From the Editor: On influencing positive change (and celebrating same)

For our second annual Women of Influence in Rail recognition program, we again asked rail-related businesses to nominate the most influential women in their organizations and to share how these women use their talents to help drive positive change within their organizations.

We asked organizations to nominate female employees for recognition in one of four categories: Leadership, Innovation, Technology and Sustainability.

As rail-related businesses continue to cast a wider net to find and develop future influencers, they increasingly are turning to largely untapped talent segments — including women, who according to Data USA made up only 9.4% of the rail transportation workforce in 2023, as Senior Editor Julie Sneider notes in the preface to the 2026 edition. Maybe the percentage is slightly higher today. Regardless, the talent-rich segment is deep.

The response to this year’s Women of Influence nomination call was even stronger than last year’s. In the 2025 edition, we highlighted 50 women deserving of recognition. This year, we’re celebrating 55.

In their detailed nominations, employers told us about leaders who actively listen, who build teams and futures, and successfully encourage others to think (and do) the same.

They shared narratives about innovators who are committed to nurturing continuous improvement, fostering a growth mindset, and finding new ways to organize people and partnerships.

They touted solution seekers who shape and strengthen the way their organizations implement technology.

They highlighted environmental stewards who stay the course.

They shined a light on individuals from a largely untapped talent pool — a shining that, to me, shows they’re committed to do even more tapping. And we’ll continue to celebrate it.

Speaking of celebrating: Join us for a live webcast at 12 noon CDT on Tuesday, March 31, as we celebrate the 2026 Women of Influence in Rail.

Free to attend, this special virtual event will feature recognition of all 55 honorees; a moderated panel discussion with influential industry leaders; and an interactive audience Q&A. Register for the event here. See you there.

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