On June 1, we raised the Progress Pride flag outside our Union Station headquarters to kick off a month of commemorating, celebrating, reflecting and learning.
As we continue our journey toward becoming a more just, equal and inclusive Sound Transit, we honor and acknowledge LGBTQ+ struggles and want to showcase our LGBTQ+ staff.
We, as queer people, are everywhere and have always been here – you’re not alone.
Pride Month is "a way to honor the heroic forefathers and foremothers who fought for basic human rights long before the Stonewall Riots and those who said 'enough is enough,' and fought back against oppression," said Zack Ambrose, program manager for passenger experience integration. "It’s also a good time to remember that Stonewall wasn’t that long ago and the fight for human rights continues."
Ambrose is our latest "Inside Sound Transit" guest – where we introduce you to the people working to make it easier to get to where you live, work and play!
He has been with Sound Transit for about six years, joining the agency after working at a public participation and communications consulting firm working on large mega/infrastructure projects in Seattle. Prior to that, he was in graduate school at University of Washington for urban planning.
"Pride Month is important to me because it’s a time where you can reflect on what makes the LGBTQIA+ community unique, and understand the struggle for equality still continues in many parts of the country and the world," Ambrose said.
Check out the flag raising video to hear from our board and staff, including Interim CEO Brooke Belman:
Now, on to the questions!
Q: What do you tell your friends you do for work?
A: That’s the million dollar question isn’t it? I tell people that I work at Sound Transit finding ways to connect the agency with the work of the Passenger Experience (PX) division to enhance and improve our services for our passengers. My boss, Abby, likes to say that I’m the tissue connecting PX with different parts of the agency to make sure we’re designing, building and operating transit service with our passengers in mind from the start.
Q: What’s your passion outside of your job?
A: Baking, painting, and I taught myself to crochet during quarantine. Also enjoy getting out and exploring Seattle with my husband Ian and by corgi Buster, and (hopefully) more travelling this year.
Q: What attracted you to work at Sound Transit?
A: I wanted to work at a place that is making a substantial change in peoples’ lives and making our region better by providing options for people to get around. I also wanted to work with passionate people and have been thrilled by my colleagues who are dedicated to our mission.
Q: How do you get to work?
A: I commute from the island of West Seattle on KCM 125 and either walk from Alaskan Way & Jackson St. or connect to the 1 Line at University Street, if I’m feeling lazy.
Q: What three things would you take with you to a desert island (besides food and water)?
A: Only three? A deck of playing cards, sunscreen and flare gun – I’d make it a vacation but would eventually want to be rescued?
