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LRW Announces 2025 Woman of the Year
The League of Railway Women (LRW) recently named Dianne Barnett, assistant vice president of mechanical at Norfolk Southern, as the winner of the 2025 Railway Woman of the Year award. Barnett was honored at an awards presentation during the 2026 NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition.png)
The League of Railway Women (LRW) recently named Norfolk Southern's Assistant Vice President of Mechanical, Dianne Barnett the winner of the 2025 Railway Woman of the Year award. Barnett was honored at an awards presentation during the 2026 NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition.
Co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading, this annual award, originally presented in 1998, has honored a woman who establishes a strong vision and a culture of continuous improvement and creativity, and brings excellence to her organization and community, all while supporting the personal and professional growth of others in the rail industry.
The 2025 Woman of the Year leads with clear and steady vision rooted in optimism, accountability and progress. She believes leadership begins with understanding the “shadow you cast,” and she is intentional about modeling positivity, unity and resilience for her teams. Under Dianne's leadership, success is celebrated, setbacks become learning opportunities, and collaboration drives meaningful, measurable improvement.
Over a 27-year career, she has shown remarkable resilience. Beginning as a stenographer clerk in Birmingham, she stepped outside of her comfort zone to transition into operations as a locomotive supervisor, earning trust through consistency, respect and her willingness to learn in the field. That experience shaped her belief that growth happens when we challenge ourselves and invest in others.
“Each award season reminds us of the incredible talent and leadership shaping our industry, and this year was no exception. The Woman of the Year Advisory Committee faced a challenging task, but Dianne's ability to inspire those she leads, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her passion for elevating the contributions of those around her set her apart. She is not only deserving of this honor, but she also embodies the very spirit of progress and excellence we celebrate.” – Denise Williams, LRW Awards Chair.
“This award is not about separating women from open competition, nor is it about diminishing the broader accomplishments across our industry. The Railway Woman of the Year award exists to recognize and elevate contributions in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented,” said LRW President Lisa Tackach during the award presentation. “Through Dianne's vision, innovation, safety and compassion, she has elevated her organization and the rail community, embodying what it truly means to lead with excellence.”
Please join us in congratulating Dianne in her extraordinary leadership, lasting impact, and unwavering commitment to advancing our industry and the people within it!
The Woman of the Year Advisory Committee, comprised of former Woman of the Year recipients, led by LRW Awards Chair, Denise Williams, recommends an award recipient to the LRW Board of Directors each year.