Power Behind the Rails: RT&S 2025 Women in Rail Engineering

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ATLANTA - Celebrating fourteen dedicated women in rail engineering, these winners make the fourth annual list for this award.

Since the inaugural award first appeared in our July 2021 issue, 59 women (including the 14 women who made this year’s list) have been honored by Railway Track and Structures as an exemplary woman in rail engineering. These women have worked at Class Is, Short Lines, suppliers, passenger rail agencies, engineering and consulting firms and more across the industry. They have worked tirelessly over many years to get to where they are. 

When RT&S sent out a call for nominations, there came a flood of submissions of countless women of all different backgrounds and experiences who are more than deserving of this award. It then gives the editorial team a difficult task of sorting through and selecting the absolute best of the best to represent this year’s group: a group that will be recognized at an awards luncheon at the annual Railway Age/RT&S Women in Rail conference held in Schaumburg, Illinois from October 15-16, 2025. 

Read about the 14 dedicated women who deserve to be recognized for their work and achievements from their nominators across the rail industry. Congratulations from all of us at Railway Track and Structures! 

MaryClara (MC) Jones 
Executive Director of Corporate Strategy & Technology 
MxV Rail 

MaryClara (MC) Jones has a distinguished career in the rail industry and has served many roles. During her time at MxV Rail, she has held diverse roles across Engineering, Marketing, Software Services, and most recently, led the team responsible for the design and development of MxV Rail’s new facilities at PuebloPlex and the Pueblo Industrial Park which included the creation of critical infrastructure such as the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST)®, the Operations and Training Center, High Speed Loop, Impact Wall and Track, Heavy Duty Maintenance Facility, and the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) full-scale training scenarios. 

Her engineering expertise spans vehicle dynamic studies, qualification testing of new passenger rail equipment, Instrumented Wheelset (IWS) design and testing, wheel/rail interaction studies, and standards development for passenger vehicles. She has also led internal research and development (IR&D) initiatives, including the next-generation IWS system and a comprehensive database of global standards for passenger vehicle qualification testing. MC Jones has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement through her active involvement in several educational and outreach initiatives. She has played a key role in the Pueblo Works program, a collaborative partnership between Pueblo School District 60 Paragon Online School and MxV Rail that helps to mentor high-risk youth. MC’s career is a testament to her ability to bridge engineering rigor with strategic foresight, making her a standout leader in the rail industry. 

Rannah Simmonds 
Engineer – Track & Structures West 
CPKC 

Rannah Simmonds joined CPKC in 2020 as an Engineer in Training and was promoted to Engineer in 2024. In 2021, as the Management Chair of CPKC’s Internal Health and Safety Committee, Rannah led her team to earn the prestigious award for “Most Effective Engineering Health and Safety Committee.” Her proactive leadership and dedication to workplace safety were instrumental in this achievement. Rannah also represents CPKC with distinction at Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen Committee (FAMES) meetings, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to advancing industry standards. In this Committee, she plays a key role with other members in analyzing fatalities and other incidents, focusing on identifying risks, trends, and factors affecting roadway worker safety. Dedicated to continuous professional growth, she recently broadened her expertise in track infrastructure by completing CPKC’s rigorous in-house regulatory track inspection course. This certification qualifies her to conduct track inspections across Canada, further solidifying her technical proficiency and commitment to excellence in railway operations.   

Rannah exemplifies excellence as a professional engineer and leader, making her a standout candidate for this award. Achieving her Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification in 2024, she managed this significant milestone while successfully navigating the high stakes demands of her leadership role at CPKC. Widely regarded as the face of CPKC across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, Rannah seamlessly collaborates with transportation teams, city officials and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth, uninterrupted rail operations, particularly in critical hubs such as Winnipeg and the Lakehead region. Rannah oversees track infrastructure and cost management across CPKC’s Central Division, balancing strict budgetary discipline with strategic alignment. For the past three years, she has spearheaded major geotechnical initiatives including innovative and highly complex projects on the Emerson and Lariviere subdivisions. Beyond her technical capabilities, Rannah is a trusted mentor known for training other leaders in investigative procedures and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her impact as a respected female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry serves as a powerful inspiration further elevating her contributions to the field and making her an ideal candidate for this award.   

