20 Most Inspirational Women in Rail Announced

Women in Rail (WR) has announced the 20 Most Inspirational Woman in Rail. The search, which was launched in February, is the first such survey of its kind to celebrate women in the rail sector. To qualify, they have had to positively influence others over the course of their railway careers in the rail industry, and who continue to be an inspiration to their peers, colleagues and prospective employees in the rail industry.

© National Railway Museum

The nominees were judged on the number of nominations they received, the impact they have had on their colleagues, customers and the future of the rail sector. Nearly 200 nominations were received from men and women across the industry. The top 20 were selected by the Steering Committee of Women in Rail.

The winners will feature in a series of interviews in July.

Adeline Ginn, founder of Women in Rail said:

“We had a fantastic response to the survey. The UK railway industry employs many amazing women who need to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to our sector and the impact they have on our day-to-day lives. Narrowing the list to 20 was extremely challenging and difficult but it was crucial for us to showcase the 20 women from across the industry who have made a big difference to their managers, peers, colleagues and customers.”

The 20 Most Inspirational Women are:

• Alero Abbey, Area Manager Green Park at London Underground
• Amelia Woodley, Thameslink Environmental Manager at Network Rail
• Charley Whitelock, Community Relations Apprentice at Costain – ATC Joint Venture Project
• Claire Douglas, Driver at Direct Rail Services
• Clare Waller, Head of Timetable Development at Arriva
• Debbie Bewley, Sustainability and Assurance Manager at Carillion Rail
• Dyan Crowther, Chief Operating Officer at GTR
• Helen Kellaway, Lead Systems Engineer at Siemens
• Hollie Woodard , Project Manager at VolkerRail
• Jane Simpson, Chief Engineer at Network Rail
• Lucy Gardner, Senior Engineer at Arup
• Maggie Simpson, Executive Director at Rail Freight Group
• Margaret Kay, Managing Director at Stagecoach Supertram
• Mary Roberts, Managing Director at Cat 1 Training
• Nita Rabadia, Head of Specification and Assurance at HS2 Ltd
• Sally Clarke, Upgrades Delivery Manager (Crossrail & 3rd Party) at Transport for London
• Sara Clark, Commercial Guard at South West Trains
• Susan Cooklin, Route Services Director at Network Rail
• Suzanne Patterson, West Anglia HR Business Partner at London Overground Rail Operations Ltd
• Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director at HS1 Ltd