Feb 10, 2025
septaphilly
After 40 years #SEPTA’s first female train engineer - Jackie Pettyjohn aka First Lady of SEPTA - celebrated her last day yesterday.
She never saw herself as a pioneer - being the first of anything.
Jackie came into the job in August 1984 after she saw and responded to an ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Within a matter of weeks - the job was hers and her unexpected career as a game-changer had begun.
She has said she had no intention of staying but she ended up falling in love with the job and despite the demanding hours found a way to balance work and family.
The crowd who came out to celebrate Jackie’s last ride is evidence of the impact and inspiration she leaves behind.
Congrats Jackie!
