Rising Stars: Urszula Soucie, Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association

Urszula Soucie, 34

Chief operating officer
Railway Engineering Maintenance-Suppliers Association (REMSA)

Job description: Responsible for all aspects of managing REMSA, including communicating with its more than 300 member companies and organizing the biennial Railway Interchange conference.

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree, McGill University

Career path: Soucie began her career at REMSA as operations manager before being promoted to operations director and then chief operating officer.

Nominator's quote: "Without [Soucie's] budgeting skills and attention to detail, our Railway Interchange group would be missing a key skill. ... She works collaboratively and thinks outside of the box to improve the event every year."— Amanda Patrick, Railway Supply Institute

Why did you go into railroading? Like many in the rail industry, I'm not a first-generation railroader. My father worked in public/government affairs for the rail industry for many years before he retired. He exposed me to the many great people and merits of the rail industry.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of so far? Spearheading consistent membership growth for the association and increasing the size and profile in exhibitors and attendees at rail industry trade shows. Cutting the opening ribbon at the outdoor exhibition at the last Railway Interchange was a highlight.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration to you in your career? One of my biggest inspirations and supporters in the industry is Amanda Patrick with RSI. She has been a mentor to me since I started working at REMSA and our professional relationship has grown into a friendship. As women in the rail industry, I believe it is important for us to support one another. One great resource to women in the industry is the League of Railway Women, on which I also serve as board treasurer.