Dear LRW Members and Supporters,
Wow! What a start to 2023! At the 2023 NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition Conference, on January 4-7th in Boca Raton, FL, LRW provided two educational sessions and presented the 2022 Railway Woman of the Year Award to Jean Savage, President and CEO of Trinity Industries, Inc. On March 2nd, LRW hosted the Embracing Equity Symposium in Chicago, IL, the first (of hopefully many) LRW stand-alone event of its kind made possible by the support of our corporate partners and dedicated members. On April 2-4th, LRW participated in ASLRRA’s Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, by presenting an educational session, having a booth in the exhibit hall, and also hosting a break-out luncheon featuring two panel discussions. On April 19th, LRW hosted a networking lunch at Exporail in Merida, Mexico.
And LRW continues, at full throttle, to provide opportunities for valuable networking and educational opportunities for women in rail. We kick off our webinar series on April 26th with “All Aboard! Next Stop: Gender Diversity & Safety Culture on the Track,” followed on May 9th with “The Rail Industry in Mexico.” LRW will also host a Coffee Conversation, Union Station Tour, and Reception on May 16th in Washington, D.C.
LRW is only able to provide such amazing events and opportunities because of its amazing corporate partners and volunteers. If you are looking to become more involved with LRW, please consider volunteering for one of our committees. We are currently seeking volunteers for our Education, Scholarship, Events and Public Relations & Outreach Committees. Please reach out to us at staff@railwaywomen.org or the specific committee chair for more information. As always, watch your email and our social media and website, www.railwaywomen.org, for additional opportunities to connect with LRW and our membership in 2023. Best,
Sarah Yurasko
2022-2024 LRW President
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THE TRACK AHEAD
October 1-4, 2023: Railway Interchange, Indianapolis
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Welcome New Q1 2023 Corporate Partners!
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LRW CORPORATE PARTNER FEATURE
Corporate partners provide an extra level of support to LRW and the advancement of women in rail.
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The League of Railway Women is happy to announce our featured quarterly Corporate Partner Gina Campbell, Lead Asset Manager at The Greenbrier Companies.
Gina Campbell has worked at Greenbrier for 12 years. She started as a welder at the company’s railcar repair shop in Cleburne, Texas. She later became a welder instructor, followed by crew leader, purchaser and customer service manager. In 2018, she joined Greenbrier Management Services as Asset Manager, and now she serves as the Lead Asset Manager. Prior to working at Greenbrier, she spent 7.5 years in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, where she worked on F-14’s and F/A-18E’s. Gina currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her son and two dogs.
LRW: How were you introduced to the rail industry?
GC: When I got out of the Navy, the economy was going through a recession, and I was unable to find employment in the aviation industry. I knew I needed to do something different. I went back to school to learn a new skill for the jobs that were available and earned a degree in welding. The repair shop in Cleburne, Texas is in my hometown, and I applied for a welder/car repair position. I never had any intention of being in the rail industry, but I really enjoyed the work.
LRW: What is one project that you are proud of?
GC: I am proud of Greenbrier’s Veteran’s Employee Resource Group, GBX Vets. We launched the GBX Vets ERG last year, where I now stand as the ERG Co-Chair. I am extremely honored to be the Leader of GBX Vets as we continue to grow our team and the resources it provides. Through these meetings, we connect with veteran employees and supporters across Greenbrier’s U.S. locations. It’s very rewarding.
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LRW: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
GC: I enjoy anything that is hands-on and creative. My favorite hobby is quilting. My son and I also enjoy road trips and traveling to new places. We also like spending the weekends at the racetracks where my son rides motocross.
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LRW: Do you have advice for women in rail?
GC: Working in a male-dominated industry can be intimidating, even in 2023. Integrity and a strong work ethic can get you far, but always stay true to yourself.
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Testimonials
"Gina is an outstanding example and leader with her tireless work advancing Greenbrier’s commitment to IDEAL as the Lead for GBX Vets, Greenbrier’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. In addition to her work with GBX Vets, Gina is a trusted colleague in our Asset Management group, bringing the same high level of enthusiasm and commitment to her day job of managing railcars as she does to GBX Vets. Greenbrier is better for having Gina, and people like her, in our organization.” – Dan Weiler, GMS Sr. Vice President & Group Leader.
“Gina is wonderful to work with. Her commitment to her customers and her team are always a top priority. She also has a talent for questioning the current state and then helping find a solution. For this reason, Gina’s leaders and peers know that if you go to Gina with a question, she may not always have the answers, but she will help you find them. Gina’s willingness to learn new things, help her team, and challenge the status quo are examples of why Greenbrier is the company it is today. We are fortunate to have her on our team.” – Brian McCracken, Asset and Regulatory Services Director.
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“Gina is a kind and compassionate person. Her leadership and dedication to Greenbrier’s Veteran Employee Resource Group have inspired so many others to connect and learn from one another. Her positive energy encourages employees to join the group, share their stories, and seek the help and resources they might need to succeed in and out of the workplace. Gina’s commitment to her work and her team helps Greenbrier improve and grow as an organization and with its culture. I love working with Gina. She is the kind of employee that makes my job fun and fulfilling. Without her enthusiasm and contributions, our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace could not thrive as it does. I look forward to her continued success and watching her growth as a leader.” – Denise Mora, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist.
