
“Get ready for an unforgettable day of connection, learning and inspiration,” says the LRW, a professional association whose mission is to improve the railroad industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail.
The symposium will kick off with experiential tours of the CSX Railroad Education and Development Institute (REDI), which has trained more than 100,000 employees, customers, and industry partners in safety, technical skills, and leadership since its launch in 2005; and of Norfolk Southern’s corporate headquarters, which opened in 2021 and was designed to support modern collaboration and innovation.
In addition to dynamic networking opportunities, symposium attendees will participate in professional development sessions to help boost their careers. The sessions include:
- Navigating AI in Today’s Rail Industry. “As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, the rail sector is entering a pivotal era oft echnological transformation,” LRW says. “This panel will introduce the fundamentals of AI and explore its emerging applications across the sector. Our experts will break down what AI really means for today’s rail professionals, highlight real‑world examples already in motion and share insights. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what AI looks like in practice and how this technology is influencing the evolution of rail today. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or excited about AI’s potential, this conversation will provide the context, clarity, and confidence needed to navigate the technology shaping the future of rail.” Among the speakers are: Lisa A. Matta, Chief Innovation Officer of Wi-Tronix, and Ayesha Qureshi, Rail Systems Integration Delivery Lead at Arcadis.
- Talent Acquisition on the Move — Navigating a Changing Landscape. “Talent acquisition remains a top priority across the rail industry, as companies and partners work to attract the skills and perspectives needed to drive the sector forward,” reports LRW. “At the same time, candidates are experiencing rapid shifts in the job application process shaped in part by the growing influence of artificial intelligence. In this panel, we’ll explore the evolving priorities of talent acquisition teams, examine how AI and new technologies are transforming both the candidate and employer experience, and unpack the changes in interviewing, evaluation, and hiring practices. Attendees will gain practical insights, tips, and takeaways to help them ‘lay the tracks forward’ as they navigate new opportunities and position themselves confidently in a changing hiring landscape.” Michele Hughes, Wi-Tronix’s Talent Acquisition Manager, will be among the speakers.
Secure your spot today for the LRW’s “Laying the Tracks Forward: Strengthening Your Story,” to be held June 1 at the Hotel Colee in Atlanta. Standard registration (April 1 to May 15) is $250 for LRW members and $300 for non-members. Late registration (May 16-May 31) is $300 for LRW members and $350 for non-members.
Other sponsors include:
- Norfolk Southern, Premier
- Railroad Construction Company, Platinum
- Holland, Silver
- TTX, Silver
- Wabtec, Silver
The LRW has collaborated with Railway Age on the RA / RT&S Women in Rail Conference since 2023. Our mutual goal: supporting and acknowledging women within the industry.




