It’s International Women’s Day – a global celebration of what all women have accomplished and contributed to society and the workforce. This year’s International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias theme is about highlighting untraditional spaces where women are making an impact, breaking stereotypes and emphasizing a world “where difference is valued and celebrated.” One of the biggest industries where women are breaking the mold is in the trucking industry.
Over the past 12 years, there’s been an 88 percent increase in female drivers – a huge accomplishment! However, there’s still only a small number of women drivers overall, totaling in at 7.8 percent of the industry. Here are some women #BreakingTheBias and adding exceptional female leadership to a historically male-dominated industry.
Women are the real architects of society. – Cher
1. Pilot Company’s HR Business Partner, Division 11, Melinda Samuel
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? This is a day to celebrate strong, talented, and intelligent women who have made a significant impact in our lives and communities across the globe. It’s also a day to reflect on equality and equity – how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? I’m a member of a local women’s organization that focuses on the potential of women, voluntarism, and community service where we have celebratory activities during the month. I also enjoy watching movies that celebrate women empowerment like Hidden Figures, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Color Purple, Erin Brockovich, etc.
What woman has inspired you and why? Personally – My mom. My dad passed when I was 10 years old and my mom single-handedly raised a big family, instilled strong morals/values, and taught us the importance of having a strong work ethic and the rewards of helping others.
Professionally – Marilyn Tipton, who gave me my first job in HR almost 20 years ago. She taught me the importance of listening, gaining trust, and establishing fairness and consistency when working with people.
What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Continue to work hard, ask questions, forge relationships, and help other women when you can. If you don’t have a female mentor, find one – it’ll have a significant impact on your life.
2. Pilot Company’s VP of Store Modernization, Allison Cornish
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all the incredible women out there who are contributing to society.
What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? When female leaders have been promoted or celebrated within the company, we’ll often send notes of congratulations celebrating them. It’s been great to see more women at our company promoted into key roles and recognized for their efforts and achievements.
What woman has inspired you and why? I’m extremely fortunate to have grown up under the influence of many strong and intelligent women in my family. It’s very hard to narrow it down to just one. These women include my mother, aunts, stepmother, and grandmothers. Each one has their own incredible story of accomplishment and have provided me countless words of wisdom, motivation, and inspiration.
What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Don’t be afraid to try new things and to place yourself in uncomfortable situations. You can’t learn or grow without a little discomfort.
3. Decker Truck Line Driver Lisa Ohrmundt
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? International Women’s Day is important as the generations change and equality is slowly, very slowly, beginning to turn the tide.
What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements? I celebrate women in an everyday life sort of celebration. As a female in the trucking industry, I encourage and mentor women that are just starting in the industry. There are a lot of truck driving Facebook Pages and other female pages I’m on that are incredibly uplifting to each other!
What woman has inspired you and why? It all starts with my mom. She was a single parent and taught me what it means to have a good work ethic and to take care of the people around you! In trucking, my teacher, Judy, has been incredible as a mentor and friend. I have one Facebook friend that’s an amazing inspiration and she probably doesn’t even know – Gwen Black. She hauls heavy equipment is a straight-up bad ass!!! There are so many women helping women out her on the road, it’s really something special!
What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? One of my favorite things about this job is the women new in the industry that reach out to me who I get to help….there’s so much to learn in the first year, and I’m always willing to share the things I’ve learned and experienced over the years….I spend a fair amount of time trying to get other women to come to work at Decker Truck Line because I love it so much and the culture is driver-focused!!!
4. Pilot Company’s Region Manager Donna Brough
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It means a since of accomplishment. It’s a feeling that others recognize of how it hasn’t always been easy for women to have opportunities to lead.
What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? I’m excited to say I have a region of 12 locations, 10 being led by women. I personally try to attend local events and invite others to join me. (Note: COVID has had an impact on my ability to do this over the past few years)
What woman has inspired you and why? I got my first job when I was 15 working at a local diner. It was owned by a woman named Wanda Rayburn. She taught me how to “work” if you will. I learned from her the skill of connecting with people and the importance of creating a great work atmosphere. She allowed me to grow and learn continuously.
What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Leverage what makes you unique. Be true to who you are and take time to celebrate all of the small accomplishments. They’ll add up over time. Never let anyone tell you tears are a sign of weakness.
5. Over The Road Driver Clarissa Rankin
We wanted to end this blog with a quick video from Over The Road Driver Clarissa Rankin. She’s an incredible example of breaking the mold in this industry and encouraging women to live out their passions and become their best selves. Click here to watch:
2 responses to “International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women In Trucking”
I’m an OTR female driver. Been doing this for a couple years. I come from a long line of truck drivers, including my maternal grandmother & mom! On both sides of my family, I had truck drivers! I was raised by my stepdad, who was a driver. My biological dad was a driver too. I served in the Air Force & met my husband of 23 years. We are both retired now, he stays home & takes of our home & his father. I have always wanted to drive these big rigs, so that’s what I do. My mom is my hero! My husband is m biggest support. My dad is my advisor. Sadly, my biological dad passed many years ago. But without all my family, two sisters & brother in law included, I could not do what I do. I’m always happy to see other women out here fulfilling their dreams!
I’am so proud of these strong ladys ,
showing the world what they are capable
of doing, So I bow to you,Stay strong