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Do you know an exceptional Woman or Team in the rail industry?
Are you or someone you know interested in participating in a LRW Member Spotlight?
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RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Catch up on our recent events
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Attendees at the Chicago Symposium |
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LRW Board and Committee Chairs at the Chicago Symposium |
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Networking Lunch at Exporail
in Merida
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Embracing Equity Symposium, March 2, 2023
Willis Tower, Chicago
Nearly 150 women and men participated in LRW's first ever stand-alone symposium. Our day included sessions on Allyship & Data in the Workplace, Effectively Communicating Your Voice, and Establishing an Employee Resource Group (ERG). Kari Gonzales, MvX Rail Executive Director, gave the keynote presentation. See the full event info here. Thank you to our event sponsors: GATX, TTX, CN, CP, Holland, and Wabtec!
ASLRRA Conference & Exhibition, April 2-4, 2023
New Orleans, LA
LRW hosted a breakout lunch featuring two panels of rail industry experts, an educational session on Employee Resource Groups and DEI Initiative in the Workplace and staffed an exhibit booth. See full event info here. A special thanks to our presenters and breakout lunch sponsors: Loram, MSE, Edna A. Rice Recruiters, Signal Training Solutions and ASLRRA!
Networking Lunch at Exporail, April 19, 2023
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Around twenty guests met to network and learn more about LRW in conjunction with Exporail 2023. Thank you to our event sponsor CPCK!
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FRA Panelists at the Breakout Lunch at ASLRRA. L-R Wynne Davis, Deputy Director, Regional Outreach; Monique Ferguson Stewart, Special Assistant to the FRA Administrator; Allison Ishihara Fultz, Chief Counsel; Jennifer Mitchell, Deputy Administrator |
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Leaders in Rail Panelists at the Breakout Lunch at ASLRRA. L-R Kimia Khatami, Sr Dir of Business Dev, Anacostia Rail Holdings; Jo Strang, Sr VP for Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy, ASLRRA; Kate Luce Bourgeois, President & CEO, MSE Railroad; Susan Bobb, VP, Human Resources, Labor Relations, and EH&S, Loram Maintenance of Way |
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Speakers at the ERG session at ASLRRA. L-R Susan Marines, VP Global Talent, GATX; Jacqueline Peets, Dir of DEI, Norfolk Southern; Andrea Niethold, Dir US Government Affairs, CN; Erika Brunhke, VP Training, RailPros |
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GET INVOLVED
Grow your Leadership Skills by Serving on a Committee. The LRW Board virtually meets with Committees monthly and attendance at quarterly in-person LRW events is encouraged.
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Education Committee
Tiffany Wenrich, Chair
To express your interest, please email webinars@railwaywomen.org. Include a few sentences on why you are interested and/or any relevant experience.
What’s Involved
Currently two people strong, the education committee welcomes more input and assistance in generating new ideas, sourcing speakers, moderating panels and more.
Additional Committee Info
Currently in process: Webinars spanning a range of topics that address women’s interests in the industry, from representation in North America to specific career path options and more.
Scholarship Committee
Micki Rust, Chair
To express your interest, please email scholarship@railwaywomen.org. Include a few sentences on why you are interested and/or any relevant experience.
Additional Committee Info
Scholarship applications will open up in May. Application review will take place mid-summer. The most assistance will be needed during the application review process.
Events Committee
Katie Kachel, Chair
To express your interest, please email events@railwaywomen.org. Include a few sentences on why you are interested and/or any relevant experience.
What’s Involved
Meaningful contributions include developing topic ideas; securing speakers; being a speaker/emcee/moderator at events; and marketing events with your networks.
Additional Committee Info
We need to fill ten breakout sessions at Railway interchange in October, we welcome all ideas for topics and speakers!
Public Relations & Outreach Committee
Open, Chair(s)
To express your interest, please email info@railwaywomen.org. Include a few sentences on why you are interested and/or any relevant experience. Please include your resume.
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LRW CAREER BOARD FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES
Search jobs online to find the next step in your career. Post career openings to find experienced candidates in the rail industry.
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Program Manager, Maintenance of Way & Bridges
CapMetro
This position is responsible for oversight of Capital Metro’s rail maintenance of way infrastructure and bridge maintenance programs maintained by the service provider. More information on this job posting can be found here: Program Manager, Maintenance of Way & Bridges
City Manager – Midland, Texas
Baker Tilly Public Sector Executive Recruitment
Midland is seeking a City Manager to be responsible for planning, managing operations, and leading a highly skilled city employee workforce to achieve goals established by the City Council. The new City Manager will have an opportunity to lead initiatives that correlate with the Strategic Pillars identified by the Mayor and Council, including developing a long-term funding strategy for the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. More information on this job posting can be found here: City Manager Midland Texas
Operations Summer Intern
TrinityRail
Trinity Industries, Inc. is searching for a passionate Operations Summer Intern in Jonesboro, Arkansas. What you’ll do: Data Management & Tracking and Scheduling Maintenance. More information on this job posting can be found here: Operations Summer Intern
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Please contact us at info@railwaywomen.org, if you have suggestions for newsletter content or if you would like to contribute.
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About the League of Railway Women |
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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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