Kari Harris 
Senior Manager – Environment 
CN Railway 

Kari Harris has more than 30 years of experience with wetland and stormwater regulations under her belt that stretches throughout the U.S. and more than 13 years of experience in the Maintenance of Way industry. As a Senior Manager for the Environment at CN, Kari has been the driver of the sustainability and resiliency (S&R) effort for AREMA. From 2021 to 2024, Harris presided as chair of AREMA Committee 13 where she oversaw the development of AREMA’s whitepaper and led organizing  the AREMA S&R Ambassadors program. Harris’ work will be remembered as a “legacy for AREMA’s, and the rail industry’s as a whole, S&R efforts for decades to come,” said her nominator. They continued, “I have personally been working with Kari as the Secretary and then Vice-Chair of AREMA Committee 13 for eight years, since 2017. I have seen her dedication both to environmental permitting and compliance at CN and to sustainability for the railroad industry as a whole.” 

Karen Hankinson 
Senior Team Leader | Rail Engineering & Design 
Olsson 

Karen has spent more than three decades shaping the future of rail transportation across the United States. Her journey began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fullerton, and has since spanned leadership roles, technical innovation, and industry-wide influence.  Karen is a licensed professional engineer in 29 states and a registered traffic engineer in California. Her credentials also include BNSF Contractor Safety Certification, eRailsafe Certification, American Red Cross CPR/First Aid, and several Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Precertifications, which have allowed her to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects with confidence and precision.  She has been the driving force behind major initiatives such as the Orange County Grade Crossings Safety Enhancement project, where she designed and provided construction support for queue cutters and presignals at 20 grade crossings. Her work on the Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Grade Crossing Improvement Project brought innovative traffic engineering solutions to 12 crossings, directly improving safety for both rail and road users.  Karen’s expertise extends to systemwide contracts with major railroads like Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and BNSF, where she and her team provide ongoing traffic engineering support and training. Industry leadership is another hallmark of Karen’s career. She serves on the National Committee of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD), contributes to the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA) Committee 36 on Grade Crossings, and chairs the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) Grade Crossing Committee. These roles allow her to influence policy, share best practices, and mentor the next generation of rail professionals. 

Karen Hankinson’s career in the rail industry reads like a blueprint for progress and safety. Her work with public agencies, DOTs, and consultants has helped refine grade crossing designs, making communities safer and more connected.  Karen’s impact on the rail industry is measured not just in miles of track or number of crossings, but in the lives made safer and the standards elevated. Her commitment to public engagement, training, and collaboration has fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Through her leadership, technical acumen, and industry involvement, Karen Hankinson has left an indelible mark on rail safety and innovation.   

Lisa Hoekenga 
Director – Rail Bridges and Structures 
Michael Baker International 

As a member of AREMA for more than ten years and a member of AREMA Committee 8 since 2021, Hoekenga has multiple awards and presentations under her belt, including the 2021 ACEC Outstanding Specifical Project Award for the FDOT Emergency Rail Bridge Replacement and the 2023 Don Conaway Category #3 Partnering Award, Ohio Department Transportation, Ohio Contractors Association for the Opportunity Corridor Phase 3 Design Build. She also received the Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Ohio for the Norfolk Southern Seven Mile Bridge over Cotton Run. Hoekenga is a 10+ year member of Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) and has served as President of the Chapter from 2016 to 2017 and Regional Representative and Past President from 2018 to 2022. She is active in her community as a volunteer during an annual middle school career day where she promotes the Civil Engineering field and at a local all-girl high school she attended to promote careers in STEM. 

Lisa has been an unwavering force in the railroad engineering industry, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Lisa has been at Michael Baker for 10 years and is currently the Director of the Rail Bridges and Structures Group. There was no rail bridge group when she started at Michael Baker in 2015. She started by hiring two new graduates shortly after joining and has grown the group to 20+ employees today, all of which are located spread across the nation and delivering rail structure solutions to clients nationwide. She was appointed Assistant Vice President at Michael Baker International in January 2024.  

Her nominator said, “Lisa deserves to be honored as an RT&S Woman in Engineering for her profound impact on the industry, her leadership within Michael Baker and AREMA, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of railroad engineers. Her unwavering support for her colleagues, advocacy for women in engineering, and drive to push the industry forward make her a standout candidate for recognition – and we can’t forget to include her passion for rail bridges!” 

Samantha Meyer 
Manager of Track Maintenance 
Union Pacific 

Throughout Samantha’s career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the field of track engineering. Her journey has been shaped by the pioneering efforts of many female engineers who paved the way before her, and she is dedicated to continuing their legacy by forging new paths and driving progress in the industry. Samantha recently transitioned to a new role within UP’s Maintenance of Way team, providing her with invaluable knowledge and growth opportunities. As the manager of a team of 16 localized track maintenance members spread across approximately 250 miles of track, she has successfully planned and executed both proactive and reactive maintenance activities to ensure the safe movement of train traffic. This role requires her to coordinate and build small-scale improvement projects, maintain track to the highest standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific, and effectively communicate goals across large distances.  

