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
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
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.
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