A Journey of Resilience and Leadership
Louise Cheeseman, a remarkable woman from Hull, has made a name for herself in the transport sector. Starting with few qualifications, she rose to become the managing director of Hull Trains. Her recent recognition with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for ‘services to transport and diversity’ is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
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At 64, Louise reflects on her journey, which began when she left St Mary’s College in Hull at 16 without clear plans for her future. She initially joined the rail sector as a conductor in 2001, a decision that would shape her career. Her story is one of perseverance, as she balanced family life with her professional aspirations.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
When Louise started her career, she was among very few women in the role of conductor. She had never even been on a train before joining the railways. At the time, she was a single mother with two daughters, driven by the need to support her family financially. The wage from her job allowed her to fund both of her daughters’ university education.
Her initial goal was simply to earn a living, but her path took an unexpected turn. Over the years, she climbed the ranks within the industry, eventually becoming the Managing Director of Hull Trains and leading London Buses. This achievement is something she is proud of, and she believes it shows that anyone can succeed regardless of their starting point.
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Empowering Women in Transport
Louise’s experience in the transport sector highlighted the challenges faced by women. She noticed a significant gender gap, especially in the bus and coach industry, where only 9% of workers are women. To address this, she founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), an initiative aimed at encouraging more women to enter the profession.
She emphasizes that the transport industry offers opportunities for those willing to learn and grow. “It is one of the industries that will recruit for willingness and train for skill,” she explains. This means that even those who leave school with limited qualifications should not be discouraged from pursuing a career in transport.
Expanding Influence and Commitment
Beyond her roles at Hull Trains, Louise continues to make an impact in various capacities. She serves as a Non-Executive Director at Go-Ahead and Transport for Wales, while also chairing the Women in Bus and Coach organization. Additionally, she is the Chair of Trustees for Rebuilding Futures Alliance, which supports low-risk ex-offenders in entering the transport industry.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Last year, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull, further recognizing her achievements and influence in the field.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Louise still resides in Hull and remains a supporter of Hull City. She hopes to inspire young girls from the area, showing them that success is possible even if they leave school early. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
Through her work and advocacy, Louise Cheeseman continues to break barriers and pave the way for others. Her OBE is not just a personal achievement, but a symbol of hope and encouragement for many who may feel they have limited opportunities.