Member of the Month

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Christina Parrillo as its June 2024 Member of the Month. Parrillo is the Field Services Midwest Branch Manager at Clean Harbors.

Growing up, Parrillo desired to be a pediatrician and began the pre-med track at the University of Michigan. However, about two and a half years in, she had a change of heart. Being what she believes is a “science nerd,” she took interest in a class on hazardous waste management. The course was only offered at certain times because the professor who taught it actively worked in the industry. She eventually took an internship with that professor, and they hired her at the end of the internship. At that time, the only position open was for Rodman and she took it, beginning her career in the industry which ultimately led her to Clean Harbors.

Parrillo's journey is a testament to her resilience and gratitude. In a world where adversity often tests one's resolve, she has risen above life's challenges, leaving an indelible mark on society. Her story is about determination and a profound gratitude for her accomplishments. As a female leader at Clean Harbors, she has overcome adversities and significantly impacted her career, embodying the essence of gratitude in all aspects of her life.

As an inspiring female leader, Parrillo has embarked on a path of professional excellence. With unwavering determination, she has continued to climb the corporate ladder at Clean Harbors while significantly impacting the employees she is surrounded by. For Parrillo, the hazardous waste industry is a dirty job, especially in field services and she believes it can be draining not only mentally but physically at times. Parrillo has channeled her experiences into a driving force, propelling her and her team, which she cares deeply for, towards success.

Parrillo was the first female in the Great Lakes division to be promoted to branch manager overseeing the field services line of business. With more than 15 years of experience in multiple leadership roles, Parrillo leads one of seven employee resource groups, WAVES (Women Advancing Our Values in Environmental Services), across an organization of 22,000 employees. She has been a pivotal leader in significantly impacting the females of Clean Harbors by implementing female-fitted uniforms while cultivating a culture of psychological safety for the WAVES members she serves within the workplace.

Aside from her everyday role as a branch manager, Parrillo also manages multiple drivers while ensuring her customers are receiving the highest level of service from her team. The two things she loves about her job are working for an environmental company that makes a difference and that no two days are ever the same.

Parrillo appreciates the sense of sisterhood between women in the industry, as it fosters a sense of unity, support, and understanding that can enhance productivity and collaboration. While women often face unique challenges and barriers in the workplace, she believes having a strong network of supportive women can make all the difference. “As a woman, I have learned from others through their experiences, challenges, and skills, gaining great respect and knowledge for what we do in this industry,” said Parrillo.

Parrillo would like women interested in the trucking industry to know that it is great industry, but sometimes you might need to have thick skin saying, “get the lay of the land and know when to pick your battles. You have several sources you can pull from to get any help or information you might need.”

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Arelis Bonilla as its May 2024 Member of the Month. Bonilla is the president and CEO of Aria Logistics.

Bonilla was inspired by her father, a truck driver. She cultivated a deep-seated aspiration to follow in his footsteps and loves working in the transportation industry. Knowing that every day is different, she said, “I love the day-to-day challenges.” She enjoys the critical on-demand thinking that is imperative in her field of work and makes every day interesting and rewarding.

At just 20 years old, Bonilla embarked on a self-employment journey while pursuing a full-time college education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Berkeley College in 2009.

Despite encountering financial adversity during the 2008 financial crisis, she persevered, delving into business logistics and transportation. Drawing from her past setbacks and a fervent desire to effect positive change and leave a lasting imprint on the industry, she took the bold leap to establish her own company.

Her journey began in 2013 with the acquisition of her first delivery truck, sparking her mission to transform transportation management for shippers and consumers alike. Through Aria Logistics, she has led the way in providing top-tier service, guaranteeing the seamless delivery of large and bulky items from warehouse to customer, thereby establishing new benchmarks in last-mile home delivery. Bonilla highlights the critical importance of persistence, innovation, and decisive action in entrepreneurship. With a deep understanding of business complexities, she embodies resilience and steadfast dedication.

