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Woman of the Year
Woman of the Year
Woman of the Year
Submission Criteria
A submission in this category should demonstrate
This award honours an exceptional woman working in transport who is making a significant contribution to the industry. Open to individuals at any level and in any field—whether in operations, engineering, policy, customer service, technology, or another area (e.g.HR, finance, comms, admin, marketing) —this award recognises dedication, innovation, and impact.
Submission Criteria
A submission in this category should demonstrate
This award honours an exceptional woman working in transport who is making a significant contribution to the industry. Open to individuals at any level and in any field—whether in operations, engineering, policy, customer service, technology, or another area (e.g.HR, finance, comms, admin, marketing) —this award recognises dedication, innovation, and impact.
Submission Criteria
A submission in this category should demonstrate
This award honours an exceptional woman working in transport who is making a significant contribution to the industry. Open to individuals at any level and in any field—whether in operations, engineering, policy, customer service, technology, or another area (e.g.HR, finance, comms, admin, marketing) —this award recognises dedication, innovation, and impact.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ana Stepic, Transport Engineer
Arriva UK Bus
Ana Stepic has transformed Arriva’s Tamworth depot from loss-making to one of the group’s best performers. A 2022 graduate programme recruit, she applied rigorous analysis and empathetic leadership to overhaul safety, HR compliance, fleet performance, and staff engagement. Sickness absence halved, driver efficiency hit 98%, and Tamworth became a top-five depot for safety. Employee engagement soared to 85%, while improved eco-driving saved £2,000 weekly. Ana also secured ZEBRA 2 funding for 11 electric buses. Her leadership blends technical skill with human focus, earning trust across the business and positioning her as one of the UK bus industry’s brightest rising leaders.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ana Stepic, Transport Engineer
Arriva UK Bus
Ana Stepic has transformed Arriva’s Tamworth depot from loss-making to one of the group’s best performers. A 2022 graduate programme recruit, she applied rigorous analysis and empathetic leadership to overhaul safety, HR compliance, fleet performance, and staff engagement. Sickness absence halved, driver efficiency hit 98%, and Tamworth became a top-five depot for safety. Employee engagement soared to 85%, while improved eco-driving saved £2,000 weekly. Ana also secured ZEBRA 2 funding for 11 electric buses. Her leadership blends technical skill with human focus, earning trust across the business and positioning her as one of the UK bus industry’s brightest rising leaders.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ana Stepic, Transport Engineer
Arriva UK Bus
Ana Stepic has transformed Arriva’s Tamworth depot from loss-making to one of the group’s best performers. A 2022 graduate programme recruit, she applied rigorous analysis and empathetic leadership to overhaul safety, HR compliance, fleet performance, and staff engagement. Sickness absence halved, driver efficiency hit 98%, and Tamworth became a top-five depot for safety. Employee engagement soared to 85%, while improved eco-driving saved £2,000 weekly. Ana also secured ZEBRA 2 funding for 11 electric buses. Her leadership blends technical skill with human focus, earning trust across the business and positioning her as one of the UK bus industry’s brightest rising leaders.
Vicky Doyle, Head of Marketing & Communications
Brighton & Hove and Metrobus
Vicky Doyle has redefined public transport marketing with bold creativity and customer focus. She led brand refreshes across six operations, rebranded the 1X route with a fuchsia livery, and created a bus shelter gallery with Martin Parr’s photography. Her satirical safety films, driver recruitment campaigns, and innovative messaging have delivered remarkable results: 1.1m passengers in nine months on the 1X, a 21.7% uplift in patronage, and £6 revenue return per £1 spent. Brighton & Hove now leads the UK in bus use per capita, and her campaigns achieved millions of impressions. Vicky’s work combines creativity, strategy, and inclusivity, transforming perceptions of buses while boosting ridership and revenue.
