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Celebrating Women Who Drive Change in Trucking
The transportation industry is often seen as a male-dominated space, but the tides are changing. This year, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award, spotlighting four remarkable women who are not only leading in their companies but also paving the way for future generations of women in the trucking industry.
Meet the Trailblazers: 2025 Finalists
The finalists for this prestigious award are:
- Cindy Ellers, Chief Customer Officer at Fleetworthy
- Dee Dee Cox, Vice President of Human Resources at Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
- Katerina Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Fleet Advantage
- Leah Shaver, President and CEO of The National Transportation Institute
Each of these women brings over a decade of experience and a commitment to improving gender representation in an industry where strategic leadership is crucial. Their efforts not only enhance their organizations' culture and performance but also inspire a new wave of female leaders in logistics and transportation.
The Impact of Trailblazers
Women like Cindy Ellers are redefining what it means to lead in the trucking industry. Ellers has significantly contributed to Fleetworthy by launching key initiatives in diversity and inclusion, ensuring that women's voices are heard and valued. After joining Fleetworthy in 2021, her actions resulted in record growth and multiple successful acquisitions. Ellers's commitment to mentoring women has positioned her as a role model not only within her organization but throughout the industry, showing that inclusive leadership can drive outstanding business outcomes.
Similar strides are made by Dee Dee Cox, who oversees talent management and development at Old Dominion Freight Line. Through her leadership, Cox has expanded numerous programs aimed at fostering a strong workplace culture. Her strategies have notably improved retention rates, particularly for women and historically underrepresented groups in transportation. This progress proves that dedicated workforce development initiatives can yield a more inclusive and empowered industry.
Leading Voices and Future Leaders
Katerina Jones and Leah Shaver are also making significant strides toward a better future in trucking. Jones, as the Chief Marketing Officer at Fleet Advantage, has been instrumental in transforming the company's marketing strategies, aligning them with the needs of women entering the industry. Meanwhile, Leah Shaver leads The National Transportation Institute with a focus on compensation and human resource strategies designed to attract diverse talent, including women and younger professionals. Both women are examples of how strong leadership can drive meaningful change in the sector.
Why This Matters: The Broader Perspective
The recognition of these women highlights a fundamental shift in the transportation industry. With women making up a smaller percentage of the workforce, initiatives like the Influential Woman in Trucking award are crucial for celebrating and advancing female leadership. The trucking industry is indeed a vital part of the economy, and the stories of these women encourage more females to consider careers in this field.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
The annual WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo, where the winner will be announced, serves as a platform for these finalists to share their experiences. Such events not only showcase leadership in action but also emphasize the community's commitment to recruitment and retention of women in the sector. It is critical to continue fostering mentorship and leadership development opportunities, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation
The influence of these women goes beyond their respective positions; it is about changing the narrative around women in trucking. By shining a light on their achievements, WIT hopes to inspire future leaders in the transportation industry. As we look forward to the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award announcement, it’s a moment to celebrate not just individual accomplishments but also the collective effort to pave a brighter path for women in trucking. Let’s continue to support and encourage female involvement in this essential industry.
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