August 26, 2024 – The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) is proud to honor and celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024, which commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States constitution. Given that the amendment granted American women the right to vote, this day is a powerful reminder of the strides women have made in the fight for equality.
While we celebrate the progress already made, it is important to also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Women in the workforce, especially in our industry, continue to face significant barriers. The ATDA is committed to breaking down these barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where all members, regardless of gender, feel both valued and empowered.
On this Women’s Equality Day, we call on all ATDA members to join us in recognizing the contributions of women in our industry and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Remarking on the day’s significance, ATDA President Ed Dowell said, “Today, I’d like to celebrate the contributions of all of our female members. But I’d also like to point out the great contributions of our many women leaders. These include General Chairwomen Caitlin Elison (Alaska), Jessica Veltri (Amtrak), August Miles (KCS), Susie Inman (NJT RiverLINE), Tracy Bainum (SunRail), Erica Ray (Tri-Rail), and many others. Erica Ray is also ATDA’s AFL-CIO Women’s and Civil Rights representative, and Shanan Williams (NS) is the alternate. All of these women continue to add value to our organization through leadership, while overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated industry.”