In our ongoing “Meet Our Sheroes” series, we highlight extraordinary women who are making waves in their respective fields. Today, we are thrilled to feature Ellen Voie, the founder of the Women in Trucking Association, a groundbreaking organization that is transforming the male-dominated trucking industry.
Ellen began her journey in 2007 with a bold vision: to give women a voice in trucking. Recognizing the significant barriers women face in this sector, she founded the Women in Trucking Association to encourage women’s employment, address challenges, and celebrate their successes. “We’ve grown to 8,000 members across 10 countries,” she shared. “Our mission is clear: to inspire women to consider careers in trucking and to share stories that motivate others.” One of Ellen’s key insights is the need to shift mindsets around trucking careers. “Women rarely consider becoming truck drivers,” she noted. To combat this perception, she and her team have launched several initiatives, including a partnership with the Girl Scouts to create a Supply Chain patch, a doll representing a female truck driver, and an educational trailer named Whitney. These efforts aim to spark interest in transportation careers among young minds.
Reflecting on her journey, Ellen spoke candidly about the challenges she faced when starting her nonprofit. “Establishing credibility was crucial,” she explained, recalling the skepticism she encountered in the early days. Many people questioned the organization’s motives, even her own family. “Everyone wondered, ‘What’s in it for you?’” she admitted. However, Ellen’s unwavering passion and commitment to her mission helped her overcome these obstacles. The organization met its first-year goal of 500 members, and now boasts an impressive 8,000 members. Ellen emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in leading a nonprofit: “People can sense authenticity, and passion is vital for a nonprofit’s success.”
Ellen highlighted the emotional impact of witnessing young women entering the industry and realizing their potential. “The best part of giving a speech is hearing someone say, ‘I hadn’t thought about that,’” she shared. Being part of a supportive community is a core benefit of the Women in Trucking Association, which provides a robust social network for its members, offering a platform for networking, learning, and connection. When asked about collaboration within the women’s organizations, Ellen expressed her belief in unity over competition. “While imitation is flattering, my suggestion to them is to join forces. Women should stick together, as there are instances when we become our own obstacles. We need to focus on collaboration for collective strength.”
Though Ellen has retired as CEO, she continues to speak, research, and write. She is currently working on a book about female founders in transportation, sharing her journey and the stories of others. “The emotional impact is profound, and it connects people on a deeper level,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories to inspire and uplift others. Ellen’s vision for the future includes expanding the association’s impact in third-world countries, focusing on creating opportunities and raising awareness about women in transportation. Her passion for community engagement and diversity shines through in her ongoing work, paving the way for future generations.
Ellen explained that WIT operates with both corporate and individual members. This model allows the association to support large companies like Amazon while also catering to individual truck drivers. “A member could be Amazon, and that counts as one member, but there could also be an Amazon driver who is a member,” she noted. This flexibility helps create a diverse community where both corporations and individuals can benefit. For individual members, particularly women drivers, WIT offers unique opportunities, such as invitations to exclusive events. Corporate members, on the other hand, gain visibility and access to valuable resources like research and data on attracting and promoting women within their organizations. Ellen emphasized that this dual approach creates a win-win situation, benefiting both individual drivers and corporate members looking to improve their gender diversity.
As our conversation progressed, Ellen revealed how WIT actively contributes to creating employment opportunities for women in the trucking sector. While the association itself does not directly hire, it connects job seekers with companies that prioritize female-friendly environments. WIT hosts a career center on its website, providing a valuable resource for individuals seeking employment with companies committed to diversity.
This conversation took an exciting turn when Ellen learned about our initiative, Community Kitchen, which aims to create employment for women in India, particularly focusing on pregnant and single mothers. Ellen expressed enthusiasm for my project and highlighted the potential for collaboration. “We want to support chapters and groups in other countries,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of connecting with organizations worldwide to empower women further.
One of the standout features of WIT is its scholarship foundation, which helps women pursue careers in various aspects of trucking, from driving to mechanics. Ellen explained that WIT offers scholarships for women advancing their careers in supply chain management and safety. “We love helping women,” she said, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering growth and opportunity within the industry. Ellen’s belief in the power of connection was evident throughout our discussion. She understands that fostering relationships within the industry is key to driving change and increasing the number of women in trucking. “Women should stick together,” she advised, advocating for collaboration rather than competition among women’s organizations.
The conversation took an intriguing turn when we talked about expanding WIT’s impact internationally. Ellen expressed a desire to open chapters in other countries, stating, “One of the things that we wanted to do is have chapters and groups in other countries.” This aligns perfectly with my goal of bringing awareness and employment opportunities to women in India. Another vital aspect of WIT’s mission is its scholarship foundation, which supports women pursuing careers in trucking, from driving to diesel mechanics. “We love helping women,” Ellen remarked, showcasing the association’s commitment to fostering growth and opportunities within the industry. The foundation provides scholarships for women advancing their careers in supply chain management and safety, further empowering women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields. Ellen’s passion for community building was evident throughout our conversation. She believes that women should collaborate rather than compete in their respective fields. “Women should stick together,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of support and connection within the industry. With a membership base of over 8,000 individuals, WIT is making a significant impact. Ellen noted that the percentage of female drivers in the industry has increased from around 3% to 12% in recent years, illustrating the positive changes taking place within trucking.
Ellen Voie’s journey exemplifies the essence of a true shero—one who breaks barriers, fosters collaboration, and inspires others. Her commitment to empowering women in the trucking industry serves as a beacon for all women seeking to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields. As she continues to share her story and uplift others, we are reminded of the profound impact that one individual can have on an entire community.
As we continue to celebrate remarkable women in our “Meet Our Sheroes” series, Ellen’s story stands out as a testament to the importance of collaboration, community, and unwavering passion. Together, we can drive change and empower women to pursue careers in industries where they are underrepresented.
Join us in celebrating Ellen Voie and the Women in Trucking Association as they forge ahead, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams.