The inception of Aria Logistics was not devoid of apprehension, yet Bonilla approached the challenges with fortitude and optimism, embracing failures as invaluable learning experiences. Starting as a modest operation, she assumed multifaceted roles encompassing sales, marketing, and customer service. Despite the hurdles, Bonilla persisted, drawing upon each encounter as a stepping stone toward growth. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, she navigated new markets, diversified offerings, and forged strategic partnerships. Today, Aria Logistics boasts a workforce of over fifty exceptional individuals, each instrumental in propelling the company forward.

She loves to mentor saying, “just sharing my story in itself is a form of mentorship.” Directing women to the great organizations out there, such as Women in Trucking, is another way to receive valuable information to help anyone looking to get involved in the trucking industry. Women interested in joining the trucking industry should thoroughly research the field to understand its demands and opportunities. Networking with other women in the industry can provide valuable insights and support.

Bonilla envisioned a venture that delivered exceptional services, fostered employment opportunities, and contributed to community advancement. Her pride in Aria Logistics as a minority, women-owned business underscores her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Distinguished by its unparalleled customer service, Aria Logistics sets a new benchmark within the industry under Bonilla's guidance. Recognizing that satisfied customers are the cornerstone of success, Bonilla endeavors to create unforgettable experiences for all clientele interactions. Through active listening and a customer-centric approach, she tailors solutions that foster unwavering loyalty and trust.

Taking care of physical and mental well-being is essential for a demanding lifestyle. Women should advocate for themselves professionally and embrace technology to enhance efficiency. Pursuing opportunities for advancement and career growth while staying motivated and committed to their goals will help ensure success in the trucking industry.

Bonilla was inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry and recognized as a Top Woman-Owned Company in Transportation, which underscores her exemplary leadership and industry prowess. She actively engages in various organizations, remains attuned to industry developments, and advocates for inclusivity and empowerment. Bonilla's unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her status as a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise, solidifies her position as a trailblazer within the entrepreneurial landscape. She plans to continue to grow and expand her footprint to even more diverse home deliveries.

Not only is she an extremely successful business owner, but Bonilla also has two children, a boy, and a girl. She is immensely proud of them and is extremely involved in their interests. She attends as many volleyball and basketball games as she can. She was extremely excited to hear that not only was she a WIT Member of the Month, but for May since May also celebrates Mother’s Day.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Micha Kay as its April 2024 Member of the Month. Kay is the Regional Human Resources Development Manager at Old Dominion Freight Line.

Kay has been in the trucking industry her whole life. Her dad worked as an OTR truck driver during her childhood until he retired in 2021. Times were different back then, and he used to be able to take Kay on the road with him. She has vivid memories of sitting on the bed in the back of his truck with her coloring books and watching talk shows on his small TV as they drove across the country. She used to be able to get out and help him unload pallets on the dock as well. Growing up with a fairly absent dad due to him being an over-the-road driver gave her such an appreciation for truck drivers and what they do every day.

Although Kay recently re-entered the transportation industry in 2022, she started her career in transportation back in 2009 as a nighttime driver check-in clerk, which helped her get through college. Kay always knew that one day she would come back when she found the perfect company to work for, and that is exactly what she did!

When she left transportation in 2011, she entered the construction industry, where she spent most of her career. She knew it was going to be a challenge. Both transportation and construction are very male-dominated industries, and Kay knew it would take some work to make a name for herself. She believes that being true to yourself and your abilities is key. “Just believe in yourself and keep the male versus female mentality at bay. We are all in this together, and reaching our goal of fulfilling our promises to our customers is our number one goal.”

Kay actually started college as an education major until her junior year when she switched to human resource management. Her desire to teach and develop people has helped immensely in her career in HR. Now she finds herself overseeing twenty-five locations, which she loves. Every day is different, and she is passionate about “boots on the ground” traveling to all locations so that she can interact with the drivers.

