50 Women of Influence in Rail: Recognizing Leadership and Innovation

Published On: February 4, 2025

Today, Progressive Railroading proudly presents the 50 Women of Influence in Rail, honoring professionals driving transformation. Their contributions in leadership, innovation, mentorship, technology, and sustainability shape the industry’s future. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Progressive Railroading proudly presents the 50 Women of Influence in Rail, honoring professionals driving transformation.

Celebrating the 50 Women of Influence in Rail

This initiative highlights gender disparity in rail and supports increased female representation. Despite progress, women hold just 8.9% of U.S. rail jobs. Their influence fosters innovation, sustainability, and leadership in this evolving sector.

In November, industry experts nominated outstanding women making significant contributions to rail companies. Each honoree was selected for leadership, mentorship, technology, sustainability, or innovation in their respective fields.

Progressive Railroading carefully reviewed submissions to compile this prestigious list of honorees. Their dedication continues driving transformation within rail transport, advancing efficiency, and strengthening professional networks.

Among this year’s honorees are Maryam Agahi (National Steel Car), Adriene Bailey (Oliver Wyman), Jennifer Bailey (Norfolk Southern Railway), Tracy Barclay-Ward (Backtrack Railway Services Ltd.), Tina Beckberger (AITX), Riley Birmingham (HDR Inc.), Jacinda Clemenzi (ENSCO Inc.), Carrie Crozier (CSX), Loretta Ebbighausen (MTA Long Island Rail Road), Carla Ewing (Watco), Amber Farley (TNW Corp.), Caitlin Grant (RailWorks), Lori Garrison (Siemens Mobility), Trish Haver (North Carolina Railroad Co.), Akilah Henry (Toyota Motor North America Rail Operations), Kris Hoellen (B&O Railroad Museum), Elisabeth Leija (Trans-Global Solutions Inc.), Leslie-Anne Lewis (CN), Michele Malski (SPRING), Sarah McBrayer (L.B. Foster), Laura McNichol (Watco), Jackie Morales (Icomera North America), Beth Pratt (Port Authority Transit Corp.), Patricia Quinn (Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority), Maria Saratsiotis (Canadian Pacific Kansas City), Marcia Shapiro (Marine Tiger Technologies), Adriana Smith (The Greenbrier Cos.), Maureen Taylor (MTA Metro-North Railroad)—all honored for leadership.

Women excelling in innovation include Christina Bottomley (CSX), Amy Brown (Trinity Industries Inc.), Ritu Chawla (Wi-Tronix), Shelly Colucci (L.B. Foster), Claudia Mandurino (Hitachi Rail), Devina Miller (Norfolk Southern Railway). Their work is crucial in advancing rail technology and infrastructure.

For mentorship, honorees include Kirsten Bowen (Michael Baker International), Carla Ewing (Watco), Cherita Hunter Jones (Norfolk Southern Railway), Elisabeth Klawunn (Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO), Debbi Lowry (L.B. Foster), Bridget Monahan (Traylor Bros. Inc.), Mariah Morales (Amtrak), Mindy White (RailPros). They actively shape the next generation of industry leaders.

In the technology category, awardees include Grace Cobbinah (Cedar AI), Lisa Matta (Wi-Tronix), Jayashree Menon (Hitachi Rail), Connie Nordhues-Bieber (Railspire), Sapna Shah (MTA Metro-North Railroad), Kate Wen (Traylor Bros. Inc.). Their contributions drive digital transformation in rail operations.

Women recognized for sustainability include Felismina De Oliveira (Norfolk Southern Railway), Amanda Fagan (Ventura County Transportation Commission), Adriana Smith (The Greenbrier Cos.). Their work strengthens environmental initiatives across the industry.

Virtual Celebration Honoring the 50 Women of Influence in Rail

Progressive Railroading will publish detailed honoree profiles in its March issue. These stories will showcase their achievements and ongoing contributions to rail’s future.

Additionally, the magazine will host a virtual awards event on March 20. This event will honor the 50 Women of Influence in Rail and highlight their impact.

Join us in celebrating these outstanding professionals who drive change, inspire others, and shape the future of rail transportation. Their success empowers future generations to lead, innovate, and transform the industry.