When:
June 12, 2024, from 1 pm – 4 pm EDT
Cost:
$50 (Adults), $500 (Groups – 10 People), FREE (Students)
Proceeds will fund a scholarship for a deserving woman looking for a career in rail.
VIEWING PARTY: We are pleased to offer a group rate (for 10 people) so that companies can hold viewing parties for staff members interested in attending the conference. As an exciting addition, if you send us a photo of your viewing party for our social media, you will be entered into a random draw for a coffee party on behalf of the RAC. You set the date and time and we will take care of the rest!
Speakers
Meet our incredible lineup of speakers and panelists.
Professor Maja
Keynote Speaker
I am a sociologist, author and TEDx speaker. I’m also a confidence-builder and apology-hater. I graduated with a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2014 (focusing on the sociology of women’s health), with no clear career in mind, until I attended an academic conference that completely changed the trajectory of my research, my career and my life.
Michele Malski
Moderator
Michele Malski, a second generation railroader, graduated from Cornell University with a major in Industrial Labor Relations, minor in Law and Society, and obtained her MBA with Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, DC. Malski also retains a certification in Inclusion and Diversity from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Sherri Vieira
Sherri is the first female Trainmaster in Operations at Southern Railway of British Columbia where she started in 2014 as an Assistant Conductor. She qualified as a conductor, then locomotive engineer, making her one of three female locomotive engineers in company history. During this time, she served in the Union, safety committee, and on various committees.
Vanessa KnaptonSenior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Field Services Division, Cathcart Rail
Vanessa Knapton works for the largest independent railcar repair network in the US. She oversees the business development for Cathcart’s Field Services Division, where her teams function as car departments for short line railroads. With over 50 partnerships to maintain, Knapton functions as the liaison between host railroads and the repair operating teams.
Stephanie ShrumProject Manager Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
Stephanie has been in the employment services field for 18 years, in a number of different roles from Employment Counsellor to Director of Employment Services with Pathways Employment Help Centre before joining the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum as a Program Manager.
Leslie-Anne Lewis
Leslie-Anne Lewis is a Human Resource professional with over 25 years of experience in various Human Resources and Labour Relations roles. She is known as a courageous, passionate, outspoken leader and colleague.
Michelle ArdronManager, Trains Operations, VIA Rail Canada
Michelle began her railway career in 1988 hiring on with CP Rail as a yardman brakeman. In 1992 Michelle qualified as a locomotive engineer and was their first female for the Toronto Division.
Themes
What does railroading look like for women in operations?
For those curious to learn more about the industry and how they fit into it, this panel will explore the unique experiences of women in rail operations and offer insight into how success may differ from their male counterparts. The discussion promises to be a great way to learn about the industry’s advancements in creating inclusive environments, including flexible hours, parental leave, and more. You won’t want to miss it!
Career progression in rail and retaining our talent.
Hear from seasoned #tRAILblazers as they dive into the diverse career opportunities within the rail industry and the endless possibilities for growth and advancement. Key discussions will focus on strategies for attracting and retaining talented women in this dynamic and exciting sector.
Schedule
13:00 – 13:05
Welcome and opening remarks by Lora Smith, Vice-President, Public and Government Affairs, Railway Association of Canada.
13:05 – 14:05
Professor Maja – Forget the apologies & learn to lead with confidence
Professor Maja is a sociologist, author and TEDx speaker. She is also a confidence-builder and apology-hater. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2014 (focusing on the sociology of women’s health), with no clear career in mind, until she attended an academic conference that completely changed the trajectory of her research, her career, and her life. At that conference, she witnessed women at the pinnacle of their career deflecting praise (we call that feminine modesty) and over-apologizing for mundane issues. She immediately became obsessed with apologies.
14:05 – 15:00
Panel 1 – What does railroading look like for women in operations?
Does success look different for women working in operations in comparison to their male counterparts? How has the industry improved conditions in operations for women in rail (ex: flex hours, parental leave, and inclusivity).
Moderator: Michele Malski, President and Founder, SPRING
Sherri Vieira, Trainmaster, Southern Railway of British Columbia
Vanessa Knapton, Senior Vice President, Sales – Field Services at Cathcart Rail
Speaker to be confirmed
15:00 – 15:55
Panel 2 – Career progression in rail and retaining our talent
The rail industry can offer you a job in basically any field you are interested in and the opportunities for growth and movement are endless. Like many sectors today, attracting and retaining talent is a challenge. What can the railways do to keep attracting women to this exciting and diverse industry?
Moderator: Michele Malski, President and Founder, SPRING
Leslie-Anne Lewis, Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CN
Stephanie Shrum, Program Manager, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
Michelle Ardron, Manager, Trains Operations, VIA Rail Canada
15:55 – 16:00
Closing Remarks by Lora Smith, Vice-President, Public and Government Affairs, Railway Association of Canada.
Benefits
Discover the benefits of attending the Women In Rail conference:
Professional development and career advancement. Eager to start a career in Rail?
Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.
Access to the latest trends and developments in rail industry.