Empowering Communities Through Art and Transit

Theresa Vassell, the Lead DTPW Service Specialist II for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program (TDP) in the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) EASY Card Services Division, is no stranger to helping others. Throughout her entire professional career, Theresa has been a pillar in the community. First as a flight attendant for Pan American Airlines, then as a teacher for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, to joining Miami-Dade County over 32 years ago. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to support the residents of Miami-Dade County in various capacities,” shared Theresa. “I started as a Summer Intern Compliance Officer for South Florida Workforce, then I worked as a 911 Officer, an Administrative Officer for Citizen Services, an Outreach Specialist for Team Metro, and then I came to DTPW as a Paratransit Support Specialist before being promoted to my current role leading the TDP EASY Ticket Program.”

The TDP is a state funded program that provides essential transit services to Miami-Dade County’s most vulnerable residents through partnerships with qualifying non-profit agencies. 

“Empowering over 45 local qualified non-profit agencies that provide essential services has been a gratifying and rewarding experience,” recounts Theresa. “I’ve seen firsthand how this program improves the quality of life of the residents using this service. This program has helped the unemployed find job opportunities, provided shelter assistance to the homeless, and connected at-risk youth to mentorship programs, while connecting families with necessary resources.”

One moment that particularly stands out to Theresa is the time she was able to work with a local non-profit to provide assistance to a homeless single mother of four. Helping others has been embedded in the fabric of her being, “I remember going downtown with my mother every Saturday to provide necessities to the homeless and host Bible Study with them.”

In addition to managing the TDP at DTPW, Theresa is also the manager and poetess of the renowned Miami-Dade Transit Expressions Inspirational Performance Group. “This group, made up of Transit team members, has been around for over 45 years,” she explained. “We have been uplifting morale for employees and transit riders through our performances of song, dance, and poetry at various locations throughout the County – including holiday events, Black History events, Juneteenth, and countless others.” 

Theresa is also an avid photographer, videographer, event coordinator, poet, and playwright. She loves spreading the love of God and believes “Together we rise!” 

Be sure to catch Theresa and the Transit Expressions Group at this year’s Juneteenth celebrations at the 701 Overtown Transit Village Building STS Lobby at 12:30 p.m. and the Government Center Metrorail Station at 3 p.m. on June 13th.   

Keep THRIVING, Theresa!