**Update 3/1** Well, Raina is not coming home with the title after all. But, she will return to Akron with wonderful memories, new friends and pride in a job well done. Go METRO!
Raina Washington can do a lot of things at once.
She is the smiling face behind METRO’s front desk at Kenmore Blvd. She is the knowledgeable voice on the phone, ticking off timepoints to waiting passengers. She is a mother and grandmother, a dancer and a singer.
And come March 1, she is METRO’s representative at the American Public Transit Association’s Call Center Challenge in San Diego.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Washington, “I’m so blessed and so honored to represent METRO.”
Raina will compete against six other finalists from transit systems nationwide. She and the others face off in a competition to test their customer service skills and determine who walks away as this year’s best transit call center employee.
“Raina is a star every single day,” said Michael Davis, METRO Assistant Director of Customer Service, “We’re proud of her hard work and commitment to our riders.”
“She will be a great, energetic ambassador for METRO and Akron public transit,” said Davis.
Washington has been with METRO for ten years. She started her career with METRO as a part-time SCAT specialist.
“It took a little while, but eventually I went on to full-time,” Washington said.
Washington has been behind METRO’s reception desk for five years. She is also an avid bus rider.
“Thank you to everyone who had faith in me,” Washington said, “I’m passionate about my work and I will do my very best.”
