Job description: Mariah joined the Amtrak government affairs team in 2015. She is railroad's liaison to trade associations, affinity groups and external stakeholders that are interested in Amtrak and the federal issues that affect it. Mariah works with stakeholders to build support for Amtrak's legislative and business priorities.

Why she's influential as a mentor: Mariah is a founding member and newly elected co-chair of Notch 8, Amtrak's women's employee resource group of more than 700 members. As co-chair, she organizes quarterly book-club meetings to discuss books on personal and professional development and transportation; advocates for the advancement and empowerment of women at Amtrak; and oversees a Notch 8 leadership team with 13 chapters across Amtrak.

Mariah has served as a personal mentor for many young professionals at Amtrak, where she champions the intern program. Since 2018, she has mentored no fewer than 15 interns, four of whom became Amtrak employees. In general, she is passionate about supporting young professionals' development. For example, she initiated Amtrak's involvement in and sponsorship of Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT). Today, almost 100 Amtrak employees are now YPT members.

Aside from her work at Amtrak, Mariah is active with WTS International and the local D.C. chapter where she previously served as the legislative committee chair. She also has facilitated engagement between Notch 8 and the League of Railway Women, where she is a director at large.