She is extremely enthusiastic about mentoring, training, and development. In fact, she teaches all internship programs and runs both management and training programs, which she thoroughly enjoys. Kay has won several awards throughout her 15-year career in HR but most recently received the Old Dominions Service 2.0D award for providing exceptional service to the OD family.

Kay is incredibly involved with her drivers; she recalls one instance when she went out with one of them for a ride-along. They were downtown, and the driver was as calm as could be with one hand on the wheel and backing up into a dock that no way looked like there was enough room to back a car into let alone a truck. She was in full panic mode thinking that this was not going to fit, but it did, he got it in with no problem, and she just sat back amazed.

Beyond Kay’s amazing career, she is a single mom with two teenage daughters. When she is not working, she is involved in her daughter’s sports schedule and family time. She also opened her own side business in 2021, specializing in resume writing and career coaching. In short, Kay absolutely loves seeing people reach their career goals and dreams.

Kay would like women interested in the trucking industry to know that, first and foremost, if you hear that trucking and transportation are not lucrative or productive, this is a misconception and a false reality. It is an illustrious career choice. You just need to be fully confident in yourself and your skills that you bring to the table. Respect is earned and with that you can thrive.

Kay ultimately sees herself in the future working in the transportation industry. She is enthusiastic about what she does and wants to continue doing what she does to help the industry grow even stronger.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Tanya Miracle as its March 2024 Member of the Month. Miracle is the Director OE Truck Channel at Bridgestone Americas.

Even though Miracle has been involved in the trucking industry since she was in high school, she said that it was 100% by accident that she still finds herself in the trucking industry today.

She lived in Ohio when she started her career as a dispatcher for Robert’s Express in 1993. From there, she worked for a tire mold company for a few years.

She was married (and divorced) to an owner operator who hauled oversize drop deck freight. She fully understands the sacrifices and challenges faced by the families of long-haul drivers. She knows how difficult it is when birthdays and holidays must be missed, or when the industry is experiencing a downturn and work is uncertain. She remembers those tough days but feels that it helped shape who she is today and helped build her resilience and courage.

When Miracle decided to apply at Bridgestone, it was for the role of developing consumer tires, but the interviewers introduced her to the commercial truck group, and that is where she is today. Since then, she has fallen in love with the people, the industry, the weather in Nashville, and her work. She genuinely enjoys the interactions with the trucking industry. Working and meeting people at conferences and conventions, from truck drivers to CEOs, all interacting together, and sharing their knowledge and experience is part of the collaborative environment that keeps her in the industry. Everyone exchanges ideas and thoughts as equals, no matter what their title in their company may be. As Miracle says, “It is a great industry to be in.”

The most unique aspect of Miracle's role is how she goes about being in a predominantly male world - she promotes from within and continues to "break the bias" by breaking down the barriers for women in the industry. She creates pathways for women to succeed and ensures that everyone has the tools necessary to realize their full potential. Miracle has a progressive mindset and leverages her technical expertise as a previous design engineer to drive initiatives and innovative ideas to deliver solutions to her customers (OEMs and fleets). She selflessly shares information and contacts to make Bridgestone a great place to develop talent and preserve a culture of comradery. She is in her element when she can mentor and teach others in the industry.

Outside of work, Miracle’s main interests are her children, family, and playing golf. She has nine children - three stepchildren, three of her own, and three adopted children. She loves being both a woman with an amazing career and a mom.

Miracle won an internal Bridgestone America award for being part of the R213 team in 2020 and was further awarded as a top woman to watch in Bridgestone in 2022. As an inspiring and thoughtful leader, her biggest piece of advice is, "don’t be intimidated or come into the industry with a preconceived notion of what the trucking industry is; the societal stereotypes about ‘trucking’ are just not true.”

Miracle really believes that it is a shame that the trucking industry’s image is viewed as it is at times. She recognizes that the trucking industry is much more accepting and open than it is perceived to be. She feels that it is nice to see more diversity and that it will help to move the industry forward. With diversity comes innovative ideas, philosophies, and mindsets that will only help make the trucking industry even stronger in diverse ways.

