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Railway Woman of the Year

Since 1998, the League of Railway Women (LRW) has been recognizing excellence in the rail industry by awarding the LRW Railway Woman of the Year award.

Co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading, this annual award honors a woman who exhibits leadership and excellence while supporting the personal and professional growth of others in the rail industry.

Learn more about our previous honorees here.
 



2024 Railway Woman of the Year

The League of Railway Women (LRW) recently named Amtrak Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer (Former – EVP & General Counsel & Corporate Secretary) Eleanor “Eldie” D. Acheson the winner of the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year award.  Acheson was honored at an awards presentation during the 2025 NRC Conference & NRC REMSA Exhibition.

Co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading, this annual award honors a woman who establishes a strong vision, promotes 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.

“LRW's Woman of the Year Advisory Committee was impressed by Eldie's unwavering commitment to creating pathways of opportunity for women and other minorities across the Amtrak organization,” said LRW President Lisa Tackach . “She has championed diversity in our industry, as well as accessibility for Amtrak passengers throughout the system. We learned about her upcoming retirement after selection and are honored to have her represent the League of Railway Women as the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year as she concludes her remarkable career”
 
Acheson has worked at Amtrak for 18 years. She recently stepped down as the company's Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel effective October 1, 2024, and is scheduled to retire from Amtrak effective February 1, 2025. 
 
Acheson created the first Diversity Committee in Amtrak's Law Department, established Notch 8, a professional group for women at Amtrak, and played an integral role in ensuring Amtrak's compliance with the ADA throughout her tenure. Prior to joining Amtrak, Acheson was appointed by President William J. Clinton to serve as the Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of Policy Development (2003). She also advised the Attorney General, other DOJ senior leadership, the counsel to the President, and White House advisors on legal policy issues, serving in that position until January 2001. 

Before her appointment in the DOJ, Acheson spent 19 years as a trial attorney at a private law firm.

Please join us in Congratulating Eldie!

Award Criteria
  • LRW is seeking nominations for an outstanding woman in rail who:
    • Establishes a strong vision and a culture of continuous improvement and creativity;
    • Overcomes challenges with and breaks down barriers, including initiatives that promote and support attracting and retaining women in the rail industry;
    • Impacts the industry through innovation and trail blazing;
    • Brings excellence to her organization and community; and,
    • Cultivates safety, encouraging and demonstrating safe rail practices.
Winner Notification & Award Presentation
  • The award will be presented to the recipient at the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) 2025 Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition, January 5-8, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
Nomination Period
  • The nomination period for the 2024 award is now closed.

Railway Woman of the Year Advisory Committee

In 2019, the inaugural LRW 'Railway Woman of the Year' Advisory Committee was appointed. 

The purpose of the advisory committee is to provide an impartial executive-level review of the candidate applications received by the LRW and make a recommendation.

To be eligible to participate on this committee, each member must be a previous WOY award recipient. The committee shall be comprised of a minimum of at least five women, who commit to a two-year term and are led by a Chair appointed by the LRW Board of Directors. 

The committee lends their industry insight and leadership expertise and assist the LRW Awards Chair in making the final decision in naming the Railway Woman of the Year.

Award Questions