Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work Artwork

Platform Chats

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) is the leading professional association for railway engineers working together to further the development and advancement of both technical and practical knowledge in the railway industry. Come “roll with AREMA” as we chat with Members from every aspect of the Association. Each episode will contain entertaining and informative stories from our members about their time in the Association and how it has advanced their careers. Hosted By: Walt Bleser, PE, President, ARE Corporation. Information on the railway industry is provided as a service to our members but does not represent an endorsement. Subscribe to your favorite listening service to get episode notifications.

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Platform Chats

Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work

March 30, 2026 • AREMA • Season 6 • Episode 2

0:00 | 42:46

The 50th episode of Platform Chats marks a milestone as host Walt Bleser sits down with Anamaria Bonilla, former Chief Engineer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro‑North Railroad, to reflect on a career shaped by AREMA and a shared commitment to doing the work the right way as part of North America's largest transportation network. Bonilla recounts her journey into rail engineering, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the pride she takes in building a strong, principled engineering team prepared for the future. It’s an episode about mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and the lasting impact one leader can have on people and the profession.

Walt Bleser, PE

Host