Allyship and inclusivity aren’t just buzz words. They not only translate directly into the recognition of an individual’s or project’s contribution to the organization or community at large, but also mean fostering an environment of support.
The Women in Rail Conference, presented by Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures, returns to Chicago in 2024. After selling out last year, we have expanded this important event to two days—Nov. 5-6—filled with instructive panels covering everything from mentorship to advancing current skillsets so they match evolving technologies, an awards luncheon, and a Metra tour.
Allyship & Industry Inclusivity Panel
Join us on Nov. 5 to be part of a conversation with John Orr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Norfolk Southern (NS); Dewayne Swindall, Vice President of Transportation, NS (recently President and CEO of Indiana Rail Road); and Ronnie Hakim, Senior Vice President, National Transit and Rail Market Sector Leader, HNTB Corp., who will discuss how their companies strive to uphold a culture of respect, sensitivity and acknowledgement. The panel will be moderated by Barbara W. Wilson, Senior Advisor, Railroad Financial Corporation, and Railway Age Women in Rail Awards judge.
“It has been proven that with engaged teams with differing backgrounds, companies perform better than teams that lack diversity,” says Wilson. “Our panel will share their leadership experiences and success stories of promoting an inclusive work environment through advocating for individual team members. They will discuss the actions, behaviors and practices they use to support, and promote, individuals on their teams. A simple message of taking time to understand and support the objectives of their team members will resonate with the audience. These three successful leaders in three successful organizations will share their management tips. Come join us for an engaging dialogue!”
Meet the Panel
John Orr joined NS in 2024 from CPKC where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, and oversaw network operations planning and design, labor relations, and regulatory affairs. Prior to CPKC, he was Executive Vice President of operations at KCS, where he successfully executed Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) initiatives focusing on improving service. Orr is an award-winning expert and author in PSR operations, having worked under Hunter Harrison for decades at CN, and was selected by Railway Age readers as one of 10 Most Influential Leaders in 2023.
Dewayne Swindall was appointed Vice President Transportation at NS on May 27, 2024, after previously serving as President, CEO and Chairman of Indiana Railroad (INRD) since 2021, delivering award winning safety results and organic revenue growth year over year. Prior to his tenure at INRD, Swindall served as a General Manager of CN covering the Gulf Region. He brings experience from the field as a Conductor and Engineer, though all levels of field management. This includes two tenures in Canada with experience leading short line, regional and Class I railroads.
Ronnie Hakim is responsible for collaborating with HNTB’s leadership nationwide on strategic planning and implementation, industry representation, business development, service delivery, and client collaboration and satisfaction. Prior to joining HNTB, she served as the Managing Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), where she was responsible for leading more than 70,000 employees in five operating agencies, overseeing transit systems that carried nine million riders each day. Hakim was also the first woman to serve as the President of MTA New York City Transit running the subways and buses in New York City.
Supporting Organizations
Industry support for the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference is already strong, including sponsorship and promotional partnerships with: TrinityRail (platinum), RailWorks (cocktail reception), CSX (gold), R. J. Corman (registration), Amsted Digital Solutions (bronze), Genesee & Wyoming (bronze), Union Pacific (morning coffee break), Edna A. Rice Executive Recruiters, Inc. (morning coffee break), The National Association of Railway Business Women, and The League of Railway Women.
Learn More
- View the full program and register for Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail 2024.
- To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jonathan Chalon at jchalon@sbpub.com or (212) 620-7224. View the sponsorship kit>>
Don’t Forget!
Through Oct. 1, Railway Age is accepting nominations for its 2024 Women in Rail Awards program, which will honor 20 trailblazers for their achievements in our November issue. These outstanding railroaders will be selected based on their leadership, vision, innovation and accomplishments. This award celebrates female leaders in rail and pioneers with a track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create industry opportunities for women. Entries will be judged by KellyAnne Gallagher, CEO of the Commuter Rail Coalition, and Barbara Wilson, Senior Advisor at Railroad Financial Corporation—both of whom will participate as session speakers and moderators at the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference. Submit your nomination now>>
