Volunteering with an industry association like the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is one of the most impactful ways professionals can contribute to both their own growth and the advancement of their field. While membership alone provides access to resources, events, and networking opportunities, volunteering transforms that passive involvement into active influence — shaping the direction of the industry while building meaningful connections along the way.
At its core, volunteering creates a sense of purpose. WIT’s mission is “to champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking, foster connections, and recognize achievements.” Volunteers are the engine that brings this mission to life.
Power Your Purpose: Multiple Paths in Volunteerism
WIT is a volunteer-driven association and there are a number of ways talented, engaged, and passionate leaders are contributing to the advancement of WIT’s mission. For example, volunteers serve in these capacities:
- The Board of Directors is comprised of executives with Partners who help to guide strategic direction of the association
- Leading initiatives to foster connections, such as WIT Connections Mentorships, Networking Groups, and the Engage Online Forum
- The Membership Committee helps to grow and retain members through engagement
- The Content Committee provides input to ensure that content in all channels of the association is relevant to members
- Professional truck drivers are on the WIT Image Team and offer their expertise and perspectives as they speak with the media, at public and industry events.
Give A Little, Gain A Lot: Benefits to Volunteering
One of the most immediate benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to build deeper relationships. Networking at events is valuable, but working alongside peers in volunteer initiatives such as those listed above fosters stronger, more authentic connections. These relationships often extend beyond the association, leading to new business opportunities, partnerships, and even career advancement. In many cases, the people you volunteer with become trusted colleagues and long-term collaborators.
For example, there are several members of the Image Team who have forged close, long-standing friendships that last a lifetime. Just spend a few minutes with volunteers such as Jodi Edwards (J.B. Hunt Transport), Allyson Hay (Walmart Private Fleet), Ingrid Brown (Blackjack Express), and Kellylynn McLaughlin (Clean Harbors) and you’ll quickly see the camaraderie that can form among these professional truck drivers who share a common purpose and connection.
“It’s how we change the world,” says Laura Duryea, Director of Driver Recruitment & Professional Growth with Boyle Transportation and Vice Chair of WIT’s Content Committee. “We impact one person and then that person impacts another. Connecting really is at the very core of volunteering. It’s connection with people who surround you and have common goals.”
“For me, volunteering gives you a little bit different perspective when you’re working with other personalities,” says Melissa Suedback, Vice President of Operations with TA Dedicated. “It gives you education and it brings everybody back to the fundamental part of just being a human. It helps to get rid of some of the other stuff that might be going on in the world. It's a difference maker.”
“For me, volunteering is an emotional stream on so many levels,” says Angelika Mangino, Culture and Engagement Manager with Clean Harbors. “Whether it’s with WIT, Wreaths Across America, or doing something for a food bank, I always meet someone through commonality or something that interconnects us. It’s so powerful not only in what you’re doing but also what you’re receiving from it. You can make an impact on the whole community. It’s powerful.”
Grow While You Give: Volunteering Builds Skills
Volunteering provides a platform for professional development. It allows individuals to step into leadership roles, develop new skills, and gain experience outside of their day-to-day responsibilities. Whether it’s leading a committee, speaking at an event, or helping to shape a strategic initiative, volunteers often find themselves stretching in ways that accelerate their growth. These experiences not only build confidence but also enhance visibility within the industry, positioning volunteers as thought leaders and trusted voices.
“Volunteerism makes me a more well-rounded person, both personally and professionally, says Rebecca Trenner, Partner at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hansen & Feary. “It's interesting to step outside my typical role and away from things that I learn in law practice about how to run a business and how to make decisions and how to tackle tough issues. For example, I just joined my kids’ school commission because there was a need and suddenly I find myself the Chairperson of that school commission. So now I'm learning leadership skills that I didn't have before and that look a little different than the silo I typically live and work in. So I think volunteering can be very valuable.”
“I think volunteering is a great opportunity in so many ways — but more importantly it’s an opportunity to impact the lives of others,” says Jerry Baez, Fleet Safety Manager with Colony Hardware. “One thing I have recognized about volunteering is you don't always know the impact up front. Sometimes even years later, somebody can say ‘you made an impact on my life’ and you realize the good that results from the work you do. You just never know what seed you're planting or what impact you're making or how you're going to change somebody's life. It can become a ripple effect.”
Another important aspect of volunteering is the opportunity to give back. Many professionals have benefited from mentorship, guidance, or opportunities provided by others throughout their careers.
“Growing up, my grandmother used to always say and sing the song lyrics: ‘Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this world a better place if you can,’” remembers Trina Norman, CEO of Divine2Win Inc. “Volunteering offers a way to pay it forward — supporting the next generation and helping to strengthen the overall community. The sense of contribution often leads to increased job satisfaction and a deeper connection to your profession and to those in your life.”
In a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, industry associations rely on the energy and commitment of their members to stay dynamic and forward-thinking. Volunteering is not just an act of service — it is an investment in the future of the industry and in one’s own professional journey. For those looking to make a difference, expand their network, and grow as leaders, getting involved as a volunteer is one of the most valuable steps they can take.
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