She’s embraced the foundational pillars of safety, service, and operational excellence while recognizing the diverse environments, individuals, skill sets, and communication styles within her team. In a previous role, she led large-scale capital tie projects aimed at track renewal for the longevity of the infrastructure. With a team of 48 members, she communicated, aligned goals, and provided influence regarding safety, quality, and productivity, which significantly contributed to the engagement and growth of the team. Through 11 different tie projects, they installed nearly 275,000 ties over seven states in the Pacific Northwest, maintaining a reportable injury-free record and achieving an average quality audit of 98%. Accurate tracking and management of over $80 million in capital expenditure were crucial to the success of each project, despite challenges such as environmental difficulties, public influence, unfamiliar work schedules, policy changes, and employee movement. 

Heather Padavell 
Project Manager 
Watco 

As a professional engineer in Edmonton, Alberta, Heather spent the initial part of her 15-year career as a civil design engineer. Her leadership skills and interest in the big picture enabled growth and advancement to project engineering and then project management, where she has been leading projects in transportation for the last six years. Her involvement on a light rail transit (LRT) project in Edmonton, Alberta, over the last three years was her segue into freight rail design and construction for Watco, where she started in January 2025. Having worked with Watco less than a year, Heather has exceeded expectations as a project manager and assumed responsibility at the program management level where she is negotiating agreements directly with its customer. Heather is leading a $170 million rail expansion project across two brownfield industrial sites in Alberta Canada, constructing 80,000 feet of track and a rail car wash facility that can wash eight hopper cars at a time. Managing brownfield sites within a very large expansion project significantly increases complexity and presents a project manager with many unanticipated challenges. Heather has demonstrated exceptional capability to get her arms around a very wide, challenging scope and has become the central point of leadership to ensure all Watco project resources are managing their activities and interfacing with other third-party construction teams to ensure timing and alignment of Watco construction with other site activity.

Padavell’s nominator said, “I am 33 years into my career of leading engineering and project management teams. I have seen a lot of high performers, and I would put Heather in the top 2% of engineers and project managers I have worked with. Although I am more than twice as deep in my career as Heather, I learn from her daily and have become a better leader as a result of working with her. She raises the bar for all around her. We are thrilled to have Heather on our team and are excited to grow with her as her career progresses.      These are just some of the distinctions that contribute to Heather’s success. She is an excellent representative in our industry and would be an ideal selection for Women in Rail [Engineering] recognition.” 

Rita Bulsara 
Senior Program Manager 
RailPros 

Rita Bulsara is a strong leader, a licensed Civil Engineer, and an experienced Project/Program Manager who has directed large-scale state, federal, and municipal railway and highway projects across a two-decade career. Since joining RailPros in 2023, Rita has served as the Project Manager for multiple concurrent railyard improvement/expansion projects for trash transfer stations, transload facilities, and industrial parks and served as the quality manager for a 300’ double track bridge replacement project and two passenger station improvements projects in Southern California. Most recently, she was the Project Manager for an LRT system state-of-good-repair assessment and is currently managing the preliminary design for improvements to an industrial lead and grade crossing that experiences frequent flooding. She also serves as the East Region Quality Manager for RailPros. Rita began her career as a Roadway Designer for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where she joined a rotation-based training program that equipped individuals to become successful project managers. After serving 10 years as a Project Manager with FDOT, she went on to spend her next 6 years as a Sr. Program Manager at NJ TRANSIT (NJT), where she was responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Superstorm Sandy Resilience Program work and other major rail and transit projects.  

In a profession where women are underrepresented, Rita was fortunate and privileged to have strong female role models from the early days of her career. This experience has led to her passion for mentoring younger women that are entering into the workforce, using her knowledge of the railroad industry and project management. For instance, during her time at NJT, Rita sat on the panel that presented the agency’s capital program of projects to community organizations, many of them small and women-owned businesses. In addition, while at RailPros, she has supported young female rail engineers by mentoring a RailPros PM intern and participating in the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s career fairs. She also serves on the company’s Employee Engagement Committee. Following in the footsteps of the women who she looked up to as a young engineer, Rita is using her professional experience to help light the way for other women within the rail industry. 

Desiree Gilani 
System Safety Integration Engineer 
Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. 

