Message from the President

LRIW Strong Support for the Railroad Industry

The League of Railway Industry Women is dedicated to providing leadership and support for the personal and professional growth of women at every level in railroading and railway-related business. Members benefit from educational formats as well as active projects that are a part of the LRIW’s role. Conferences held at various member work-sites afford active participation and experiences for women across the United States.

The saying goes, “I have been down this road before.” Well, I have certainly been travelling along these tracks a while. I began working in the railway industry in1997 and have been an active member of the LRIW these many years. I understand the challenges LRIW has faced historically as well as those we have to address today. I am honored to serve as President of this fine organization. I thank you for your confidence in me, and I will work hard to keep us focused and on track to accomplish current goals and reach new heights of success. The leaders and members of LRIW have a remarkable history of visionary purpose and have worked hard to establish this very worthwhile organization. It is a new era at LRIW and revitalization, passion for our mission, and strong leadership is needed so that we can not only continue to serve the women in our industry, but to challenge ourselves to be more, think “outside the box”, and be visionaries for women.

Groundwork lain by former officers and the founding members, and especially outgoing Director Kathy Keeney, has paved the way for LRIW’s future growth. LRIW appreciates the generous support from Progressive Railroading Magazine’s staff as well as the many other organizations who have hosted our conferences. As President of LRIW, I look forward to your continued support and working closely with you to achieve greater degrees of success for our members and the entire railway industry.

We are moving into a new era, and although the nation is experiencing severe financial challenges, LRIW and the railway industry can excel and grow by keeping our focus positive and making changes that take us to new heights of success. Efforts we will employ during my term include:

• We will hold educational seminars and workshops in geographic locations that reach members and potential new members across the world, expanding the membership over the borders of the US to Mexico, Latin America and Canada. One state we are looking to recruit is Alaska.

• Employ new creative and powerful strategies that energize and mobilize our mission and passion.

• Enlist support from the railroads, locomotive and car manufacturers, rail repair shops, locomotive and car parts manufacturers and reconditioners, rail consultants, AAR and others. Encourage increase participation in workshops, conferences, and other complementary events.

• Encourage employers to support membership among employees, increase active participation and communication.

• Increase support from rail trade press, local media sources, national and worldwide exposure for LRIW’s mission.

We have come so far, and yet have so much distance to go. This organization is fueled by women of courage, vision, and strong work ethic, and this train is rolling. Climb aboard ladies. Let’s all work together and do it!

Sincerely,

Araceli Martinez
LRIW President
amartinez@progressrail.com

• Click here to view LRIW Founders Page

• Click here to download LRIW Bylaws.