Vicky Doyle, Head of Marketing & Communications
Brighton & Hove and Metrobus
Vicky Doyle has redefined public transport marketing with bold creativity and customer focus. She led brand refreshes across six operations, rebranded the 1X route with a fuchsia livery, and created a bus shelter gallery with Martin Parr’s photography. Her satirical safety films, driver recruitment campaigns, and innovative messaging have delivered remarkable results: 1.1m passengers in nine months on the 1X, a 21.7% uplift in patronage, and £6 revenue return per £1 spent. Brighton & Hove now leads the UK in bus use per capita, and her campaigns achieved millions of impressions. Vicky’s work combines creativity, strategy, and inclusivity, transforming perceptions of buses while boosting ridership and revenue.
Vicky Doyle, Head of Marketing & Communications
Brighton & Hove and Metrobus
Vicky Doyle has redefined public transport marketing with bold creativity and customer focus. She led brand refreshes across six operations, rebranded the 1X route with a fuchsia livery, and created a bus shelter gallery with Martin Parr’s photography. Her satirical safety films, driver recruitment campaigns, and innovative messaging have delivered remarkable results: 1.1m passengers in nine months on the 1X, a 21.7% uplift in patronage, and £6 revenue return per £1 spent. Brighton & Hove now leads the UK in bus use per capita, and her campaigns achieved millions of impressions. Vicky’s work combines creativity, strategy, and inclusivity, transforming perceptions of buses while boosting ridership and revenue.
Claire Walters, CEO
Bus Users UK
Claire Walters has redefined Bus Users UK as a powerful passenger rights body and National Enforcement Body for complaints. As CEO since 2012, she has championed accessibility and inclusion, especially for disabled and digitally excluded passengers. Appointed Disability and Access Ambassador in 2021, she has promoted co-production, launched accessibility audits, and led national campaigns like Catch the Bus Month. She responded swiftly during Covid-19, protecting workers and supporting exempt passengers through #BeBusKind. Under her leadership, Bus Users UK has become professional, respected, and effective in shaping inclusive policy and practice, giving millions of passengers a stronger voice.
Claire Walters, CEO
Bus Users UK
Claire Walters has redefined Bus Users UK as a powerful passenger rights body and National Enforcement Body for complaints. As CEO since 2012, she has championed accessibility and inclusion, especially for disabled and digitally excluded passengers. Appointed Disability and Access Ambassador in 2021, she has promoted co-production, launched accessibility audits, and led national campaigns like Catch the Bus Month. She responded swiftly during Covid-19, protecting workers and supporting exempt passengers through #BeBusKind. Under her leadership, Bus Users UK has become professional, respected, and effective in shaping inclusive policy and practice, giving millions of passengers a stronger voice.
Claire Walters, CEO
Bus Users UK
Claire Walters has redefined Bus Users UK as a powerful passenger rights body and National Enforcement Body for complaints. As CEO since 2012, she has championed accessibility and inclusion, especially for disabled and digitally excluded passengers. Appointed Disability and Access Ambassador in 2021, she has promoted co-production, launched accessibility audits, and led national campaigns like Catch the Bus Month. She responded swiftly during Covid-19, protecting workers and supporting exempt passengers through #BeBusKind. Under her leadership, Bus Users UK has become professional, respected, and effective in shaping inclusive policy and practice, giving millions of passengers a stronger voice.
WINNER
Diane Burke, COO
Caledonian MacBrayne
Diane Burke took on leadership of CalMac during a challenging period, reshaping operations with a people-first focus. She doubled area management teams, introduced a Centre of Excellence for training, implemented the first operations manual, and launched real-time performance dashboards. Attrition dropped from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases fell sharply, while customer satisfaction rose 12%. Her philosophy—that well-supported staff deliver better customer service—has embedded professionalism and pride across CalMac. Diane’s hands-on, empathetic leadership has restored morale, stabilised operations, and built a platform for long-term improvement at the UK’s largest ferry operator.
WINNER
Diane Burke, COO
Caledonian MacBrayne
Diane Burke took on leadership of CalMac during a challenging period, reshaping operations with a people-first focus. She doubled area management teams, introduced a Centre of Excellence for training, implemented the first operations manual, and launched real-time performance dashboards. Attrition dropped from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases fell sharply, while customer satisfaction rose 12%. Her philosophy—that well-supported staff deliver better customer service—has embedded professionalism and pride across CalMac. Diane’s hands-on, empathetic leadership has restored morale, stabilised operations, and built a platform for long-term improvement at the UK’s largest ferry operator.
