If you’re ever on a New York subway, you might hear Velina Mitchell’s voice making announcements.

The 25-year Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) veteran has been chosen as the voice of the transit system. Mitchell, a rail control center supervisor, was discovered when her new boss heard her speak and became enamored with her voice.

“It was so kind and authoritative at the same time and it made me listen in a new way,” Sarah Myers told Fox 5 New York.

According to MTA spokesman Jon Weinstein, the system wanted a New York native to be the voice of MTA because customers would be able to relate to them more. A Queens native, Mitchell fit the bill.

“What was really important to us was having a lifelong New Yorker. Someone with that New York accent and that New York sensibility and the ability to connect with other New Yorkers,” Weinstein said.

Mitchell also hopes her voice will allow customers to become more comfortable with the system that’s known to be the bane of New Yorkers’ existence.

“If it helps them pay attention a little bit better, saying ‘I can recognize that. She’s a New Yorker, she’s here for me.’ That’s what I really want. Someone they can relate to,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell has recorded over a dozen messages that can be heard in stations and trains across the city.

Velina Mitchell

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week