Jackie has worked at Metra for more than 22 years, starting as an extra list clerk and then a trainmaster. She has since paved the way into new fields, including her current role managing the safety of the Positive Train Control rollout, a brand-new position at the agency. Jackie joined the Chicago Chapter in 2019 and has been a true asset. She is well known throughout the chapter and National for her high energy and contagious enthusiasm about NARBW promoting the Chicago chapter to anyone and everyone who will listen.

 

In 2020, Jackie did not let the pandemic hold her back. She stepped up and volunteered to be the Membership Chair. She led her committee in hosting NARBWs first ever virtual membership drive in November of 2020 that introduced prospective members to the chapter, NARBW history, the National President and board members – and the second virtual membership drive was held in 2021. As Membership Chair, she revamped the membership onboarding process and takes time to welcome new members with phone calls and emails, while reaching out to current members. Most recently, Jackie was a 2021 Railway Age Women in Rail Award recipient. This award recognizes leaders for driving their business forward while making a difference in a historically male dominated industry. Jackie has enthusiastically participated in all chapter welfare projects, fundraisers and social activities. She also researched and spearheaded the chapters’ efforts to support Connections for Abused Women and Their Children, an organization committed to ending domestic violence. At the chapter’s Bingo fundraisers, Jackie is affectionately known as “Vanna” by the attendees as she excitedly reveals the prizes for the winners.