WINNER
Diane Burke, COO
Caledonian MacBrayne
Diane Burke took on leadership of CalMac during a challenging period, reshaping operations with a people-first focus. She doubled area management teams, introduced a Centre of Excellence for training, implemented the first operations manual, and launched real-time performance dashboards. Attrition dropped from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases fell sharply, while customer satisfaction rose 12%. Her philosophy—that well-supported staff deliver better customer service—has embedded professionalism and pride across CalMac. Diane’s hands-on, empathetic leadership has restored morale, stabilised operations, and built a platform for long-term improvement at the UK’s largest ferry operator.
Fatima Baig Hassan, Head of Financial Control and Analysis
Strategy and Development, GBRTT / Network Rail
Fatima Baig Hassan combines finance expertise with inclusive leadership. Rising through Network Rail’s graduate scheme, she revitalised it into a top-tier talent programme, producing award-winning graduates. She founded the Finance Strategy and Development team, launched the Industry Finance Talent Pool—promoting 24 people in its first year—and secured a Women in Rail award for training excellence. Fatima also drives inclusive recruitment, reciprocal mentoring, and sector-wide EDI partnerships. As Trustee Director of the Railways Pension Scheme, she represents 350,000 members while championing diversity. Her work shows how finance can underpin both organisational performance and cultural transformation across the rail industry.
Fatima Baig Hassan, Head of Financial Control and Analysis
Strategy and Development, GBRTT / Network Rail
Fatima Baig Hassan combines finance expertise with inclusive leadership. Rising through Network Rail’s graduate scheme, she revitalised it into a top-tier talent programme, producing award-winning graduates. She founded the Finance Strategy and Development team, launched the Industry Finance Talent Pool—promoting 24 people in its first year—and secured a Women in Rail award for training excellence. Fatima also drives inclusive recruitment, reciprocal mentoring, and sector-wide EDI partnerships. As Trustee Director of the Railways Pension Scheme, she represents 350,000 members while championing diversity. Her work shows how finance can underpin both organisational performance and cultural transformation across the rail industry.
Fatima Baig Hassan, Head of Financial Control and Analysis
Strategy and Development, GBRTT / Network Rail
Fatima Baig Hassan combines finance expertise with inclusive leadership. Rising through Network Rail’s graduate scheme, she revitalised it into a top-tier talent programme, producing award-winning graduates. She founded the Finance Strategy and Development team, launched the Industry Finance Talent Pool—promoting 24 people in its first year—and secured a Women in Rail award for training excellence. Fatima also drives inclusive recruitment, reciprocal mentoring, and sector-wide EDI partnerships. As Trustee Director of the Railways Pension Scheme, she represents 350,000 members while championing diversity. Her work shows how finance can underpin both organisational performance and cultural transformation across the rail industry.
Janet Roach, Customer Delivery Manager
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority / Merseytravel
Janet Roach leads customer services, complaints, and concessionary schemes at LCRCA. She has introduced dynamic coaching to replace static reviews, empowering staff and boosting engagement. Janet drove operational improvements such as reducing Mersey Tunnel payment times from 12 to 2 seconds, while also delivering social impact initiatives like the Care Leavers Pass, backed by apprenticeships for vulnerable young people. She is reviewing concessionary travel processes for neurodiverse applicants, reflecting her commitment to inclusion. Her leadership blends empathy with innovation, improving efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience while reshaping workplace culture around continuous learning and equity.
Janet Roach, Customer Delivery Manager
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority / Merseytravel
Janet Roach leads customer services, complaints, and concessionary schemes at LCRCA. She has introduced dynamic coaching to replace static reviews, empowering staff and boosting engagement. Janet drove operational improvements such as reducing Mersey Tunnel payment times from 12 to 2 seconds, while also delivering social impact initiatives like the Care Leavers Pass, backed by apprenticeships for vulnerable young people. She is reviewing concessionary travel processes for neurodiverse applicants, reflecting her commitment to inclusion. Her leadership blends empathy with innovation, improving efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience while reshaping workplace culture around continuous learning and equity.
