Women are doing amazing things in transportation and logistics. Each month, we highlight a member who is succeeding in the industry.
Petrie is the Head of Human Resources at American Expediting Logistics.
Zavaglia is a trucking safety advocate, entrepreneur, and health & wellness writer.
Kathain is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Amerit Fleet Solutions.
Parrillo is the Field Services Midwest Branch Manager at Clean Harbors.
June 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (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.”
May 2025 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Katie Petrie as its May 2025 Member of the Month. Petrie is the Head of Human Resources at American Expediting Logistics.
In an industry that keeps the world moving but often operates behind the scenes, few voices echo with the same blend of passion, resilience, and purpose as Petrie’s. With nearly a decade of experience in transportation and logistics, her story is a testament to intentional growth, courageous decision-making, and people-centered leadership.
Her journey into the trucking industry began in an unexpected place – Harley Davidson, in the luxury recreational space. However, it was during a graduate school internship at XTRA Lease that she truly discovered her calling in transportation. That opportunity opened the door to a full-time role in Missouri, where she managed talent strategy for a company operating an impressive 90,000-trailer fleet across 50+ locations.
Over seven years, she evolved from Talent Manager to HR Director, sharpening her strategic skills and deepening her commitment to the field. That foundation prepared her for her next chapter at American Expediting Logistics, where she started as a Senior Director and now serves as Head of HR, leading with clarity, compassion, and vision.
Passion with Purpose
What drives her? It’s the profound impact of logistics on the world. “The supply chain is the unseen force that powers our world,” said Petrie. “Knowing that my work has a direct impact on the economy and on people’s lives keeps me motivated.”
That motivation is clearly paying off. She’s helped her teams achieve numerous accolades, including the Women In Trucking “Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation” (2024) and Delaware Valley HR Excellence Awards for Total Rewards (2023) and Talent Development (2024).
Resilience in Action
Early in her career, she took a leap of faith by relocating her family from Wisconsin to Missouri to pursue an opportunity in logistics. It was a challenge that tested her resilience but ultimately shaped her career. “That decision required personal sacrifice,” she said. “But it proved to be one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken.”
Support from her mentors played a key role in her journey. Influential figures such as Steve Bishara, Kim Berriman, and Dr. Joel Nadler helped refine her leadership approach and expand her strategic thinking.
Leading the Future of HR
Her professional goals are both focused and inspiring. In the next year, she aims to expand her strategic impact within American Expediting Logistics. Over the next five years, she envisions scaling her leadership across a larger organization – continuing to champion a people-first culture that drives business success.
She offers this advice to women entering the industry: “Don’t be afraid to aim high. This industry needs your ambition, perspective, and voice.” And her favorite career wisdom? “Be a business partner first. Understand your area but never lose sight of the broader business goals.”
Beyond the Office
Away from the logistics world, she’s a mom of four, a fitness enthusiast, and a music lover with a soft spot for '70s to '90s tunes. She grew up on a dairy farm, loves experimenting with new recipes, and is always ready for the next family adventure. “Seeing the world through my kids’ eyes is so magical,” she said.
Currently binge-watching Navy SEALs, she finds joy in balance between leading teams, raising a family, and staying connected to her roots.
To Petrie, HR is more than a department – it’s a catalyst for organizational change. “I’m passionate about building inclusive, people-focused workplaces that drive business results,” she says. It’s a mission she’s living every day, helping transform the transportation industry from the inside out.
April 2025 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Sharleigh Zavaglia as its April 2025 Member of the Month. Zavaglia is a trucking safety advocate, entrepreneur, and health & wellness writer.
Zavaglia has spent more than seven years in trucking safety, covering the Western U.S. as a consultant and logging more than 540,000 highway miles. But her journey in the industry goes far beyond compliance and regulations. As a trucking safety advocate, entrepreneur, and health and wellness writer, she has dedicated her career to improving the well-being of truck drivers, focusing on both physical and mental health.