In the future, Miracle still sees herself in the trucking industry. She is a passionate person and wants to continue doing what she can to make the industry the best it can be. She would like to do whatever she can to continue to move the trucking industry forward. “This industry was created by hard-working, driven people who move the world around us into the future every day."

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Kimberly Diggs as its February 2024 Member of the Month. Diggs is the Senior Content Marketing Manager at Triumph.

Diggs had no idea when she was the arts and entertainment editor for 14 newspapers years ago that she would end up in marketing, let alone the trucking industry.

How did Diggs find herself working in the trucking industry? She recalls that, almost two years ago, a recruiter from Triumph reached out to her while she was handling marketing and PR for an alcohol brand. At the time she said, “I was working a dead-end job that I was very unhappy in and when the recruiter reached out to me, I took the plunge!”

She’s now the content marketer for Triumph. Part of her job is to get a deeper understanding of the life of a trucker in order to effectively speak to them. The more she has learned, the deeper her appreciation has grown for truckers and the individual sacrifices that are made to ensure our society does not collapse. She feels that truckers are truly unsung heroes.

Diggs has received fantastic opportunities to host a webinar about becoming a content creator as a driver and be a panelist in a discussion about the importance of centering the voice of drivers in company messaging. In both opportunities, she hoped to spark some thought around women and GNC folk seeing themselves as thought leaders.

She says that “In an industry that has been male dominated for a long time, these winds of change are important, and we should share any information we have to help the next person shine brighter while more companies are open to it.” She loves the fact that she has the opportunity to make an impact and how exciting it is to see it come to fruition.

Diggs is sure many of us have been given the short but classic speech that we have to be twice as good to receive half of what our counterparts do. “Though I didn’t like why I was receiving this advice, I took it to heart and received the wake-up call of my career a few years before working at Triumph because that advice smacked me in the face one day.”

She presented her plan for content marketing and PR for the company she was working for at the time and was able to expertly answer every question asked of her by the members of the sales team they were presenting to. The next day, the VP went down the line, giving specific feedback about what the sales guys appreciated about her teammates’ presentations. When she (the VP) got to Diggs, her feedback was “they liked how professional you are.” This was not because she had a lackluster plan, and they were struggling to find a compliment. This was because, based on her race, gender, age, or some fun cocktail of these intersections, they expected her to be unprofessional.

“This is the unfortunate reality of being a member of a marginalized group. The key is to understand this reality; determine how much control you have in your career and future; and rise to great everyday with confidence and a coffee.”

She would like any women wanting to join the trucking industry to know that “you should always advocate for yourself. You are knowledgeable, you are capable, and the company you work for knows that you have something to offer because you are there.”

Though many women assume they won’t be able to enter trucking, especially as drivers or owner-operators, Diggs has seen a shift in attitude on social media, as part of her job is to keep up with trucking content all over the web. “I think lots of women assume they can’t work in trucking because they’re moms or they are juggling too many responsibilities, but you get on TikTok, and you see so many women doing it! They are moms, wives, mentors, bosses, truckers and more. It’s empowering to realize you can type in a topic on TikTok and there is a good chance a woman’s video may show up giving you valuable information about that topic. Things are changing for the better.”

Diggs is extremely optimistic about her bright future. She plans to stay in marketing and would like to progress to a senior role. Being able to mentor, provide guidance, and support is something that she is interested in doing in the future.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Kierra Meyer as its January 2024 Member of the Month. Meyer is the Senior Manager of the Operations Academy at Sysco Corporation.

Meyer knew when she was in college that there was more extensive training needed for truck drivers. Little did she know though that she would end up being an intricate part of that training and so involved in the trucking industry.

