by Alyssa Kirkman, on May 5, 2026 10:07:53 AM
Women In Trucking (WIT) brought WIT on the Road to Birmingham, AL on April 29 for a half-day gathering that united transportation professionals from across the region around a shared mission: to advance women in trucking.
Held at McLeod Software's headquarters, the event welcomed attendees for a morning of expert-led sessions, candid conversations, and meaningful networking. McLeod Software provided coffee, a hosted lunch, and even welcomed the WITney® educational trailer to the parking lot for the afternoon, making for a full and memorable day.
WIT Membership Committee Vice Chair Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at R.E. Garrison Trucking, set the tone with opening remarks alongside McLeod Software President & CEO Tom McLeod, who then took the stage to deliver the morning keynote, From the Driver Seat to the C-Suite. It's a theme that reflects WIT's core belief that leadership in this industry takes many forms and belongs at every level.
Highlights of the Event
Fireside Chat: Education — Moderated by Meribeth Gilbert, Vice President of Human Resources at McLeod Software, this conversation featured three voices with distinct perspectives on how education opens doors in transportation. Briana Morgan, a Diesel Technician and CDL Instructor at Wallace State, spoke to hands-on pathways into the industry. Susan Seymour, Assistant Director of Membership & Events at the Alabama Trucking Association, offered a view of how associations support workforce development.
Missy Wright, Vice President of Core Operations at McLeod Software, rounded out the panel with insight from the corporate side and later shared this reflection on the day.
"The WIT on the Road event was exactly what I needed,” she says. “It was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the demands of a busy schedule and hear inspiring stories and achievements from fellow women in the transportation industry. Gaining insight into diverse perspectives and challenges was truly encouraging, and the networking opportunities made the experience even more meaningful."
Panel Discussion: Use Your Skills to Thrive — Moderated by Abbie Dunaway, Director of MPact Operations at McLeod Software, this session explored how professionals can leverage their existing strengths to build and advance their careers in trucking. Panelists included Casandra Altidor, Professional Driver, Walmart; Toni Jones, Senior Vice President and Chief Brokering Officer at Alliant Insurance Services; and Whitney Mataya, Executive Director of Product Strategic Development at McLeod Software.
Between sessions and over lunch, attendees connected, exchanged ideas, and toured the WITney® educational trailer, reinforcing what makes WIT on the Road so valuable: the peer connections formed in the room.
A heartfelt thank you to Tom McLeod and the entire McLeod Software team for going above and beyond to make attendees feel welcome, and a special recognition to Tracy Rushing for her leadership, expertise, and commitment to this community that made the Birmingham event possible.
Watch your inbox for upcoming WIT on the Road events, including our next stop in Thomasville, NC with Old Dominion Freight Line on June 17.
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- Recap: Salute to Women Behind the Wheel in Louisville, KY
- The Power of Mentorship and Connection at WIT
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