"Women shouldn't be scared to work in rail. It's a big family, everyone looks after each other."
Avanti colleagues discuss their experiences working in rail to support Network Rail's International Women's Day campaign.
Avanti West Coast joined forces with Network Rail and London Northwestern colleagues at Euston Station to celebrate inclusivity and diversity in the industry for International Women's Day (IWD).
The theme of IWD 2025 is 'Accelerate Action', emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieving gender equality.
Speaking in the below videos, London Euston based colleagues, Grace Umupfasoni, Train Manager; Natasha Townsend, Trainee Driver; Lorraine Ley, Station Manager and Nichola Fionda, Customer Service and Revenue Protection Assistant discuss their career journeys and how being a woman isn't a barrier to success in the industry.
Grace Umupfasoni, Train Manager:
Natasha Townsend, Trainee Driver:
Lorraine Ley, Station Manager:
Nichola Fionda, Customer Service and Revenue Protection Assistant:
In addition to the above videos being shared on Social Media, portraits of Grace, Natasha, Lorraine and Nichola have been displayed at London Euston alongside London Northwestern and Network Rail colleagues.
Celebrating the campaign, Jo MacPhail, People Director at Avanti West Coast said: "It is critical for women who are thinking about a career in the rail industry to know that the railway is one of the best industries they could possibly choose for their career. The variety of roles combined with a wide range of training opportunities means I am confident that anyone who wants to develop and learn whilst building their career will be pleased they made the choice to join.
"We're delighted to have joined our industry partners to showcase these wonderful career stories from colleagues in rail, and we hope it continues to encourage more women to apply for all the types of roles we have across the railway."
Main image: Grace Umupfasoni, Train Manager at London Euston station.