Dear League of Railway Women Members and Partners,
I apologize for the lateness of this 2020 year-end review. Like most of 2020, 2021 came in with a host of unexpected agenda items. Still, I hope you'll read along because you and our many #railwaywomen members and corporate partners made last year a success story in what was a most challenging year.
In early 2020, the LRW board set ambitious goals to further our mission to connect and cultivate women in rail. With a new year ahead, we were eager to build on the successes of 2019, including our annual conference, which welcomed a record number of attendees.
Last March, the pandemic seemingly stopped the world, we were all left wondering how we would manage the next few days, much less long-term goals. I began reaching out to board members and volunteers to check on them. I did not want to assume commitment to LRW with so much uncertainty swirling around. I am proud to report our board and dedicated group of member volunteers have continued to show up for LRW and our industry – often from home in makeshift offices, with children and pets in tow, and full-time jobs to manage.
The pandemic has shown us limitations we never imagined, but it has also shown us that we are resilient, resourceful, and capable. The pandemic has altered not only how LRW engaged our membership in 2020, but the needs of our valued members. (Please read below to view our list of accomplishments.)
Our outlook for 2021 is especially bright - our team is busy working on some great new initiatives that we are hoping to launch in the next few months including some fresh and interesting webinars, a pilot mentorship program, a career center, and planning our 2021 annual conference to be held online this fall.
Finally, I am grateful for our corporate partners and our members, who continue to show up for LRW — the rail industry is better because of your support. If you or your company is not a member of LRW, we'd greatly value your support and input.
There is much more we can accomplish together. If you are interested in getting involved or have feedback you'd like to share, please reach out to me at apatrick@railwaywomen.org.
With Sincere Gratitude,
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Offering our members educational opportunities through webinars is a priority for LRW.
In 2020, we hosted five webinars:
- Coping with COVID [05/13/2020]: The world has changed and continues to change as we all learn and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Career Impacts of COVID [06/09/2020]: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected industries and job markets around the globe.
- Executive Women in Rail: A Journey to the C-Suite - A Conversation About IDEAs (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) [08/05/2020]
- RR 101-5 [08/18/2020]: Intro to Rail Surveying
- RR 101-6 [11/17/2020]: Intro to Rail Signaling
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2020 Railway Woman of the Year, Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, Metrolink |
Co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading, this annual award is presented to a woman in the rail industry who demonstrates vision, initiative, creativity and guidance in a leadership role within her professional railway field; is innovative, a problem-solver and overcomes challenges; and brings consistent excellence to her organization and surrounding community.
“As the first woman and African American to lead Metrolink, Southern California's commuter rail service, Stephanie Wiggins has brought diversity and inclusion to all levels of the commuter rail agency, from the C-suite to train conductors,” said LRW President Amanda Trainor Patrick. “Her leadership of Metrolink during an unprecedented pandemic with a focus on providing outstanding customer experience, improving system operations and modernizing business practices speaks volumes to her ongoing effort to improve the organization as a whole.”
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2020 Member of the Year, Patricia Basuel |
November 10, 2020
The 2020 LRW Member of the Year was presented to Patricia Basuel, LRW Events Chair and User Experience Manager, Wi-Tronix LLC, by Lisa Tackach, LRW Awards Chair and Amanda Patrick, LRW President, during the LRW Annual Membership Meeting held virtually on November 10, 2020.
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Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship Winner |
October 6, 2020
Megan Forbes, Operations Manager, TrinityRail, a LRW Silver Corporate Partner, has been awarded the $2,000 Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship, for 2020. Megan is pursuing a MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
This scholarship honors the memory of former LRW President Connie Sumara, a LRW founder and its longest-serving president. The award supports women pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees and seeking to further their careers in the rail industry. |
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Future of Railroading Scholarship Winner |
October 6, 2020
Jessica Labrecque was named the winner of the inaugural $1,000 LRW Future of Railroading Scholarship.
Jessica is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Laval in Quebec City, Canada and is an intern for the Transportation and Railway Maintenance Department at the Iron Ore Company of Canada.
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Virtual Annual Conference |
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October 19-23, 2020
We had over 200 registered rail professionals join us for our first-ever virtual annual conference!
This 5-day program was filled with 13 relevant sessions led by more than 25 experienced rail industry professionals.
Thank you to our supporters and attendees who made this event a great success!
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Annual Membership Meeting |
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We held our annual membership meeting virtually on November 10, 2020.
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October 5, 2020
We welcomed two new board members to our team:
- Events Chair Patricia Basuel, User Experience Manager, Wi-Tronix, LLC,
- Director-At-Large Erika Bruhnke, Vice President Training, RailPros.
Patricia, who has a strong background in branding, marketing and design,led the five-day LRW Virtual Annual Conference planned for October 19 to 23.
Erika, a leader in rail training and media services, will be overseeing the development of the LRW mentorship program.
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December 5, 2020
Megan Forbes was named our inaugural deputy chair for the membership committee.
“We are so excited to have Megan on board as the first person to be named into this newly created role,” said Amanda Trainor Patrick, LRW President.
“Megan will work closely with Membership Chair Annie Schlegel, JD and committee to continue the strong relationship we have developed with our individual and corporate partners.”
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Don't miss out on our events! Keep up-to-date by following our #socials! |
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On July 7, we celebrated 1,000 followers on our LinkedIn page! |
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Founded in 1997, the League of Railway Women (LRW) is committed to improving the railroad industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail. Our mission is to advance the representation, recognition and opportunities for women, thereby promoting diversity and improving the business results of the railroad industry. Learn more at www.railwaywomen.org
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