Desiree’s role at Kiewit began in summer 2020, during the height of the pandemic. It was in her first role as integration lead on Kiewit’s WMATA Metro Rail Platform Rehab in Washington D.C., where Desiree had to come up to speed fast to understand the technical challenges of WMATA’s existing systems and coordinate with the responsible stakeholders. The sheer size of the organization and its systems was a challenge, and since the project’s end, Desiree has continued to work on transit projects. At Kiewit, her role has expanded to include all aspects of systems engineering. Along with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Gilani holds memberships in APTA, AREMA and WTS in addition to PTSCTP and TSSP certifications. 

Desiree assists the travelling public as part of her volunteer work at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport. As an avid supporter of rail, Gilani’s nominator wrote that Desiree “is the most ardent advocate for public transportation I’ve come across in my 20 years of working in the transit space. Since the end of the WMATA Platform Rehab project, Desiree moved to Washington, D.C. from her hometown of Denver and now utilizes the metro rail system daily for commuting into the office. What started as a general interest in public transportation has turned into a personal advocacy.  Desiree has personal contacts with rail operators and will meet for coffee to better understand how the system works. She sold her car during her move to rely on the WMATA rail and bus systems to get around and explore new neighborhoods. It even extends down to the smallest of gestures, whether that be picking up litter in stations to keep things tidy or even sitting in the first train car so she can say hello to the train conductors.” 

Jere Alwin 
Signal Design Manager 
Metra 

Coming up on 30 years in the industry, Jere Alwin’s career started with Chicago Northwestern as a Union Pacific Assistant Signalman August 14, 1995. As the first female ARASA Supervisor at Union Pacific, she spent years working as a Safety Supervisor and Instructor, Signal Construction Supervisor, Signal Technical Instructor, and as Signal Engineer in Denver, West Chicago, and Omaha.  

In the fast-paced world of signal design, precision, collaboration, and visionary leadership are essential. Jere exemplifies all these qualities and more in her role at Metra, where her dedication to excellence continues to shape the office’s success.  A natural leader, Jere fosters an intellectual atmosphere rich with ideas, encouraging thoughtful discussion and innovation. Her ability to ask penetrating questions inspires her team, fueling a culture of curiosity and forward-thinking solutions. Whether coordinating with local, state, or federal officials, consultants, field staff, or Metra’s various departments, Jere’s communication skills ensure clarity and efficiency in every project she touches.  Beyond her strategic expertise, Jere is deeply committed to the development of her team. She works closely with her staff, providing the direction and training they need to excel. With a keen ability to tackle the most complex design tasks, she leads by example, empowering her colleagues to push boundaries and deliver outstanding results.  Jere’s leadership is more than a professional attribute; it is a defining force in the continued progress of Metra’s signal design office. Her contributions deserve recognition, not just for the technical brilliance she brings, but also for the lasting impact she has on the team and the industry as a whole.   

Sara Hassoon 
Lead Engineer – Structural 
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Sara Hassoon has more than 24 years of experience in leading and managing complex civil and structural engineering projects across a range of sectors and has been working for the TTC for more than 3 years. Over the course of her career, she has successfully led and continues to lead multi-disciplinary projects, including the Markdale Emergency Services Building Fire Ventilation Upgrade. Additionally, she delivered a major infrastructure project that achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable design and spearheaded the integration of Toronto Green Standards into TTC’s structural specifications, contributing to improved environmental sustainability in capital projects. Hassoon has also worked to review the design and technical documentation related to Metrolinx’s Yonge North Subway Extension, playing a key role in ensuring that the proposed expansion aligns with TTC design standards and safeguards existing TTC infrastructure during integration of the new line. 

Her nominator writes, “Sara exemplifies the highest standards of professional engineering excellence and leadership. As a licensed Professional Engineer, Sara consistently demonstrates deep technical expertise while leading complex, high-profile projects that are critical to the success of our organization. What truly sets Sara apart is not only her ability to deliver outstanding engineering solutions, but also the professionalism and respect with which she engages her colleagues. She fosters a collaborative environment, promotes knowledge sharing, and consistently supports the growth of those around her. She is a promoter of sustainable design, consistently advocating for environmentally responsible practices and integrating green building standards into her projects to minimize environmental impact and enhance long-term efficiency. Her strong work ethic, strategic thinking, and integrity make her a role model in the engineering community. Sara’s contributions have had a lasting impact, and her leadership continues to elevate the quality and reputation of our work. She is highly deserving of this recognition.” 

Claire Burkhardt 
Senior Project Manager 
Modern Railway Systems, Inc. 