While in college, she was privileged to help coordinate the One Republic concert that was performing at the campus. The night before the show, everyone was getting ready and setting up for the performance. A driver that was arranging the stage had to do a blind reverse, with a 90-degree turn into the parking lot. He had a crew member out there with him helping to guide him to the dock. It would have been fine if the hospitality manager had moved his van, but that was not the case, and the spotter signaled the driver to turn too late causing the DOT bumper to smash into the back of the van making it undriveable. Meyer remembers her first thought at the time was “I feel like there should have been some type of training to prevent this.” Fast forward to today and we find Meyer developing curriculum for trucking, warehouse, and logistics!

Meyer started her career in the trucking industry from a friendly referral. A previous coworker started a new job at a Bakery Supply Distribution Company and mentioned Meyer’s name to the company’s director. Meyer met, interviewed, and eventually became the DOT Safety Manager and Assistant Warehouse Manager. She started her role in 2016 and has been working in the trucking industry ever since. In March of 2022, Meyer started working at Sysco Corporation as the Senior Manager of the Operation Academy.

Meyer and her team work on curriculum design for Sysco’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facilities. Their in-house training is offered to existing employees to help them advance their career at Sysco by becoming CDL certified drivers. The program will help increase the number of qualified drivers at Sysco and increase the career earnings potential of those trained. The program is taught by professional trainers employed by Sysco and the company covers all costs of training, licensing, and certification. After graduating and obtaining a CDL, each qualified driver will be offered a position as a driver at Sysco. Along with the CDL program, Meyer also manages the curriculum for all new Sysco Delivery Partners, whether they already have their CDL or have just graduated from the CDL program.

This course dives into the skills needed to help their Delivery Partners stay safe while working efficiently. They also collaborate with Veterans giving them opportunities after their training to drive for them. They have several training classes, including backing, all done in a safe environment with the emphasis on safety.

When Meyer is not working, she tries to live sustainably. She once bought a table that did not last long. When it broke, she decided that she was going to fix it, and she did. Since that time, she tends to buy things that are used or make it herself. Her current project includes refinishing an oak dining table and six chairs. Last year, she built shelves with scrap wood that was given to her. She finds fun in gaining new skills because you never know when they will be useful. It is wonderful to be able to have the skills to change things and make them even better than they were.

Meyer believes women are the movers and shakers of the trucking industry. In a traditionally male-led industry, women now have the unique opportunity to push boundaries, make significant changes, and bring in new opportunities! She would love to see the trucking industry workforce be closer to 50/50 men and women. We have come a long way, but we can still bring it even closer. The more women hear about the opportunities available to them, the more excited they become and want to be a part of the trucking industry.

Her advice to women wanting to break into the trucking industry is to make your voice heard with any new or helpful ideas that will lead you to make your mark! She also states, “Don’t be afraid to jump into projects or work. People will always remember your initiative, not if you did everything perfectly the first time.”

It is truly amazing how Meyer never saw herself working in the trucking industry, but looking back to her college days and remembering how she felt more training should be done to help the truck drivers and here she is designing the curriculum to help drivers be able to learn to do all their backing skills. She wants to make work easier for others and by seeing the big picture that can happen. “Just take it day by day!”

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Deb Beecher as its December 2023 Member of the Month. Beecher is an area risk manager I for J.B. Hunt Transport and recently celebrated 40 years with the company.

Raised by a 3-million-mile safe driver, Beecher was familiar with the trucking industry and had an appreciation for drivers and the work they do across the nation. She remembers passing by J.B. Hunt on her way to church every Sunday and shortly after graduating high school, her best friend’s father who was a vice president of transport at the time encouraged her to apply. The decision was easy as the passion for the industry was already there.

Celebrating 40 years with the company in 2023, Beecher did not start her time there thinking she was going to make a full career out of it. “My intention was to go into nursing, but I ended up on a different path,” said Beecher. “Since the start, I have really enjoyed working at J.B. Hunt. I look back now, and know transportation is where I was meant to be. I have held various roles at this company but have always come back to the operational side and working with the heart of our company, the drivers.”

Beecher understands the importance of safety within her company and values deeply the opportunity to provide safety resources to its drivers. “Many drivers have connected with me to say thank you and I love that about my role,” said Beecher. “Whenever our drives utilize new safety resources, it’s like a lightbulb turns on for them and it’s not just a good feeling, it’s a great feeling.”