Janet Roach, Customer Delivery Manager
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority / Merseytravel
Janet Roach leads customer services, complaints, and concessionary schemes at LCRCA. She has introduced dynamic coaching to replace static reviews, empowering staff and boosting engagement. Janet drove operational improvements such as reducing Mersey Tunnel payment times from 12 to 2 seconds, while also delivering social impact initiatives like the Care Leavers Pass, backed by apprenticeships for vulnerable young people. She is reviewing concessionary travel processes for neurodiverse applicants, reflecting her commitment to inclusion. Her leadership blends empathy with innovation, improving efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience while reshaping workplace culture around continuous learning and equity.
Jen Clare, Service Delivery Director
Lumo
With 20+ years’ experience across rail, Jen Clare has steered Lumo to its first profitable year while embedding inclusivity. She has increased gender diversity in operations, mentored new recruits, and supported communities through charity partnerships and LGBTQI+ Pride sponsorships. Her leadership shone during 2024 when she guided staff through the loss of a young colleague, launching a memorial fundraiser and fostering resilience. Lumo now boasts a 93% satisfaction score, reflecting her people-first approach. Jen’s career journey from one of the UK’s few female signallers to a senior rail executive exemplifies resilience, inclusivity, and authentic leadership.
Jen Clare, Service Delivery Director
Lumo
With 20+ years’ experience across rail, Jen Clare has steered Lumo to its first profitable year while embedding inclusivity. She has increased gender diversity in operations, mentored new recruits, and supported communities through charity partnerships and LGBTQI+ Pride sponsorships. Her leadership shone during 2024 when she guided staff through the loss of a young colleague, launching a memorial fundraiser and fostering resilience. Lumo now boasts a 93% satisfaction score, reflecting her people-first approach. Jen’s career journey from one of the UK’s few female signallers to a senior rail executive exemplifies resilience, inclusivity, and authentic leadership.
Jen Clare, Service Delivery Director
Lumo
With 20+ years’ experience across rail, Jen Clare has steered Lumo to its first profitable year while embedding inclusivity. She has increased gender diversity in operations, mentored new recruits, and supported communities through charity partnerships and LGBTQI+ Pride sponsorships. Her leadership shone during 2024 when she guided staff through the loss of a young colleague, launching a memorial fundraiser and fostering resilience. Lumo now boasts a 93% satisfaction score, reflecting her people-first approach. Jen’s career journey from one of the UK’s few female signallers to a senior rail executive exemplifies resilience, inclusivity, and authentic leadership.
Sally Ralston, Head of Communities and Engagement
Merseyrail
Sally Ralston BEM has dedicated over 30 years to making Merseyrail a community anchor. She has raised over £1m for charities, led adoption of 60% of stations, and transformed them into hubs with gardens, libraries, and art. Her campaigns have supported hospices, refuges, and domestic abuse survivors, while her leadership in White Ribbon and menopause initiatives has improved inclusivity. In 2024 she won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and BEM recognition. Sally’s strategic yet deeply personal leadership has embedded Merseyrail in its communities, redefining the role of rail as a social as well as transport service.
Sally Ralston, Head of Communities and Engagement
Merseyrail
Sally Ralston BEM has dedicated over 30 years to making Merseyrail a community anchor. She has raised over £1m for charities, led adoption of 60% of stations, and transformed them into hubs with gardens, libraries, and art. Her campaigns have supported hospices, refuges, and domestic abuse survivors, while her leadership in White Ribbon and menopause initiatives has improved inclusivity. In 2024 she won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and BEM recognition. Sally’s strategic yet deeply personal leadership has embedded Merseyrail in its communities, redefining the role of rail as a social as well as transport service.
Sally Ralston, Head of Communities and Engagement
Merseyrail
Sally Ralston BEM has dedicated over 30 years to making Merseyrail a community anchor. She has raised over £1m for charities, led adoption of 60% of stations, and transformed them into hubs with gardens, libraries, and art. Her campaigns have supported hospices, refuges, and domestic abuse survivors, while her leadership in White Ribbon and menopause initiatives has improved inclusivity. In 2024 she won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and BEM recognition. Sally’s strategic yet deeply personal leadership has embedded Merseyrail in its communities, redefining the role of rail as a social as well as transport service.
