National Express Transit (NEXT) announced a new strategic partnership with Latinos In Transit (LIT) with an aim to build a diverse and inclusive environment for employees.

With this announcement, National Express Transit is unveiling NEXcelerate, a diversity and inclusion initiative to help employees reach their full potential. 

The effort will provide Latino and Hispanic talent and resources, under the guidance of National Express Transit VP, business development, and newly elected Latinos In Transit Board member, Rick Pulido.

“As I reflect on my 37-year career in the transit industry, I’m reminded of my early days serving as the General Manager of the El Metro transit system in my hometown of Laredo, Texas, a community that is 95 percent Hispanic,” Pulido said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors guide and encourage me by opening doors I never thought were possible. I’m excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Latinos In Transit in honoring our rich heritage and giving back, so future generations can pursue their dreams by leading the future of mobility at National Express.” 

Pulido is launching an internal Latinos network called LatiNEXT to highlight team members’ backgrounds and roles, nurture diversity dialogue, promote career opportunities, and match employees with leaders of both organizations for mentoring and coaching.

NEXthrive is another initiative that will help employees gain career enrichment resources and opportunities to apply new skills in areas throughout the company, plus succession planning roadmaps to advance into new roles. 

NEXcares will build on National Express’ Partners Beyond the Bus program by continuing collaboration between local teams, customers, and organizations supporting underserved Latino and Hispanic communities.

Plans include expanding these programs across divisions with additional resources from other National Express partners, such as WTS International and Conference of Minority Transportation Officials.

“I’ve always believed that the key to delighting our customers is a passionate team that brings unique backgrounds and skills to an environment where they feel inspired and supported,” said Mark Foster, COO, National Express Transit. “As I look across the Transit organization, I see employees who are as diverse as the passengers and communities we proudly serve. This is a perfect example of how we’re lending our passion and expertise to help LIT and National Express advance the next generation of leaders at the forefront of transit innovation.”