A fond memory of her time at J.B. Hunt was before driver load sheets were digital and one that was essential to an important load has been misplaced. Mrs. Hunt personally took the time to help Beecher look for the load sheet until it was found. She enjoyed the time she got to spend with Mrs. Hunt saying, “she has always had a heart for the drivers of J.B. Hunt and would do whatever it took to make sure their time at the company was successful.”

In 2018, Beecher received the Rodney Horton award that is given in recognition and appreciation of commitment to J.B. Hunt and compassion for others. The award is in honor of Rodney Horton who was a long-time employee and exemplary person who passed while employed with J.B. Hunt. In this same year, Beecher and her team received the Pillar award for Q1 for Truckload Support category.

Beecher is a champion for women in the trucking industry saying, “I encourage women within our industry to show up to work, do your job well, and you will be recognized for your work. Believe in yourself and never think you aren’t capable.”

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Maria Cardenas as its November 2023 Member of the Month. Cardenas is the marketing manager at Sworkz, a nearshoring and staffing service provider.

Cardenas’ father’s first job was providing food to truckers on the highways. Years later, as a little girl, he used to sit her on his lap, and she would steer the wheel in a parking lot while he drove slowly. Those moments with him sparked her fascination with driving. “It's funny how it all comes full circle,” said Cardenas. “From those childhood memories to now working in an industry that's intrinsically tied to my family's history.”

She is now 27 years old and believes being a young woman in this industry has its own unique set of challenges such as feeling the need to prove yourself and fighting against stereotypes of how a woman should conduct herself or act. However, Cardenas considers herself lucky to have been born into a family where her grandmother, mother, and sister all exuded leadership and strong character. From their example, she has learned to be a strong woman and unapologetically herself. 

As a result, she has held onto her values and principles, and surrounds herself with empowered women who have guided her through her journey. Cardenas is determined to carve a path not just for herself, but for other women too; enabling them to shine even brighter by staying true to themselves, even in a world that often casts being unique in a negative light.

Cardenas feels her journey wasn't conventional as she has worked in various marketing agencies, spanning B2B and B2C industries to e-commerce to NGOs and education platforms. But it was Sworkz that led her to the nearshoring industry and its unique challenges.

“The idea of empowering women in this male-dominated field resonated with me deeply. As part of the leadership team, I have the privilege and ability to make impactful decisions, advocating not just for women's talents but also helping some of them as business owners to grow their companies,” said Cardenas. “At Sworkz, we are more than just hollow words – we realize we need to lead with our actions. Our leadership team is 50% women, and our marketing team is almost 90%. As a nearshoring and staffing service provider, we have a responsibility to embody the change we want to see in the industry.”

Cardenas hopes her story inspires women to keep breaking more barriers saying, “if you're a woman considering working in this industry, never apologize for being yourself. Embrace your uniqueness, your skills, and your passion. I hope my journey can be a testament that age and gender are not a barrier and what truly matters is your dedication, kindness, and the mark you want to leave on the world.”

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Mariposa McNabb as its October 2024 Member of the Month. McNabb is a professional driver for Penske Logistics, a subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing.

McNabb’s career journey began when her father taught her how to drive. Now, with an exceptional safety record, she has accumulated 4,000,000 miles throughout her 36-year career. As a result, she was recently recognized as a top five finalist for the 2024 DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award.

In the beginning, McNabb enlisted in the United States Army with plans to become a mechanic but instead, she worked as a clerk in charge of keeping records. After leaving the service, she drove a straight truck before making the decision to return to school. With the GI Bill, she went to a truck driving school and obtained her CDL.

At her company, McNabb is celebrated as a highly skilled professional driver and is often called upon to execute specialty deliveries. Her dedication to safety is also reflected in her exceptional SmartDrive scores. As a Smith System driver trainer and new hire mentor, she demonstrates a solid commitment to safety and the development of her peers. She is passionate about helping others stay safe on the road and establishing lifelong careers in transportation.

