Anamaria Bonilla
The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has named Anamaria Bonilla, P.E., Metro-North Railroad’s assistant chief engineer track and structures, as its 2016 Outstanding Woman of the Year. Bonilla was honored at the General Session of the RSI/CMA 2016 Rail Expo & Technical Conference in Omaha, Neb., on October 3.
“The Outstanding Woman of the Year award exemplifies excellence in the rail industry by recognizing a woman who is considered a leader by her peers,” said Jodi Heldt, LRIW President. “This year's recipient, Anamaria Bonilla, does that, and more.”
Bonilla, who has more than 20 years of experience in highway and railroad engineering, has worked for 12 years at New York City’s Metro-North Railroad. She is a professional engineer in New York and Connecticut.
“Anamaria Bonilla is responsible for the structural integrity, safety and reliability of our infrastructure, which includes over 800 miles of track, 385 overhead bridges, 846 undergrade bridges, 116 passenger stations and thousands of drainage facilities, transmission poles and catenary structures,” said Glen E. Hayden, vice president of engineering at Mtero-North Railroad.
“In addition, she directs inspections and upgrades to the structures that make up the Grand Central Terminal and the Train Shed within Manhattan, arguably the most dense commuter rail operation in the United States. She handles these responsibilities with a calm, disciplined approach worthy of her engineering training and experience,” added Hayden.
Hayden also noted that in addition to her duties overseeing the engineering group for track and structures, Bonilla is managing the procurement of the railroad’s first-ever track inspection vehicle.
Bonilla has worked to find innovative and creative design solutions that not only met the regulation, but also improved the railway. She shares her insight and experience by actively participating on the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way (AREMA) committees Steel Structures and Economics of Railway Engineering and Operations.
“Metro-North has been making a tremendous effort to improve our infrastructure and customer service. I am very happy to be a part of that effort. The right leadership is key to a progressive organization,” said Bonilla as she accepted the award. “The Engineering Group has been able to implement a number of technological improvements that enhance the safety and efficiency of our railroad, including the development and installation of a bridge management system called RailAdvise, which I initiated.”
“Another project I am pleased to have introduced to Metro-North is the annual imaging of our tracks, a high-tech level of track inspection that enables us to be more proactive with track maintenance and identify potential issues before they impact service,” added Bonilla.
The annual award is presented to a woman in the rail industry who demonstrates vision, initiative, creativity and guidance in a leadership role within her professional railway field; is innovative, a problem-solver and overcomes challenges; and brings consistent excellence to her organization and surrounding community. The award is co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading.
The League of Railway Industry Women provides leadership and support for the personal and professional development of women in their railroading careers and railway-related business endeavors.