Her passion for the industry was fueled by an appreciation for the hardworking individuals who keep goods moving across the country. She initially stepped in as a safety consultant, offering hands-on training and solutions to improve safety practices. However, through years of working closely with drivers, she recognized a major gap – traditional safety measures weren’t addressing the mental and physical toll of long-haul trucking. This realization inspired her to expand her focus beyond regulations and into holistic wellness for truckers.
What makes Zavaglia’s work unique is her ability to blend trucking safety, mental health advocacy, and healthcare into a comprehensive approach. Through industry publications, public speaking, and research, she has made it her mission to highlight the importance of psychological safety in trucking.
Her expertise in human factors and driver wellness allows her to bridge the gap between traditional safety training and real-life well-being. She is currently writing an eBook focusing on women’s psychological and physical health as over-the-road truckers, aiming to provide practical strategies for female drivers to thrive in an industry historically dominated by men.
One pivotal moment in her career came while writing her thesis on human factors in professional driving. As part of her research, she interviewed truck drivers about their experiences. One driver’s story left a lasting impact as he shared how loneliness and stress had taken a serious toll on his health.
While trucking safety meetings typically covered regulations and compliance, there was little discussion about the human side of the profession. That conversation sparked a turning point in Zavaglia’s career. She realized that mental health was just as critical as physical safety, and from then on, she worked to incorporate resilience and psychological well-being into her safety training and writing.
As more women enter the trucking industry, Zavaglia encouragingly says, “embrace the challenge and know you belong. Whether behind the wheel, in safety, or in leadership roles, women bring valuable perspectives that can shape the future of trucking.”
Her key advice? Build a strong support network, seek mentors, and advocate for yourself and others. She believes that women’s voices are needed to create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive trucking industry.
With her commitment to trucker wellness and advocacy, Zavaglia is not only paving the way for women in trucking but also helping to redefine what safety and well-being mean for the entire industry.
March 2025 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Christine Iva Britton as its March 2025 Member of the Month. Britton is a professional driver for Premier Truck Group.
Britton was naturally drawn to anything with a motor and wheels as far back as she can remember. Foreshadowing her career, growing up, her father ran a Husqvarna saw shop behind Jubitz Truck Stop which is merely a stone’s throw away from the Freightliner dealership where she has been employed for the past 10 years.
“The trucking industry was always coming and going in the backyard of my pre-CDL life,” said Britton. “I had stars in my eyes pretty early on and eventually went to IITR Trucking Driving School to make it official.”
Starting her career at Premier Truck Group in October of 2014, Britton is dispatched by the entire dealership which includes new and used sales, collision and service departments. She assists management, service technicians, service writers and foremen with diagnostic feedback providing customer service excellence.
Her recognitions include being named one of Premier Truck Group’s 2024 Winning Women, winning the Premier Truck Group’s Safety Excellence Coin #056 and a Jubitz Truck Light Parade honorable mention.
For fellow women within the industry or those looking to enter it, Britton has some enthusiastic advice saying, “DO IT! Always trust your intuition, be patient with yourself, believe in your greatness, be bold and communicate with confidence. Support, don’t compete, and make a great playlist to get through it and GET OVER IT!”
February 2025 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Jo Lynn "JJ" Kelley as its February 2025 Member of the Month. Jo Lynn is a professional truck driver with Walmart's Private Fleet.
Now in her sixth year as a professional driver, and with more than 400,000 safe miles, she attributes her safety, passions, successes and joys to her unwavering faith in God. "I may drive an 18-wheeler but in my cab, God is truly in charge of that 19th wheel,” she states, referring to the steering wheel.
Beginning her driving career with Schneider National, she drove over the road (OTR) long haul where she got to visit 47 of the 48 contiguous United States. In this time, Jo Lynn acquired skills for hauling dry van, tanker, flat bedding, and teaming. She chose Schneider for three main reasons: their federal (FMCSA) safety rating, their diversity in haul types, and their acceptance of students who just earned their professional truck driving license.
"I absolutely loved driving that big rig all over the United States,” she reflects. Jo Lynn’s driving force for entering the trucking industry after careers in art and accounting was to earn a paycheck while traveling the U.S. and to salt and pepper a troubled world with the joys that God consistently painted her days with. "Throughout the miles, trials and tribulations since entering this industry, my spirituality has deepened to a complete and unwavering reliance upon God and all His promises in the Bible,” she states enthusiastically. "With God, all things are possible."
