The mission of Women In Trucking Association is to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize the obstacles they face. The purpose of the WIT Image Team is to represent these goals while bringing awareness of the need for more female drivers and the challenges they face working in a male dominated environment.
The Image Team participates in ride-along events for legislators, regulators, and industry leaders to provide a deeper understanding of the obstacles they drivers on the road. They also speak to the media and other industry professionals at public events and industry trade shows.
To qualify for the WIT Image Team, the applicant must be a member of WIT for at least one year and submit an application. The application required an essay of 250 words to explain why she should be chosen for the Image Team. Questions regarding their safety records, previous awards or recognitions, volunteer service, and community involvement were included in the selection process. All positions held in the trucking industry were considered in addition to professional drivers.
Top scoring applicants were advanced to the next round of the selection process, which required an interview with the judging panel. The judges were Mark Rousseau, Frito-Lay; Linda Caffee, Landstar Express America; Tom Liutkus, TravelCenters of America; Patrick Pendergast, Ryder System; and Stan Hampton, J.B. Hunt Transport.
“I was honoured to be part of the selection process. There were so many terrific candidates, drivers and other professionals who are devoted to this industry and have such high personal and professional standards,” said Liutkus. “WIT is blessed to be represented by such a fine group of women, as is the trucking industry.”
The following women make up the 2016 Women In Trucking Image Team:
Angelique Jones, professional driver, Atlantic Bulk Carriers
Brooke Held Sudimak, professional driver, Ru-D Trucking
Brooke Mosley, training specialist and female driver liaison, Prime Inc.
Cindi Alexander, co-owner and director training instructor, Lake Cumberland CDL Training School
Cindy Kaps, professional driver, Atlas Van Lines
Deb LaBree, professional driver, Landstar
Felicia Berggren, professional driver, Werner Enterprises
Gretchen Jackson, senior manager and driver recruiter, XPO Logistics
Jeana Hysell, senior safety consultant, J.J. Keller & Associates
Jill Maschmeier, director of safety & compliance, National Carriers
Jodi Edwards, professional driver, J.B. Hunt Transport
Julie Matulle, professional driver & part-time recruiter, H.O. Wolding
Sarah Wulf, recruiting manager, Veriha Trucking
The announcement of the 2016 Image Team was made at the seventh annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event in Louisville, Kentucky. The event is hosted by Women In Trucking Association to honour female commercial drivers. There were approximately 400 people in attendance.
