, she works to ensure that every community in Prince William County is heard, supported, and empowered.

Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley: Going Where Passion Leads

After a decade in law — passing the bar and working as a trial attorney — Operations Board Chair Sarah Bagley knows what it’s like to navigate male-dominated fields. Often overlooked and mistaken for an assistant or paralegal, she understands the importance of creating space for yourself despite the obstacles. Now, in her roles as vice mayor of Alexandria and nonprofit executive director, she continues to do just that.

“Your voice is vital. By using it, you create space for others like you, whether they’re women or not. If something excites you, that’s all that matters! Your energy shapes every space you enter. Pushing forward isn’t just for yourself. It’s for anyone who might hesitate or doubt their place.”

Bagley’s career has taken unexpected turns, and she embodies her advice, having chased her passions and the challenges that excited her to take on her current position leading a housing nonprofit. Fresh out of law school, this was never in her plans — but she hopes to inspire others by proving reinvention is always possible. Just because you aren’t doing something today doesn’t mean you won’t be in a year or five, she said. From advocating against gun violence to knocking on doors in North Carolina and Nevada, she has always followed what calls her.

As vice mayor and a proud multimodal commuter, Bagley experiences firsthand the highlights, and challenges, of public transit. Whether riding the train, bus, or her bike, she constantly considers how different riders interact with these spaces. How would a parent with a stroller navigate the train? How safe does it feel stepping off at night? Is the parking lot well lit, and how far is the walk? These are questions she considers shaped by lived experiences — perspectives that women like Bagley bring to the table, making transit safer and more accessible for everyone.

Meg Bohmke: No Doubt, No Limits

Former VRE Operations Board Chair Meg Bohmke has a refreshing perspective on Women’s History Month. Having started her career in California’s public finance sector, she’s more than comfortable — and confident — taking on any challenge. She welcomes them, even. Her advice to young professional women? Know your material. Do your homework, come prepared for every assignment and meeting, and always stay at the top of your game.

Since joining the Prince William County Board of Supervisors in 2014 — the first time two women served on the board together — she has put her best foot forward in every circumstance, adapting and doing her due diligence in every situation. For Bohmke there’s no doubt that preparation breeds confidence and with that confidence there are no limits to what she can take on.

Women’s History Month is important, Bohmke says, because it allows her to reflect on the achievements of the women who preceded her and reminds her to slow down and celebrate all the wins, big and small. Here’s to continuing the wins!

Vice Chair Andrea Bailey: Shaped by Strong Women, Leading with Purpose

Raised in inner-city Louisville, Missouri, Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey grew up in a household with four generations of women who shaped her into a gracious, driven, and nurturing leader. She credits her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother for instilling in her a deep commitment to education and the confidence to lead.

Earning a seat on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors was no small feat for Bailey, who also serves as vice chair of the VRE Operations Board. She acknowledges that every step of her career — from corporate professional to small business owner in the wedding coordination industry — prepared her for the responsibilities she carries today.

For Bailey, Women’s History Month is a time to honor those who paved the way before her and those who continue to inspire her today. She reflects on the visionary women who shaped her journey — her second-grade teacher who saw something special in an inner-city girl and the sisters of her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, where she remains active. Among the women who inspired Bailey are Michelle Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Through her work, Bailey carves out space for inspiration and continues to uplift these women, staying steadfast in her dedication to service.

Dr. Pamela Yeung: From Tech Leader to Community Champion

Like many of the accomplished women on the VRE Operations Board, Dr. Pamela Yeung didn’t let her entry into the traditionally male-dominated IT field discourage her. Instead, she used it as motivation to excel. Through hard work and determination, she rose to the role of IT chief of staff — demonstrating not only that women belong in tech but that they thrive and lead in it.

Yeung values Women’s History Month as a time for both reflection and celebration, using it as inspiration to deepen her commitment to serving her community. She views the month as an opportunity to step back, assess the broader impact of her work, and ensure that her contributions create lasting change.

Having moved from the Netherlands to the United States, Yeung brings a unique perspective to the Operations Board. She is passionate about inspiring future generations, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and emphasizes that higher education is just one of many paths to success. She believes in celebrating all forms of ambition and purpose. “We shouldn’t be sorry when children say they aren’t going to college. Some children are inspired by deeper things than just college, and we need to applaud and encourage that.”

Understanding that many children from underserved communities lack role models who reflect their experiences, Yeung spearheaded the Reflect Stafford initiative. This program aims to recruit and retain educators from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that Stafford County’s teachers better reflect the demographics of their students.

Driven by purpose, connection, and community service, Yeung brings a wealth of experience to the VRE Operations Board.

Mayor Alanna Mensing: Breaking the Either/Or Mindset

As mayor of Manassas Park, Alanna Mensing is proud to be the first woman in her family to take an interest in the railroad industry. With deep roots in the industry, her grandfather worked for New York Central Railroad, she has embraced the challenge of balancing a political career while raising a family. Leading with compassion and empathy, Mayor Mensing finds her work in public service deeply rewarding. Her journey has reinforced the value of hard work and efficiency while ensuring her family’s needs remain a priority.

She is proof that you don’t have to choose between career and family, an expectation often placed on women in professional fields. When an opening arose on the Manassas Park School Board, Mensing didn’t hesitate to step up, even though she was raising a one-year-old and was pregnant. Her dedication only grew, leading her to serve on the city’s Governing Body for six years before becoming mayor, all while homeschooling two children who have been a constant presence and a source of support in her work. They’ve attended their fair share of meetings and Zoom calls and have even spoken during public comment times.

To Mensing, rail isn’t just about transportation. It's about economic growth, sustainability, and improving the daily lives of riders. As she continues her work, Mensing hopes to inspire more women to step into leadership roles, proving that career and family don’t have to be an either/or choice, but a balance worth striving for.

I want to extend my appreciation to all the women on the VRE Operations Board who took the time to speak with me and for their continued passion, commitment, and resilience. I also want to acknowledge other members I wasn’t able to include in this month’s piece — Spotsylvania County Supervisor Lori Hayes, City of Fredericksburg Councilor Jannan Holmes, and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Director Tiffany Robinson — whose contributions are equally invaluable. Who runs the world?

Women’s History Month: Leadership in Action