Mandy Benoit
Mandy Benoit
Miranda “Mandy” Benoit never imagined that a trip to a job fair would change the course of her career. At the time, she had worked in insurance and mortgage adjusting before taking a break to be a stay-at-home mom. Suddenly, a school bus driver trainer approached her about getting her CDL and something for her just clicked. Mandy took the chance, trained, and stepped behind the wheel of a school bus. It wasn’t long before she realized she had found something special.
“Once you get in, you’re hooked, and you really start to bleed yellow.”
In 2012, Mandy started as a school bus driver, a role that made her feel empowered. Six months later, she saw an opportunity and, with the support she received from her leaders, she applied for a dispatcher position, marking her first step up the ladder. Her ability to lead and connect with her team stood out, and by July 2019, she became an assistant manager, only to be promoted again a few months later to her current role as Operations Manager. Her supervisor, Tony Murgo, VP of Operations of Southern New England, recognized that she was the natural choice for the role, knowing she had the leadership skills and dedication to take the team forward. “Mandy had already proven herself. She understood what needed to be done, required little direction, and always put the team first. There was never any doubt—she was the perfect fit,” he said.
Taking on this leadership role right before the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges, but Mandy focused on keeping morale high. She organized team activities, helped coordinate grocery runs for coworkers, and found ways to ensure her team stayed connected during uncertain times.
“They [management] actually understand what you’ve been through, because they have been through it to, so it makes the job that much easier.”
One of Mandy’s most profound memorable moments isn’t directly tied to driving a school bus, but it speaks volumes about the sense of family within this industry. Her birthday usually falls on the first or second day of school, but on her 40th birthday—when COVID had delayed the school year—her team found a way to make it special. Dozens of coworkers organized a surprise “drive-by” birthday parade, filling her day with honking horns, smiling faces, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. That moment reinforced what she had long believed: this wasn’t just a job, it was a community. Through all the challenges, both big and small, the support of her STA family has been constant, reminding her why she loves what she does.
Mandy attributes much of her success to the culture at Student Transportation of America. After STA acquired Ocean State Transit, a part of the STA family of companies, her first manager encouraged her to stay, assuring her it would be the best decision she ever made—and they were right. Mandy has seen firsthand how STA nurtures its employees, offering pathways for growth and leadership. Even in her management role, she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, whether it’s sweeping buses, driving routes, or stepping into the mechanics’ shop; she leads by example, showing her team that no job is beneath anyone.
“Drive like your kid is on your school bus.”
Mandy’s journey is a testament to what’s possible at STA. Her advice to those in the industry is simple: don’t take things too personally and always leave work at work. The challenges of the job may be tough, but the support system at STA makes all the difference. Mandy took a chance on school transportation, and it led her to a career she loves—one where she has grown, led, and inspired others to do the same. Her journey serves as a reminder that with perseverance and the right support, a fulfilling and successful career can be built in unexpected places.