Founded in 2011, the Women In Trucking Foundation raises funds to make scholarships available in the trucking industry in the fields of Safety, Driving, Technical and Leadership. The non-profit's core mission is to help turns jobs into careers through education and training. Through eight major partners, $3,000+ individual donations on Giving Tuesday, and the first Lena Daly Rita Scholarship, 32 scholarships were issued to women in the industry in 2020!
Meet some of the latest recipients and learn why they're passionate about pursuing a career in trucking.
Hollie Jones
"Ever since I was a little girl I’d see women working in male-dominated fields. I’m the first among my family to pursue a career in trucking. I’m pursuing trucking to prove to myself that I can and make as big an impact along my journey."
Alma Costa
"At age 56, it is difficult to find a career that offers you the freedom & financial stability to start your own business on your own terms. I will be able to have the financial stability I long for as well as the ability to spend time with my family & visit my grandchildren whenever I want."
Tracy Coggins
"For over 20 years I've always worked without any direction but I've always had a fascination with driving tractor trailers. When it became more than just a dream, I totally went in 100%! Driving is exactly what I was meant to do and as a woman it's that much more exciting."
Laina Stashek
"My uncle and cousin have driven trucks OTR for years. I farmed for awhile, but it was hard to get my own farm with the way the economy was. I wanted to do a job that I could grow with, one that would still be needed for years to come and something that would help America. Mechanics came to me after playing with my 2010 F150, which made me think of semis and here I am, helping truckers get toilet paper to everyone during a pandemic!"
Lisa Thompson-Marshall
"In 5 years I would like to be an owner operator or run some type of trucking business. I'd like to give back to the community like volunteering to drive the trucks that house food for the hungry."
Jennifer Johannsen
"A career in trucking offers vast opportunities not always available in other industries. The benefits and a lifestyle appeals to my personality and long term goals. I have a passion for driving and it's been a dream of mine to travel. Trucking allows me to combine passions and dreams into a career with the potential to be an owner/operator of a Female Owned business."
Kamaya Bell
"I believe that committing myself to a career in trucking will honestly change & enhance my life. Although I am already a young, resilient woman, I know going into a male dominated field will only increase my perseverance.
Trucking was never in my plan, but I always wanted to learn how to drive standard, especially in a tractor-trailer. However, I never had the courage to do it because I thought I was too "little". It was not until I lost everything, I worked so hard for that I decided to take a leap of faith and try something new.
Since I committed myself to this field, I have become stronger & learned to have faith in myself. I never knew how little my confidence was, until I learned how to trust myself with driving a truck. Learning how to control such a huge vehicle, while only being 4’10, still amazes me to this day. Although I am still in training, I am proud of who I have become.
If this is only the beginning to committing myself to a career in trucking, I can only imagine where this profession will bring me next in my journey."
Angelena Mitchell
"I am committed to this career because it will bring me to the next level in my life. I have always wanted to drive trucks. Now my dream is coming true."
Vivian Mooers
"Truck Driving is the backbone of the USA. I am committing myself to this industry to be on the front lines to provide for my family and deliver what goods are needed for our industries and the American people."
Michele Sohl
"It is an industry that isn't going away any time soon. Trucking is the heartbeat of America. You see the trucks hauling goods everywhere: interstates, country back roads, and cities. I love the idea of making sure food, clothing and other essentials will be accessible to people around the country by keeping Rigs on the Road."
Darcy Crofts
"The trucking industry is a growing atmosphere and will always have work available. I am looking for that steady income and doing something I enjoy, which is driving! I look forward to the new career choice I have made in my life."