Job history: Raquel began her Metro-North Railroad (MNR) career as an intern from June 20 to Aug. 17, 2024, where she supported operational analysis and gained firsthand experience with the railroad's performance metrics and service planning functions. She joined the organization full time on Oct. 9, 2024, as manager of research and analysis. In this role, she leads key analytical initiatives, develops data-driven insights to support strategic decision making, and partners across departments to strengthen MNR's operational performance. She is also a part of the NXT Leadership Group made up of outstanding individuals who are making an impact at MNR.

Why she's influential as an innovator: In the realm of overtime data management, Raquel redefined how the railroad interprets and utilizes data. By delivering weekly, monthly and annual insights, she shifted overtime projections from reactive to predictive, enabling smarter decision-making. Her innovative use of Power BI analytics has optimized staffing levels for weather and emergency standby scenarios, identified trends among top overtime earners, and supported preemptive business cases to mitigate high-risk projects.

Raquel consistently transforms bold ideas into impactful solutions that elevate performance and accountability. Her work is not only reshaping internal systems but also setting a new standard for operational excellence in the rail industry.