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Do you know a trailblazing woman in rail? Nominate a colleague (or yourself) who is paving the way for others to make a career in the industry, and join Railway Age in celebrating Women in Rail for the tenth annual year!

Women are significantly influencing today’s rail industry. Railway Age’s 2026 Women in Rail Awards will honor 25 trailblazers for their achievements in our November issue. Nominees may come from any area of the railroad industry—freight/passenger, engineer/builder/supplier, and regulatory agencies, the newest category that recognizes the importance of our regulators. These outstanding railroaders will be selected based on their leadership, vision, innovation and accomplishments.

Now in its tenth anniversary year, our awards program celebrates women leaders in rail and women trailblazers with a track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create industry opportunities for women. Entries will be judged by Barbara Wilson, CEO of Eagle Railcar Services, and Catherine Rinaldi, Executive Vice President of Gateway Development Commission, with input from the Railway Age staff.

Eligibility:
  • The nominee must be located within the 50 states, Canada and/or Mexico.
  • There is no limit on the number of entries each firm or person can submit (multiple nominations for one candidate do NOT boost chances), and there is no entry fee.
  • Nominees may come from any area of the railroad industry: freight/passenger, engineer/builder/supplier, and regulatory agencies, our newest category.
  • Candidates may nominate themselves.

Judging Criteria:
- Industry experience and education
- Leadership skills
- Industry contributions
- Community service involvement

Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Headshots: If your nominee is selected as an honoree, we will be in touch to ask for a high-resolution (preferably 300 dpi or higher) headshot.

Complete the form to enter. Entries are final. Please have your responses fully prepared before submitting.
1.Nominee’s Name(Required.)
2.Name of Nominee’s Employer(Required.)
3.Nominee's Job Title(Required.)
4.Nominee’s Email Address(Required.)
5.Nominee’s Phone Number(Required.)
6.Nominee Employer’s Address(Required.)
7.Licensures/Certifications/Accreditations/Honors/Awards(Required.)
8.Nominator’s Name – if different from Nominee
9.Nominator’s relationship to Nominee(Required.)
10.Nominator’s Employer and Job Title (if different from nominee)
11.Nominator’s Email Address (if different from nominee)
12.Nominator’s Phone Number (if different from nominee)
13.Country (Nominee must be located within the 50 states, Canada and/or Mexico)(Required.)
14.Number of Years in Industry
15.College Name(s) & Degree(s) – Please put n/a if not applicable(Required.)
16.Degree Type - Please put n/a if not applicable(Required.)
17.Industry Impact: List the contributions that the nominee has made to the rail industry thus far. Please provide examples.(Required.)
18.Community service involvement: How has the nominee given back to the industry (such as, by lifting up other women or underrepresented colleagues, or community service involvement)?(Required.)
19.Leadership: How has the candidate shown good leadership skills? Provide specific examples of the nominee demonstrating leadership.(Required.)
20.Strength: Provide specific examples of the nominee overcoming a challenge (include the circumstances and tangible outcomes.)(Required.)