‘It works out amazingly’–Meet a husband and wife who are enjoying their new jobs at Zum

Several months ago, Daniique Mathieu thought her husband might enjoy working at Zūm as a driver, so she filled out an application for him.

“Then I said, ‘What the heck? I’ll apply for myself, too,’” she says. “Lo and behold, I got the job.” 

Today, Mathieu and her husband, Alano Carter, transport children with special needs to and from school in Zum minivans for Oakland Unified School District (CA). They like having similar schedules and, as a bonus, their 11-year-old son catches a ride to school with another Zum driver each morning. 

“We just came from eating breakfast together, so it works out amazingly,” Carter says. “She’ll help me prep my vehicle, I’ll help her prep hers. It’s like a tag-team situation.”

Mathieu and Carter find joy working with children and, as parents, they know dependability is key. 

“You want to make sure you have a consistent driver, a consistent route, a consistent seat,” Mathieu says. “You’re setting the tone for a child’s day — you’re that sunshine light.”

“For instance, today every kid that saw me ran up to me and gave me a hug,” Carter adds. “It’s easy to stick somebody in a vehicle, drop them to school, and just keep going. But when you make a bond with somebody, that’s everlasting.” 

“Daniique and Alano represent exactly what makes our operation special,” says Sebastien Marx, General Manager at Zum in Oakland. “They’re not just transporting students, they’re building trust, creating consistency, and setting the tone for each child’s day. That level of care, especially for students with special needs, is invaluable to our team and the communities we serve.” 

Marx adds, “When drivers show up with that kind of commitment and heart, it elevates the entire Zum program.”  |

Mathieu, who also owns a small baking business, says Zum has provided the structure and support her family needs. (Carter also works independently as a dispatch broker.)

“I wanted something to fill in the gaps of what I do on a regular basis,” she says. “It’s a split shift, so I can still come home. I can still cook dinner early, do my laundry. And I can do all the things that I need to do during the day being self-employed.” 

Mathieu and Carter say they may upgrade their driver’s licenses to drive a school bus in the future. For now, though, the pair is enjoying what they do.

“You know, a couple of my kids come out (in the morning), and they’re pouting,” Mathieu says. “They get in the vehicle and you’re smiling, and then they look at you and they’re happy. By the time you get them to school, they’re waving.”

Says Carter: “It’s just taking that extra time and effort with kids who really need it.”