OCT. 27 BLOCK 4 2:45PM - 3:45PM CORONADO
Practical Advice from the Next Generation of Leaders
LEADERSHIP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HR/TALENT MANAGEMENT
About This Session
Building a successful career in trucking doesn’t happen by accident—it takes confidence, resilience, relationships, and a willingness to grow. In this candid and empowering session, women emerging in their career will share the real-world lessons, challenges, and career insights they wish they had known earlier in their professional journeys. All panelists have been named 2026 “Top Women to Watch in Trucking” by WIT’s official Redefining the Road magazine.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for standing out, building credibility, and creating opportunities for advancement early in their careers. Panelists will discuss how to overcome imposter syndrome, navigate self-doubt, and develop the confidence, communication skills, and self-advocacy needed to succeed in a fast-moving industry. The session will also explore how younger professionals can demonstrate leadership, influence teams, and establish a strong professional presence before stepping into formal management roles.
Whether you are just entering the industry or looking to take the next step in your career, this session will provide actionable ideas on networking, mentorship, personal branding, visibility, and reputation-building to help accelerate your professional growth and long-term success.
MEET THE PANELISTS
Other Amazing Sessions
Opening Keynote
Closing Keynote
General Session
Breakout Session
FACILITATOR
Carolyn Roach
Chief Human Resources Officer
XPO, Inc.
Carolyn Roach brings more than 20 years of senior experience to her leadership of XPO’s human resources organization, including executive roles with prominent companies in the industrial and financial services sectors. Prior to XPO, Roach led global talent management and diversity and inclusion at JELD-WEN, Inc. and held earlier human resources leadership positions with Corning and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. She began her career with Arthur Andersen. Roach holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in strategic human resources and organizational design from Cornell University. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School executive education program.
Kate Chauvin
Sr. Director of Client Operations
Ancora Training
Kate Chauvin oversees Ancora’s relationships with its higher education clients, ensuring implementation and ongoing customer support meet or exceed Ancora’s standards. She is a highly effective leader and project management professional with experience across the B2B, call center, and education sectors. Chauvin has a proven track record of contributing to sales, market share, and profit growth. She joined the Ancora family in 2017 as an admissions representative and has since earned a series of promotions with increasing visibility and responsibility.
Allison Hughes
Contractor Relations Manager
Bennett Motor Express, LLC
With 8+ years in logistics, Allison Hughes serves as Contractor Relations Manager at Bennett Motor Express, LLC, where she also leads Hazmat compliance and training. She's driven measurable improvements in contractor retention through data-driven strategies and has authored SOPs that boost both safety and efficiency across the organization.
Beyond her day-to-day, Hughes is a passionate advocate for industry leadership — serving as Co-Chair of the Bennett Family of Companies Young Leaders Board and a member of Bennett's Women in the Driver's Seat board.
Her credentials include a Property and Casualty Adjuster's License, Director of Safety certification, and recognition as one of SC&RA's 4 Under 40 honorees
Maeve McNellie
Senior, IT Strategy Deployment
Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
Before joining Bridgestone's IT Executive Operations team, Maeve McNellie led the company's global cybersecurity awareness program, creating training, communications, and engagement initiatives that helped teammates around the world make safer decisions and reduce cyber risk. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she built strong partnerships across regions to advance shared goals and deliver results at a global scale.
Inspired by mentors who helped shape her career, McNellie is passionate about mentoring and developing future leaders. She serves on the Women in Technology of Tennessee mentorship committee and has held leadership roles with Bridgestone Women's Initiative Network and Advancing Women in Nashville, including founding a leadership development cohort for emerging women leaders.
Katy Payne
Operations Manager
Truck Drivers USA
Katy Payne has built her transportation career from the ground up, beginning in driver retention and growing into a leadership role focused on driver advocacy, community development, and operational excellence. As Operations Manager at Truck Drivers USA, she helps ensure professional drivers are recognized, supported, and connected with companies that value them. Her recent work includes launching TDUSA’s Haul of Fame section, supporting an enhanced driver-to-company matching algorithm, and helping develop a driver career coaching solution, all while continuing to mentor women within the organization and amplify the stories of the drivers who keep the industry moving.
Shayna Sweet
Manager of Dealer Services and Operations Administration
Fleet Advantage
Shayna Sweet brings more than 10 years of transportation industry experience and serves as Fleet Advantage's Manager of Dealer Services and Operations Administration. She leads the company's operations team, overseeing the seamless execution of the equipment leasing and delivery process from build coordination to final delivery while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. Recognized for her operational expertise, innovative mindset, and proactive leadership, Sweet has played a key role in advancing process enhancements that improve efficiency, accuracy, and the overall customer experience. She has been recognized as a 2026 Women In Trucking - Top Woman to Watch and a 2025 Pros to Know in the Top Transportation Innovators category by Supply & Demand Chain Executive for her leadership and contributions to the transportation industry.
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