We are delighted to announce that Shanda Durbin, our Vice President of Human Resources, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 International Railway Journal (IRJ) Women in Rail Award. This esteemed accolade recognizes outstanding women in the rail industry who have achieved remarkable success in their careers. The IRJ is an international publication that offers news and insights on the latest developments in the global rail sector. Shanda’s accomplishments have earned her this recognition, and we extend our warmest congratulations to her.
The Women in Rail Award is now in its second year and drew entries from over 60 exceptional candidates worldwide. Among them, 16 exceptional women were selected as recipients, highlighting the need for greater female representation in the rail industry. This award serves as a testament to the significant strides being made toward gender equality in our field.
In addition to the IRJ award, Shanda was also honored in 2022 as one of Railway Age’s ‘Fast Trackers’ in their 25 Under 40 list, further solidifying Shanda’s reputation as an influential leader and trailblazer in our industry. The ‘Fast Trackers’ distinction celebrates young professionals who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, and innovative thinking, all of which Shanda embodies.
Shanda’s journey at Herzog began more than a decade ago as a receptionist. Through her dedication and hard work, she quickly progressed through various roles in contracts, recruitment, and ultimately, the Human Resources department. In 2020, Shanda was named Vice President of Human Resources. Leading a team of 19 professionals, she currently oversees the well-being and support of our 2,600 employees. Congratulations, Shanda!