Kayden Howard

Kayden provides strategic direction and leadership in KCS’s U.S. and Mexican operations, implementing critical initiatives related to employee safety and health, public safety, and environmental protection. She is also responsible for critical incident management programs and hazmat incident prevention and response. Most recently, Kayden has taken on additional responsibilities related to ESG reporting, including development of the company’s annual Sustainability Report.

Why do you mentor? I have many years of railroad experience, including experience in operations, which is fairly rare for women. I have enjoyed mentoring women at KCS, and have enjoyed watching them succeed. I have had the good fortune to reach many career milestones, and it is important to me to now help and advise women who are new to the industry, or who are more seasoned but having trouble achieving their professional goals. The LRW professional network is a great way to pair women seeking support and advice with those who are in a position to provide the same. I also have two daughters, both adult professionals, whom I hope will benefit from mentorship from insightful women who have preceded them.

Areas of Expertise

• Leadership

• Legal

• Rail operations

• Safety and compliance

• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)

Mentoring Topics

• Expand general industry knowledge

• General career development

• Leadership development

• Railroading industry newbie