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LRW Director-At-Large & SPRING Founder and President Michele Malski named 2021 LRW Member of the Year
Washington, D.C., October 29, 2021 – The League of Railway Women (LRW) is happy to announce this year's member of the year Michele Malski, LRW Director-At-Large and Founder and President of Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING).
Washington, D.C., October 29, 2021 – The League of Railway Women (LRW) is happy to announce this year's member of the year Michele Malski, LRW Director-At-Large and Founder and President of Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING).“Since joining the LRW Board of Directors in 2019, Michele has brought her enthusiastic and inspired passion for the rail industry to every part of our organization,” said Amanda Trainor Patrick, LRW President. “From hosting our entertaining industry-renowned social sessions to supporting the development of our mentorship program to enhancing our annual conference program, Michele's contributions have elevated the LRW with our membership.”
Michele is a second-generation railroader, who founded SPRING to help recruit next generation railroaders for employers and helps them retain their skilled talent through various custom training and mentorship programs.
Her inspiration to start her own business came from her father who had mentored her from the start to follow her passion in connecting others within this industry. As her father had done for her, Michele now does the same for others and helps guide career seekers and next generation candidates who are looking to make a change in their lives and a follow a path less traveled - a path within the railroad industry.
Prior to starting SPRING, Michele was Manager of Safety and Hazmat Training Programs for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA)/Short Line Safety Institute in Washington, D.C.; Trainmaster for BNSF operating out of Minot, ND; Division Trainmaster for Canadian Pacific in Binghamton, NY; and, Operational Manager with Bombardier Transportation and MARC Commuter Lines in Baltimore, MD.
She is the temporary mentorship chair for ASLRRA's Young Professional's Committee and recently joined the board of directors for the Transportation Club of Kansas.
Michele has an undergraduate degree from Cornell University with a major in Industrial Labor Relations and Law and Society, an MBA from Quantic University, and a specialty credential in diversity and inclusion from the Society of Human Resource Management.
She is an avid runner with her two dogs Charlemagne and Marcella, and her "pack" cheers for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“The member of the year award helps us showcase the talents and efforts of our greatest champions,” said Lisa Tackach, LRW Awards Chair. “Michele joins a diverse register of members whose support and dedication have contributed to LRW's mission of connecting and cultivating women in rail since 1998.”
The 2022 nomination form will be available on the LRW website, www.railwaywomen.org/member-of-the-year this spring.
For further information: Media Contact: Emilia Marceta, LRW Chair, Public Relations & Outreach, E-Mail: staff@railwaywomen.org; LRW Awards Contact: Lisa Tackach, LRW Awards Chair, E-Mail: awards@railwaywomen.org.
About Us
Founded in 1997, the League of Railway Women (LRW) is committed to improving the railroad industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail. Our mission is to advance the representation, recognition and opportunities for women, thereby promoting diversity and improving the business results of the railroad industry. Learn more at www.railwaywomen.org; follow the LRW on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.