Claire starting her engineering journey beginning with hardware and software design for MetroRail in Houston over a decade ago.  She followed up her work there with more hardware design for MetroLink in St. Louis.  From there, Claire tackled PTC design (hardware & software) implementation for UTA’s commuter line, FrontRunner.  Ensuring she was covering the country, Claire then supported design efforts for SunRail quiet zone upgrades in Florida. All of this design work was followed by a return to Texas for CapMetro in Austin, and she helped St. Louis once again upgrade 46 miles of their alignment.  In order to cover the northwest, Claire provided block design, hardware and software design for multiple projects for Sound Transit. She currently is supporting MRS’s work for Metra in Chicago.  

Burkhardt’s nominator says, “The paragraphs above are more than geography.  What it is showing is that Claire is not a one trick pony.  She has adapted to different owner personalities, different requirements, different alignments, and different design criteria.  She has shown that she can work across many project types while developing invaluable business and personal relationships that drive success.  Being well traveled and well-rounded is a value add to the process because that body of experience can help shorten learning curves, identify potential risks, and put forth proven solutions. Where Claire has really thrived is by leading project / operations teams to deliver projects on time and on budget.  We sought out Claire because we saw the value she was bringing to our projects with Metra.  For full transparency, we had one project running really well, and one running less well.  The only determining denominator we could come up with was the ‘Claire’ factor.”  

Brett Guarino 
Project Manager II 
CSX 

Brett Guarino is an accomplished Project Manager II at CSX Transportation, where she plays a pivotal role as the rail design representative for the CREATE Program. This innovative public-private partnership works to improve freight and passenger rail services through the Chicago Terminal in Chicago, Illinois. Brett has been instrumental in advancing this critical initiative, leveraging her expertise to drive its success. A dedicated professional, Brett participated in the SOAR Professional Development Project in 2017, further honing her leadership and strategic skills. Additionally, she has demonstrated her commitment to the industry through her previous service as the Chairperson of an AREMA Subcommittee, showcasing her ability to lead and contribute meaningfully within the rail engineering community. 

Brett is deeply committed to making a positive impact beyond her professional career. She actively volunteers at her church, contributing her time and energy to support community initiatives. She is also an involved parent, dedicating herself to volunteering at her children’s school. Passionate about inspiring future generations, Brett has presented at numerous schools across Chicago, where she speaks about the importance of women in engineering. Through these engaging discussions, she encourages young students to explore opportunities in STEM, fostering a sense of possibility and empowerment among the next wave of innovators. Her dedication to community involvement and advocacy reflects her commitment to making a difference both personally and professionally. 

Brett Guarino exemplifies the qualities of a trailblazer in the field of engineering. She has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, establishing herself as a leader who inspires others through her achievements and dedication. Over the years, Brett’s professional growth has been marked by her ability to take on and successfully deliver increasingly complex projects. Her exceptional leadership and technical expertise have earned her the role of owner’s representative for the CREATE P3 grade separation project in Chicago, a critical initiative that underscores her capacity to manage high-stakes, impactful work. Through her resilience, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to excellence, Brett not only represents the epitome of Women in Engineering but also drives progress for the industry as a whole. 

Pallavi Lal 
Global Director, Vehicles & Operations 
Hatch 

Pallavi Lal is a career rail transit professional with a track record as a rail transit vehicle mechanical engineer, design integrator, program manager, advisor to the major transit operators, and a mentor to the junior engineers entering transit industry.  She is well known and respected by vehicle and component OEMs, transit operators, and consultants. She oversees an industry-leading vehicle engineering group at Hatch, with 500+ senior engineering staff. With market lead of 65% of vehicles in North America, Pallavi and her team’s impact on infrastructure is significant.  She has been part of many APTA committees with currently helping with Rail Vehicle Procurement Committee as Vice-Chair.  She was recognized as positive change inspiration woman in 2024 in USA.  Her contributions and impact within the industry involve being part of the mentorship program at WTS NJ, providing leadership oversight as Director-At-Large at WTS NJ from 2020-2022, being involved with ASME Philadelphia Chapter and volunteering at local Boys Scout Troop.  She has led the Vehicles and Operations group at Hatch to success in winning high-profile work across USA for various agencies. 

One of her multiple nominators wrote, “Pallavi should be recognized as she is an unsung hero.  She keeps a low profile and is focused on growth of her staff and provide the best in public transit to all of the public transit authorities. She demonstrated technical prominence, manages and wins work, develops others and one of the best females in railroad.”