by Angela Cotey, Associate editor

In her more than 20-year career, Lupe Valdez has worked for a non-profit group, two transit authorities and an environmental agency. The public relations professional's stints with the four organizations taught her about nonprofit management; transportation planning and construction; environmental laws, regulations and processes; air quality issues; and "Railroading 101."

Since joining Union Pacific Railroad five years ago as director of public affairs for the southern California region, Valdez has put every one of her experiences to good use.

"I thought these were just little pieces of what I'd done," she says. "I never imagined they would come together."

In her current position, Valdez serves as a liaison between North America's largest Class I and the communities in one of the country's most densely populated regions. She helps residents and elected officials understand what the railroad does and why; addresses railroad-related concerns; and relays those concerns to UP execs.

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