McNabb is often the first driver to welcome visitors and new hires to her location and is described by local leadership as a driving force in building an inclusive atmosphere. She volunteers her time on and off the clock to work arm-in-arm with human resources and operations leaders to help promote associate engagement.

“Her positive attitude is contagious! Every day Mariposa is on the team, our operation becomes stronger. The organization is fortunate to have her as a contributing team member,” says Michael Roundy, General Manager of Penske Logistics.

Today, McNabb feels women are more accepted in the trucking industry than when she first started stating, “large companies are trying to fill open positions with more women. As long as companies make it accepting to women, women will come.”

Outside of her professional career, McNabb has three children including two boys and one girl, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also a foster aunt to a six-month-old baby girl and loves every minute of it.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Lehua Anderson as its September 2024 Member of the Month. Anderson is a professional driver for GP Transco, a trusted leader in transportation, delivering excellence and innovative solutions for the trucking and logistics industry.

Originally from Moloka’i, a tiny island in Hawaii, Anderson relocated and was raised in rural Alaska where much of the population survived on fishing, farming and hunting. This upbringing, surrounded by a family of towering Polynesian men, showed her that challenges are meant to be conquered, regardless of gender norms. “Men don’t scare me,” says Anderson.

Once Anderson’s children moved out, she and her husband decided they wanted to travel and began pursuing professional truck driving careers. Now, with a staggering 25 years of overall experience, she enjoys the freedom of driving saying, “I don’t have to manage or supervise anyone, and I have the freedom to make my own choices about when my day is going to start and where I want to go.” For Anderson, trucking isn't just a profession, it's a passion forged through years of dedication and a deep-seated love for the open road.

Anderson stresses the importance of researching and finding a company that prioritizes the safety of their drivers especially as a woman in a male-populated industry. As an example, while at her first company, she recalls a time she got stuck in a blizzard with no heat in her truck. Anderson relied on her ten years of living in Alaska to survive showcasing her ability to navigate any roadblock with finesse and confidence.

In the world of trucking, where grit and determination pave the way, Anderson stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Her journey with GP Transco is not just about miles driven, but about overcoming obstacles with unwavering courage.

As Anderson continues to drive forward with GP Transco, she embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the Women in Trucking community. Her story inspires admiration and a profound respect for those who dare to break barriers and pave new paths in the world of trucking.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Natalie Kathain as its August 2024 Member of the Month. Kathain is the chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Amerit Fleet Solutions.

Kathain's passion for her role as the CHRO at Amerit Fleet Solutions is palpable. She loves her job! She has been responsible for driving human resources strategy, developing talent, employee engagement, communications, and overseeing safety and compliance programs for this provider of fleet maintenance and repair programs.

Kathain has embraced a modern, personalized leadership model with business professionals helping to form and implement Amerit Fleet Solutions’ strategy. “We’re going to elevate this company,” she says. She takes pride in creating and cultivating a diverse, inclusive work environment. Understanding working moms' challenges, Kathain was resolute in being a voice for women in the male-dominated industry. “When I became a manager at Amerit,” she recalls, “I promised myself to promote and elevate women, and I am proud of the strides we've made.” Amerit Fleet Solutions continues to grant platforms for other women in the organization.

Today, Amerit Fleet Solutions boasts a thriving learning and development team that crafts comprehensive training programs, fostering continuous professional growth, according to Kahtain. The Amerit team works tirelessly to ensure Amerit employees are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the fleet industry. To further enhance employee satisfaction, Amerit Fleet Solutions’ dedicated engagement team actively promotes a positive, inclusive culture. This team now implements strategic initiatives designed to increase employee involvement and retention and recognize achievements.

Amerit Fleet Solutions has a thriving employee resource group (ERG) program, as part of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiative. Amerit developed the Women’s Initiative Network, an ERG dedicated to empowering women, establishing connections, and adding value to communities while developing unity in the workplace. They meet every month, and women come together and support each other.

