Rising Stars 2022: Jacquelyne Colvis

Jacquelyne Colvis, 31
Customer success manager
Siemens Mobility

Nominator’s quote: “As she paves the way for future generations of women in transportation, Jacquelyne serves as a role model and proves that even in a traditionally male-dominated industry like rail, young women can succeed.” — Elizabeth Cho, Siemens Mobility

Education: B.S. in business administration, University of Central Florida.

Job responsibilities: Establishing and managing customer accounts to ensure satisfaction and continued business opportunities. Accountable for program planning and execution of pre- and post-sales activities. Responsible for capturing business opportunities, leading team and proposal activities for complex acquisitions and developing presentation materials to support business development activities across the spectrum of potential opportunities.

Work with customers at railways and agencies to ensure that an organization’s existing maintenance expertise is supplemented and updated to optimize the latest technologies through communication and partnership.

Career path: Started career with Siemens Energy as an intern in the generator modernization marketing department, responsible for researching and analyzing customer account data for targeted customers, products and markets. After graduation, continued with Siemens Energy as a procurement specialist in the gas turbine business unit.

After four years in the energy industry, switched to Siemens Mobility as a senior procurement specialist responsible for placing purchase orders to procure material and define, communicate and track all scheduling, risks and opportunities for procurement project resource management. From there, moved up to operational purchasing manager, responsible for leading planners and buyers and all order management across the customer services business in North America. Currently serving as customer success manager for two and half years.

How did you get into the railroad industry? Working for a company like Siemens gives you insight into [the] different industries [the company has] to offer. I was looking for something new in my career — I wanted a new challenge in an industry I didn’t know much about. I had an opportunity with Siemens Mobility in supply chain, focusing on light rail and locomotive spare parts. I saw the opportunity with a lot of potential to grow and endless learning, which piqued my interest.

Over the past six years, my respect and appreciation for rail has grown tremendously. I’ve found it exciting to learn more about how rail operators and their teams are planning to embrace future initiatives. Being a part of the rail industry gives me great satisfaction in knowing we are helping to unite and support communities of all economic abilities. For me, I take a lot of pride in helping rail operators adapt their best practices for the constant changes in technology.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received? The ceiling for learning is endless. It’s important to gain as much experience as you can through different roles in different department functions, and being open-minded to trying new opportunities outside of your comfort zone will help you grow the most. Going the extra mile in the long run pays off. Always be confident in yourself.

What advice would you offer to a new railroader? Ask questions. It is OK to not know the answers. Don’t be afraid to take on challenging tasks, even the ones outside your comfort zone: That is how you learn and grow the most. Always keep an open mind to the evolving technology in the industry. Respect the history and tradition of rail, but be excited about the future prospects for it. It is important to have clear communication and be true to your core values.

What was your first job? Restaurant hostess.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I grew up playing competitive soccer and had the opportunity to play with my high school soccer team in a tournament in Italy, the San Marino Cup. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with my family. We enjoy the outdoors and traveling.

How has the pandemic changed your view of career and life in general? The pandemic taught me to slow down in life at times. You tend to get caught up in the busy workday and forget how important a work-life balance is mentally and physically.