Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work

Platform Chats

Platform Chats
Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work
Mar 30, 2026 Season 6 Episode 2
AREMA

The 50th episode of Platform Chats marks a milestone as host Walt Bleser sits down with Anamaria Bonilla, former Chief Engineer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro‑North Railroad, to reflect on a career shaped by AREMA and a shared commitment to doing the work the right way as part of North America's largest transportation network. Bonilla recounts her journey into rail engineering, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the pride she takes in building a strong, principled engineering team prepared for the future. It’s an episode about mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and the lasting impact one leader can have on people and the profession.

Episode Artwork Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work 42:46 Episode Artwork Inside the CS&IT Symposium: What’s Ahead for Rail Technology 37:13 Episode Artwork The Emerging Technologies Panel Continued: Exploring the Future of Rail 52:43 Episode Artwork Building Better Rail: Lessons from Watford and AREMA's Rising Leaders 36:54 Episode Artwork Sustainability & Resiliency Take Center Stage at RREC 35:54 Episode Artwork Rolling Forward: AREMA’s Next Chapter Starts in Indy 41:05 Episode Artwork Mind the Overhang 46:22 Episode Artwork Engineering Leadership in Action: Kate O’Connor on SEPTA’s Front Lines 37:44 Episode Artwork From Résumés to Results: Host-Turned-Guest Walt Bleser Shares His AREMA Journey 53:27 Episode Artwork Building Bridges (Literally) with Bridges to Prosperity 43:59 Episode Artwork On Track with the League of Railway Women 41:47 Episode Artwork Building Connections: The AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium Preview 36:18 Episode Artwork Rails to Success: Navigating FRA Grants and Funding 51:43 Episode Artwork From Concept to Construction: A New Guide for Steel Railway Bridge 38:16 Episode Artwork AREMA Leadership Transition: Insights from Ray Verrelle and Bill Riehl 35:35 Episode Artwork Engineering Collaboration: How AREMA Student Chapters Shape the Future of Rail 39:44 Episode Artwork Mastering Communication with Keith Bailey 45:37 Episode Artwork Rails and Rising Stars: A Journey with Luv Sehgal 33:17 Episode Artwork Meet the 2023 Railway Woman of the Year, Kari Gonzales 52:40 Episode Artwork 2024 Hiring Trends 43:41 Episode Artwork A Sneak Peek at the AREMA 2024 Sustainability & Resiliency Symposium 34:39 Episode Artwork What Does NRC Have in Store for 2024? 36:41 Episode Artwork 2023 Hay Award Winners Discuss Merchants Bridge 43:34 Episode Artwork Setting Goals and Leveraging Opportunities for Success 40:40 Episode Artwork The Impact of Association Memberships 51:03