ATLAS Partnership Launches New Mentor Program at SunLine

On October 22, the ATLAS Partnership (ATU & SunLine Learning and Skills) — a collaboration between SunLine Transit Agency and ATU Local 1277 — hosted its first outreach event at the Foothill–Pomona division to introduce a new Mentor Program for operators and maintenance staff. ​Program leaders from both SunLine and ATU 1277 came together to engage employees, share new information, and encourage participation. The event was filled with enthusiasm, conversation, and a strong sense of teamwork — plus plenty of pizza and balloons for all!

“I was pleasantly surprised by the response from operators and mechanics for mentor recruitment and the number of applications submitted.” -Mauro Varela (ATU 1277 Vice President)​
“The event went very well—both the board presentation and the outreach. We received 20 applications for mentors from Maintenance and Operators. The board was very pleased to see our progress.” -Isabel Vizcarra (Chief Transportation Officer)
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The ATLAS team’s dedication and collaboration have already made impressive strides in developing this program in a short time.

Attendees included:
Isabel Vizcarra (Chief Transportation Officer) • Mauro Varela (ATU 1277 Vice President) • Marina Blackstone (Superintendent of Transportation) • Mark Perry (Chief Maintenance Officer) • Bryan Valenzuela (Chief Safety Officer) • Sharon Barone (Staff Development Coordinator) • Norma Hernandez (ATU Paratransit Shop Steward) • George Hernandez (ATU Maintenance Shop Steward) • Francisco Ojeda (ATU Maintenance Supervisor Shop Steward) • Emmanuel Mora (ATLAS Coordinator) • Aaron Williams (ATU 1277)
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Congratulations to everyone involved — great work, ATLAS Team!