2025 Influential Women in Trucking Finalists Announced
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has recently announced an exciting lineup of finalists for the prestigious 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award, sponsored by TrueBlue's Centerline Drivers. This annual award was established in 2010 to honor the remarkable contributions of female leaders in the trucking sector. These exceptional women are not only paving the way for future generations but also demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing women within the industry.
A Glimpse at This Year’s Finalists
The four remarkable finalists for this year’s award represent a wide array of leadership roles across the trucking industry. Each has made significant contributions that have had a profound impact on their respective organizations and communities. The finalists include:
- Cindy Ellers, Chief Customer Officer, Fleetworthy
- Dee Dee Cox, Vice President of Human Resources, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
- Katerina Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, Fleet Advantage
- Leah Shaver, President and CEO, The National Transportation Institute
Spotlight on Cindy Ellers
Cindy Ellers has been a driving force at Fleetworthy, where she leads initiatives aimed at improving customer strategy, experience, and growth. Since joining the company, she has spearheaded growth during a significant transitional period, successfully integrating new acquisitions while reinforcing a customer-first approach. Ellers is passionate about inclusive leadership and has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee at Fleetworthy, which promotes professional development and visibility for women in the industry.
Her leadership style combines strategic vision with empathy, as she dedicates her time to mentoring women both in her organization and beyond. Ellers is known for empowering others to succeed, especially in sectors typically dominated by male professionals.
Recognizing Dee Dee Cox's Contributions
With three decades of experience in human resources, Dee Dee Cox has cultivated a robust culture at Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. As the Vice President of Human Resources, she oversees numerous programs designed to enhance employee relations and leadership development.
Cox’s initiatives, such as the Management Trainee Program and Supervisor Development Program, focus on creating career pathways that particularly benefit women and historically underrepresented groups. Her contributions to inclusivity and retention have made a lasting difference within OD’s workforce.
Shining a Light on Katerina Jones
Katerina Jones is an established figure in marketing, with a career spanning over two decades. As she drives client-centric strategies for Fleet Advantage, Jones blends educational initiatives with marketing to establish the company as a powerhouse brand.
Additionally, Jones emphasizes safety in her role, leading safety demonstrations and advocating for advanced safety features among fleet operators. She has been recognized immensely within the industry, earning accolades that underscore her stature as a female leader.
Leah Shaver’s Impact on the Industry
Leah Shaver brings nearly 25 years of insightful experience in the transportation sector as the president and CEO of The National Transportation Institute. Under her leadership, NTI empowers companies by translating compensation and human resources data into actionable benchmarking tools, enhancing driver recruitment and retention.
Shaver is not only invested in the challenges today’s drivers face but also committed to fortifying pathways that attract young professionals and women into trucking, ensuring longevity and diversity in the workforce.
Upcoming Panel Discussion
The finalists will engage in a panel discussion at the Women In Trucking Association’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo, where they will share insights and experiences. This event is a vital platform for dialogue and recognition within the industry.
About the Women In Trucking Association
The Women In Trucking Association, Inc. (WIT) is dedicated to promoting the employment and advancement of women in trucking. It stands as a pillar of support for women across the industry, offering invaluable resources to help organizations thrive and employees grow. WIT is bolstered by a community of generous partners who recognize the importance of diversity in the trucking world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Influential Woman in Trucking award?
The award honors outstanding female leaders in the trucking industry who are making significant contributions toward innovation and leadership.
Who are the finalists for the 2025 award?
The finalists are Cindy Ellers, Dee Dee Cox, Katerina Jones, and Leah Shaver, each recognized for their exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.
How does the Women In Trucking Association support women in the industry?
WIT provides a platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy for women in trucking, helping them advance in their careers.
Where will the award's winner be announced?
The winner will be announced during the panel discussion at the Women In Trucking Association’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo.
How can I learn more about Women In Trucking Association?
For more information, you can visit the Women In Trucking website or contact them directly for inquiries and updates.
