Rising Stars 2026: Angelica Robinson 

Angelica Robinson, 39 
General director, transportation planning and scheduling 
Union Pacific Railroad 

Nominator’s quote: “Angelica Robinson has built a reputation for strategic thinking, disciplined execution and the ability to deliver enterprise-wide outcomes in complex, high-pressure environments. Her leadership has directly improved operational performance across dispatching, network planning, automation and cross-railroad collaboration, leaving a measurable and lasting impact on Union Pacific and the broader industry.” — Tonya Eggspuehler, UP 
 
Education: Bachelor of Science from Creighton University; MBA from Bellevue University.  
 
Job responsibilities: I lead the development of systemwide transportation plans that enhance operational fluidity, strengthen long-term service reliability, and support strategic growth objectives. I oversee analytical initiatives to improve terminal and mainline efficiency, direct evaluation processes that enhance root-cause identification and corrective-action development, and provide leadership coaching that builds a strong bench of operational and analytical talent. My team ensures that network design, scheduling and technology strategies are aligned to deliver consistent, customer-focused performance. 
 
Describe your career path. 
I began my career with Union Pacific in 2013 as a train dispatcher in Omaha, Nebraska, where I managed territory spanning from Chicago through Iowa and Wisconsin. In 2014, I had the opportunity to relocate to Chicago and dispatch the Chicago terminal. 

After returning to Omaha in 2015, I dispatched several territories across the Southern Region, including the North Little Rock, Fort Worth and San Antonio terminals. In 2018, I transitioned into Network Planning & Operations as a manager of transportation planning, where I was responsible for strategic planning across multiple Southern Region service units. I then was promoted to director of corridor planning, leading a team focused on the Northeast portion of the network. 

In January 2025, I moved into the role of senior director of operations support for the Harriman Dispatching Center. I led technology initiatives focused on dispatcher automation while also overseeing dispatcher hiring and safety programs. Most recently, I transitioned back to Network Planning & Operations, where I currently lead the strategic planning efforts for our bulk, intermodal and gateway product lines.
 
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 
Babysitting. It taught me responsibility at an early age, as I was entrusted with the safety and well-being of others. I learned the importance of being reliable, dependable and following through on commitments. The experience also strengthened my communication skills, as I needed to build trust with both parents and children, adapt to different situations and handle unexpected challenges calmly. More broadly, it showed me the value of earning trust and the impact that accountability and clear communication have in any role. 
 
What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive? 
Railroading has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad worked for the railroad for more than 38 years, and growing up I saw firsthand how challenging, rewarding and meaningful his career was. Watching his experiences made me believe the railroad could be a place where I could build a fulfilling career of my own. 

When I first talked to my dad about joining the industry, he encouraged me to consider train dispatching because it would provide a strong foundation for understanding railroad operations. I took his advice, applied the very next day, and the rest is history. I also take pride in being part of an industry with such a rich history and a vital role in connecting communities, supporting the economy and serving the country. Knowing that the work we do has a real impact is what makes rail a place where I continue to thrive. 
 
What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career? 
Advice I received on my first day as a dispatcher: Know what you don't know, and don't be afraid to ask questions. It has stayed with me throughout my career. 

I've also made it a goal to learn something new every day. By building strong relationships, seeking out different perspectives and being willing to ask questions, I've gained knowledge and experiences far beyond what I initially imagined. It has also given me the confidence to step into unfamiliar situations, take on new challenges, and continuously grow both professionally and personally. 
 
What are your passions outside of work? 
I love being on the sidelines of one of my kids’ many activities. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through pilates, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs football team and traveling. More recently, I've discovered a new hobby — playing Mahjong. It's become a fun way to spend time and connect with others while enjoying a little friendly competition. 
 
How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry? 
By looking for opportunities to improve the way we operate and by embracing challenges that push me outside my comfort zone. Throughout my career, some of my greatest growth has come from taking on unfamiliar responsibilities and finding solutions to complex problems. I want to continue bringing that mindset to every role I take on. 

The railroad industry depends on people who can adapt, think critically, and work collaboratively to keep operations running safely and efficiently. By leveraging my operational experience, building strong partnerships across departments and remaining focused on continuous improvement, I hope to contribute to making our processes more effective and our teams more successful. 

I also believe that impact is measured not only by individual accomplishments, but by the success of those around you. Whether it's supporting a teammate, sharing knowledge or helping navigate a challenge, I want to be someone others can rely on and a positive influence on the people and teams I work with.
 
What’s the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today? 
One of the biggest is balancing growth and service expectations with the need to continue modernizing and evolving. Our customers expect reliable, efficient and flexible service, while the industry is also navigating changes in technology, workforce demographics and an increasingly complex supply chain environment. 

To meet these challenges, railroads must continue investing in technology, developing the next generation of talent and finding innovative ways to improve operational efficiency while maintaining a strong commitment to safety. At the same time, it's important that we continue telling the railroad story — highlighting the critical role role rail plays in supporting the economy, connecting communities and providing one of the most sustainable transportation options available. Our industry has a long history of adapting and innovating, and I believe the organizations that continue to embrace change, invest in their people and focus on delivering value to customers will be well positioned for the future.