Rising Stars 2022: Maria Cristina Oviedo Mireles

Maria Cristina Oviedo Mireles, 31
Leadership Enrichment Accelerated Development (LEAD) program participant
Kansas City Southern de Mexico

Nominator’s quote: “Cristina has badges from all areas within KCS, showing how far and wide her work has positively impacted others.” — David Eaton, Kansas City Southern de Mexico

Education: B.S. in psychology; MBA with major in finance, Universidad Metropolitana de Monterrey.

Job responsibilities: On second rotation in the LEAD program, which aims to develop future leaders of Kansas City Southern de Mexico. Current responsibilities include improving information and insights from transload terminals that work with chemical and petrochemical business units and looking for opportunities to recover freight and find new leads.

Career path: Started in the rail industry as a cost analyst for the telecommunications department at KCSM, and also participated in safety training projects. Was later part of the process improvement team in operations where I had the opportunity to participate in wonderful projects such as EnVia and Initial Terminal.

How did you get into the railroad industry? I started handling outsourced phone calls for KCSM. After that, I was given more responsibilities, including the administration of mobile devices.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? Improve every day. We must treat our partners and customers as we would like to be treated. Let your work and results speak for you.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Safety is the most important thing — stay alert and aware. Have respect for people and their experiences and teach new people.

What was your very first job? At a seafood restaurant when I was 15.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. When I started in the rail industry, I didn’t know the railroad language. Somebody told me to be careful with the "frog," and I watched out for the animal. Now, I know it is a specific part of the track.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I like being with my family, traveling to other countries, reading about personal development, running and swimming.

How has the pandemic changed your views of your career and life in general? I value my family and health more. My career changed in my time management skills and the way I talk with customers and communicate the right message. The time savings helped me to be more efficient. I studied from home through online courses, which helped me develop new virtual skills.