Railway Woman of the Year


The League of Railway Women (LRW) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Railway Woman of the Year Award. This honor recognizes an outstanding leader in the rail industry who consistently demonstrates excellence, drives innovation, and paves the way for future generations.

Candidate Criteria

We are seeking an extraordinary woman in rail who:

  • Envisions & Leads: Establishes a bold vision while fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
  • Breaks Barriers: Overcomes industry challenges and drives initiatives that help attract, retain, and advance women in rail.
  • Blazes Trails: Delivers a lasting impact on the rail sector through bold innovation and industry leadership.
  • Drives Excellence: Brings high standards of leadership and dedication to both her organization and her local community.
  • Champions Safety: Cultivates a safety-first mindset, actively demonstrating and promoting safe rail practices.

Key Dates & Presentation

Nomination Period: September 1 – October 9, 2026

Award Presentation: The recipient will be honored at the NRC 2027 Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition.

Selection Process: Nominations are reviewed and evaluated by our Railway Woman of the Year Advisory Committee.

Questions? Contact the awards team at awards@railwaywomen.org.
 

 

Honoring Our 2025 Railway Woman of the Year

The League of Railway Women is proud to celebrate Dianne Barnett, Assistant Vice President of Mechanical at Norfolk Southern, as the 2025 Railway Woman of the Year. Dianne was honored for her extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to safety, and 27-year career of resilience and impact—growing from a stenographer clerk to a top executive shaping the future of rail.

“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

Read the full announcement & view past honorees.

Questions? Contact the awards team at awards@railwaywomen.org.