Driving Leadership & Connection: Highlights from Arlington

Attendees learned from subject matter experts on such issues as transferable skills in trucking, the importance of mentorship, the state of the trucking industry, and how research is driving innovation in trucking.

On Dec. 2, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) brought its first ever WIT on the Road regional event to Arlington, VA — a half‑day gathering sponsored by Tyler Technologies that united professionals across the industry with a shared mission: to advance women in trucking.

This in‑person event drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience eager to connect, learn, and uplift one another. From powerful keynote talks to insightful panel discussions and networking opportunities, WIT on the Road delivered practical takeaways and inspiration for women at all stages of their careers.

Highlights of the event include:

• A keynote address from Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s President & CEO, on the importance of representation and the association’s mission to support women across the trucking landscape—from executives to professional truck drivers.

A keynote address from Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s President & CEO, on the importance of representation and WIT’s mission.

• A panel on transferable skills, moderated by Yvonne Glover, CEO of Sugarcane Enterprises and Chair of the WIT Membership Committee. Dr. Mansha Swami of Morgan State University and Susan Soccolich of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shared actionable advice on leveraging strengths to thrive in transportation careers and discussed their research and how it impacts both women and the industry.
• A fireside chat on the impact of mentorship on career growth and practical tips for finding and becoming a mentor. Wanda Brooks, Compliance/Safety Manager with R.E. Garrison and Renee Osaer, Director of Safety and HR with Moonstar Express, LLC shared personal stories and strategies to unlock professional development opportunities.
• The State of the Industry 2025 session shed a spotlight on emerging trends and the vital role women play in shaping the future of trucking, with perspectives from Steve Keppler, Co-Director with Scopelitis Transportation Consulting and Tom Jensen, WIT’s government affairs advisor.
• Susan Soccolich with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute presented on how research drives innovation in transportation, sharing findings that attendees can translate into their own work and leadership initiatives.
• The day wrapped with an inspiring closing keynote from Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting from R.E. Garrison and WIT’s 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking. Her message centered on strategies for breaking barriers and advancing careers — from the driver’s seat to the C‑Suite — reminding attendees that leadership comes in many forms.

Between sessions and over yoga with Maggie Wolarik of Operation Broga, attendees formed new partnerships, shared insights, and strengthened a network that reflects WIT’s core mission: fostering connections and championing the careers of women in trucking.

Peer networking is a critical value in the new WIT on the Road Regional Event format that will continue to roll out in 2026.  

A heartfelt thank you to Zaheer Iqbal, the team at Tyler Technologies, moderator Yvonne Glover, all speakers, and the passionate community of attendees who helped make this event so impactful. The conversations started in Arlington are sure to continue fueling growth, leadership, and opportunity within the industry.

Watch your inbox for more WIT on the Road events in 2026.

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