Rail professional Anna Delvecchio is celebrating her place in the shortlist for the Leader category of the Infrastructure Award, part of the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards.

Anna, 41, from Swindon, is commercial account director for engineering consultancy Amey. She joined Amey in 2012, and last year was seconded to the Rail Delivery Group’s executive team, working on strategies which will influence the future development of the rail sector in the UK now and looking forward to the 22nd century.

Now she is one of three in contention for the Leader Award, alongside Maria Machancoses, from Birmingham, director of Midlands Connect, and Kayleigh Wilson, from London, transition manager for DHL Supply Chain. The winner will be announced at at the Awards ceremony on Thursday June 14 at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, in London.

“I am really happy!” Anna said. “I’m really delighted the rail sector has been recognised, as we have lots of great men and women working to transform our industry, and proud to be working in a sector trying hard to increase diversity and inclusion.”

She added: “I don’t need to hold a trophy to make a difference, but I would like to bring this back to Swindon!”

The Infrastructure Award is made to entrants who have demonstrated how they are improving road or rail infrastructure and includes a Leader category for the individual who is driving change, as well as an Above and Beyond category, and an overall Industry Champion of the Year Award, which will be presented to a man or woman making an impact on attracting and retaining women in transport and logistics.

A total of 36 finalists were announced in the FTA everywoman Transport and Logistics Awards, now in its eleventh year. The awards celebrate the achievements of women reshaping the UK’s transport and logistics industry, while showcasing the range of exciting career opportunities it has to offer and inspiring the next generation of female talent.

This year a brand-new category is the Male Agent of Change Award, to celebrate the men championing the progress of women in the industry.

Anna’s path into the rail industry began when she left school after GCSEs to follow a mechanical engineering apprenticeship – where she was the only girl on the programme – while she studied for A levels in the evenings. During her apprenticeship, Anna was inspired to change direction and move into the commercial side of engineering operations, and 22 years ago, joined Railtrack.

She has worked in the rail sector ever since, taking a number of commercial roles - which involve procurement, bidding, business development and supply chains.

“It’s challenging but very rewarding, the industry coming together, working with senior Government and directors about what this means for the industry – how we can be a world leader and transform the railways across the whole UK,” she said.

Anna is also leader of Women in Rail South because she is passionate about recruiting and encouraging women in the industry. She said about 16 per cent of the sector was currently female, and she wants to increase female representation.

Maxine Benson, co-founder of everywoman said: “This year’s judging panel has selected an exceptionally impressive cohort of role models working in transport and logistics – all making valuable contributions through their innovation, mentorship and leadership. They are shifting perceptions of the opportunities this industry offers and will inspire the next generation of talent who may have never considered a career in the sector, to view it as an exciting option. We look forward to congratulating all the winners and watching their career journeys evolve as they go on to become everywoman ambassadors.”