The Women Who Love Trains

This session is inspired by the book The Men Who Love Trains, which offers a unique perspective of American railroad industry, highlighting the key players who led the railroad's growth from the 1960s to the 1990s, all of whom were men. This panel will explore the shifts that have occurred within the freight rail industry, particularly focusing on the increase in leadership diversity and the evolving ways we transport goods and people. Special attention will be given to how dynamic women have helped inspire change in the industry. Today, women are taking a strong position in an $80 billion industry, reshaping its future. This session will feature firsthand accounts of women making strides in this field, along with initiatives they are leading to enhance freight rail’s competitiveness. The discussion will include prominent female leaders, early trailblazers, and key statistics highlighting the rise in female participation over time.