Charter Member Retires

Mary DeAngelis – A Diversity Powerhouse

When Mary DeAngelis heard of the formation of a corporate Diversity Council in 2002, her initial thought was that it might be a fun way to get to know and meet other people. Afterall, she thought, she was relatively new to NS. She also knew she had a strong understanding of her community and was familiar with diversity through her volunteer work with the Moon Area Auxiliary for Sewickley Valley Hospital. In short, she was thrilled to see a diversity initiative at NS and felt she could play a role. No one could have predicted that when Mary was selected as a member of the first Diversity Council, she would serve five years with the group (when most members rotate off the council after three) and, in that time, she would become a diversity powerhouse with her regular attendance at diversity events and tireless promotion of the council’s message. Thanks to Mary, countless employees are more familiar with the value diversity provides NS.

On June 29, Mary retired from the car shop at Conway, PA with 41 years of service that began with New York Central, continued with Penn Central, then Conrail and, finally, NS. Her varied job experiences, which included other service in labor relations, personal claims, transportation and the signal department, probably contributed to Mary’s natural ability to relate to all people. Her hope for the diversity process is that the dialogues, where she’s played a vital role, will continue so that people from all walks of railroading will be reached. She considers each and every dialogue she attended a “wonderful” experience. Mary is also quick to point out that diversity is “a process that is taking hold” but it will not happen overnight.

As members of the Diversity Council expressed how much they would miss her, Mary humbly said, “I laid the first brick, it’s up to you to continue.” For those of us on the Council, we feel Mary has placed many bricks in a foundation that we’re proud to build upon. We wish her complete happiness in her retirement and know she will be a force in her other activities which include President – Moon Area Auxiliary for Sewickley Valley Hospital, a book club, the art league and her fun Red Hatters group – the Reveleers.