Kathain's advice for women in the industry is not just a suggestion but a call to action. She urges them to seek out like-minded individuals to work with: "Find women who support each other. Build relationships and partnerships and have positive conversations with each other."

Kathain is the first C-level female executive at Amerit, marking much progress for the company and the fleet management industry. Kathain wants women to understand that they can succeed in trucking and maintenance in supervisory roles, ADP roles, director roles, senior leadership, and others. “I want them to know that there’s growth and diversity in this industry and that we can call on so many more that we can help elevate,” she says. “We can change the narrative, the whole perspective that people now have. As we bring more women into this industry, we will be a changed industry.”

It is worthy to note that only 4% of truck technicians are women, according to the 2024 WIT Index, the industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measure the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation. However, in high-contrast to this low percentage, women in leadership roles are in the double digits: Approximately 34.5% of company leaders (defined as those who supervise others) are women and 28% of C-suite executives are women.

Kathain is honored to have the opportunity to make an impact and strive for excellence, proven by her persistence in adapting to industry developments. “Just the privilege to be in this role working alongside such an amazing team is so gratifying,” She says. Kathain’s number one goal as CHRO is to “drive equality one mile at a time” as she fosters an inclusive workplace where every individual's voice is heard and valued, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. “I also have had amazing women who have elevated and mentored me, and I want women to be promoted, elevated, and get a seat at the table in return.”

Kathain holds on to her legacy and excels at championing her people. Her journey is not just impressive but also inspiring for those who aspire to grow in their careers.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Megan Junker as its July 2024 Member of the Month. Junker is the dedicated product director for electric vehicles at PACCAR Parts, a division of PACCAR.

Junker has poured her heart and soul into her career in outside sales, fleet and dealer support, and product marketing. Her unwavering enthusiasm for the products she represents and their crucial economic applications in the field is truly infectious.

She loves the fact that what she is doing is making a difference within the trucking industry saying, “being on the edge of a precipice is always interesting, exciting, and challenging.” In her career, Junker has witnessed and actively contributed to the trucking industry embracing new technology. “What has made this industry so successful is its ability to adapt and evolve. Electrification is a new opportunity to continue that evolution,” she said. PACCAR Parts provided Junker with tools and resources to excel in her professional development, and she stepped up to the task. Her responsibilities now include leading business development, product selection, launch, support, and retail performance for electric vehicles and charging.

Junker's journey in the trucking industry is a testament to its possibilities and growth. She immersed herself in learning how the industry operates, starting with trucking fleets and maintenance shops. Her dedication led her to participate in the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow Program. Her career progression from working with dealer groups to now being on the supplier’s side is a shining example of ambition and success.

Junker is keen for women interested in the trucking industry to know that in her personal experience, women in the industry are a strong support system. “Perhaps because we are not always the majority in the room, we understand what it is like not to be the majority. Therefore, we really support each other by bringing each other into the middle. We have the empathy to support each other,” she said.

Junker's advice to women aspiring to join the trucking industry is simple yet powerful. She encourages them to stay true to themselves, believe in their abilities, and never let anything hinder their passion. “The Women In Trucking organization is not just a supportive network, but a lifeline of professionals who are rooting for each other's success,” she assures, underlining the crucial role of such networks in the industry.

Junker's role as a mentor is not just a job but a passion. She finds immense joy in watching others grow, develop, and become their own. Mentoring younger women, who may be unsure of their abilities, is primarily a testament to her belief in their potential and she believes seeing them gain confidence is the most rewarding part of her journey. She has had mentors, but they were always male mentors. Until recently, when she had a female mentor. “It truly highlighted how impactful having a female mentor benefited me. Her being there for me has inspired me to be there for other women.”

Junker holds a BA in marketing from St. Bonaventure University and an MBA from Ohio University. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé and doing service work in her spare time. She is enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as gardening, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding.