Meet Donna - #IWD2023

This International Women's Day, we're taking the opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing women that help form Team EY.

Here at East Yorkshire, we're dedicated to creating opportunities and challenging social stereotypes to help form a team that's diverse, equitable and inclusive. Members of Team EY come from all walks of life, including Donna, one of our Scarborough Bus Drivers.

We've spoken to Donna, one of our Scarborough Bus Drivers, about her, why she became a bus driver, what her time here at East Yorkshire has been like so far, and whether she had any advice for women wanting to join the industry:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

"Hello! So, I started as bus driver back in 2022 - I passed my test on 1 September, and I was out in Scarborough less than five days later.

"Being a bus driver had been something I had wanted to do for years, but because of personal circumstance, it just never seemed practical. A couple of years ago, though, things changed for me and I decided it was my time.

"I've got six kids, five of which have grown up and flown the nest, but my fifteen-year-old son still lives with my husband and I. He's got autism and ADHD, which was a massive factor in figuring out if I could return to work. I had to be clear on what my work-life balance was going to be - it had to be right for all of us.

"When I saw the advert for becoming a driver on social media, I discussed it with my husband and son, and we all agreed that I should go for it. Really, it's thanks to their support (and my determination) that I'm here!

"Since joining, I've become a union representative for the Scarborough area, and I'm looking forward to more opportunities to progress!"

What's your favourite thing about being part of Team EY?

"Everyone's so supportive. From the beginning, when I was doing my test, I received nothing but unconditional support from the team. It was really helpful - and I actually passed my test first time, which was a massive confidence booster! That was when I actually started to believe that I'd achieve my goal."

Which women in your life inspire you the most?

"My inspiration comes from my Nanna. She always said that I have a purpose, empathy, and that I could do anything I put my mind to... And, here I am!"

What advice can you give women who want to join the bus/coach sector?

"Don't listen to the voice in your head that says "I can't do it". Back when I started, I was a little bit suprised to find that there's not many women in the Scarborough area (I think there's four in total), and I often find myself wondering what prevents women from applying to become drivers. Is it confidence? Is it the thought of working in a male-dominated environment?

"Either way, I really think we need more female drivers. I certainly don't feel out of place with my colleagues, so don't let that hold you back. I've always felt like a valuable member of the team - an equal team player.