Louise Sterritt, Senior Programme Manager
Translink
Louise Sterritt led delivery of the £344m Belfast Grand Central Station, the largest infrastructure project ever led by a woman at Translink. She oversaw more than 100 staff across rail and construction, integrating systems and managing complex stakeholders on time and budget. Louise pioneered digital innovation with BIM-enabled VR, cutting lifecycle costs by £100m and reducing onboarding time 90%. The station now records record passenger numbers and is the first in Europe to use NaviLens technology for blind and partially sighted passengers. Louise’s leadership demonstrates how technical excellence, inclusivity, and digital vision can transform infrastructure delivery.
Louise Sterritt, Senior Programme Manager
Translink
Louise Sterritt led delivery of the £344m Belfast Grand Central Station, the largest infrastructure project ever led by a woman at Translink. She oversaw more than 100 staff across rail and construction, integrating systems and managing complex stakeholders on time and budget. Louise pioneered digital innovation with BIM-enabled VR, cutting lifecycle costs by £100m and reducing onboarding time 90%. The station now records record passenger numbers and is the first in Europe to use NaviLens technology for blind and partially sighted passengers. Louise’s leadership demonstrates how technical excellence, inclusivity, and digital vision can transform infrastructure delivery.
Louise Sterritt, Senior Programme Manager
Translink
Louise Sterritt led delivery of the £344m Belfast Grand Central Station, the largest infrastructure project ever led by a woman at Translink. She oversaw more than 100 staff across rail and construction, integrating systems and managing complex stakeholders on time and budget. Louise pioneered digital innovation with BIM-enabled VR, cutting lifecycle costs by £100m and reducing onboarding time 90%. The station now records record passenger numbers and is the first in Europe to use NaviLens technology for blind and partially sighted passengers. Louise’s leadership demonstrates how technical excellence, inclusivity, and digital vision can transform infrastructure delivery.
Michele Roberts, Head of the Transport Skills Academy (TSA)
Transport for West Midlands
Michele Roberts founded and leads TfWM’s Transport Skills Academy, tackling sector skills shortages and promoting transport careers. She has delivered apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and outreach at 86 schools, reaching 2,200 young people in 2024/25. Her Young Ambassadors Network and Young Leaders Programme give young people direct input into transport policy. Michele also ensures continuous learning for TfWM staff, with 100+ colleagues completing training. Her inclusive approach supports underrepresented groups, rebrands transport as an attractive career, and places skills at the heart of WMCA’s People and Culture agenda. Michele’s work is building a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce for the future.
Michele Roberts, Head of the Transport Skills Academy (TSA)
Transport for West Midlands
Michele Roberts founded and leads TfWM’s Transport Skills Academy, tackling sector skills shortages and promoting transport careers. She has delivered apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and outreach at 86 schools, reaching 2,200 young people in 2024/25. Her Young Ambassadors Network and Young Leaders Programme give young people direct input into transport policy. Michele also ensures continuous learning for TfWM staff, with 100+ colleagues completing training. Her inclusive approach supports underrepresented groups, rebrands transport as an attractive career, and places skills at the heart of WMCA’s People and Culture agenda. Michele’s work is building a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce for the future.
Michele Roberts, Head of the Transport Skills Academy (TSA)
Transport for West Midlands
Michele Roberts founded and leads TfWM’s Transport Skills Academy, tackling sector skills shortages and promoting transport careers. She has delivered apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and outreach at 86 schools, reaching 2,200 young people in 2024/25. Her Young Ambassadors Network and Young Leaders Programme give young people direct input into transport policy. Michele also ensures continuous learning for TfWM staff, with 100+ colleagues completing training. Her inclusive approach supports underrepresented groups, rebrands transport as an attractive career, and places skills at the heart of WMCA’s People and Culture agenda. Michele’s work is building a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce for the future.
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