Jo Lynn recalls one of the lower points in the beginning of her career when she struggled with wanting to give up. Praying, she realized that she needed to get out of her negative mindset and do for others which inspired her to make wallet-sized cards proclaiming to the recipient that they were truly a valued person. She left these all over the U.S. at truck stops, rest areas, and other places she thought others might be feeling invisible or underappreciated. The idea grew into a small campaign of her purchasing five-dollar coffee gift cards and attaching them to the cards. After that, the cards became company trivia question cards where the recipient was instructed if they guessed the trivia answer to keep the gift card, or if not, to pass the gift card to another. When she told her employer at the time about this campaign, they liked it so much they purchased a few dozen $5 gift cards to keep it going.
Jo Lynn used her artistic skills and penned two creatively inspiring and interactive trucking books in her first three years with Schneider – Trucking with JJ: Volume 1 and Trucking with JJ: Volume 2. The books are photo-based with story shorts which include QR codes to view additional video shorts she's made. You can download Adobe PDF versions of the two books for no cost here: . She essentially lived in her truck those first two and a half years on the road and took small breaks where and when her schedule allowed.
After deciding she wanted a break from the truck cabin and developing enough safety experience, Jo Lynn joined Walmart's team of private fleet drivers where she now enjoys regional driving and a well-balanced amount of time at home. Jo Lynn describes the environment at Walmart Transportation as a group of seasoned and safe professional drivers, many of which have hundreds of thousands of safe miles on record in their driving careers. "The walls in all of our distribution centers are packed with plaques of 500,000-mile, 1 million-mile, 3 million-mile and higher driver careers,” she describes. "I feel humbled and honored to be among such a stable and safety-driven family of truckers."
Walmart Transportation is a Gold Partner of WIT and has been a Platinum Level Sponsor of the Accelerate! Conference & Expo for the last four years. Jo Lynn, who is currently one of three female drivers at her base yard team of more than 140 drivers, thoroughly enjoys when she is blessed to participate in WIT events. Additionally, she pulls the ±ղԱ® Educational Trailer to events where she typically manages the truck driving simulator inside the trailer for visitors to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of safely driving a big rig.
Jo Lynn loves to share how there is an enormous amount of opportunities in trucking that fit an individual's needs to balance work and time with family and friends. The hiring age is simply 18+ and there are no gender, racial, educational or spiritual boundaries. “Virtually every tangible item has been on a truck at one point and time, so the world will always need safe professional drivers,” she says.
"My trucking career path has seen me in tears, anger, doubts and confusion,” says Jo Lynn. “God always restores me to a peaceful inner joy with new insights on navigating a life of abundance that I never dreamed or perhaps, never allowed myself to dream of. I have an inner confidence in my sense of self that I had not known during my earlier life, and I am ever so grateful for all that this industry and God have taught me so far. I look forward to more learning, seeing, and doing that will come.”
Jo Lynn lives on an award-winning equestrian horse farm in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and considers herself now retired from her artistic career which included painting, photography, designing, machine embroidery, writing and blogging. She continues her quests for new friends, new hobbies, new travels, and new adventures to experience while treasuring all her memories (the good, the bad and the ugly) and the promises of all the joys yet to come.
January 2025 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Alyssa Briggs as its January 2025 Member of the Month. At only 24 years old, Briggs has been a trailer mechanic at XPO, Inc. for nearly four years.
Unsure of what she wanted to do when she grew up, Briggs decided to go to a vocational school where she was instructed to pick three course options. Her first choice was CNC machining, as her stepfather is a CNC machinist, and she had been considering following in his footsteps. Her second choice was welding, and her third choice was the diesel mechanic course. She was accepted into her third choice – the diesel mechanic course. At first, she was scared because she knew nothing about anything mechanical and closest she had come to working on a vehicle was watching her stepfather change oil in a car.
On the first day of school, she realized she was the only woman in her class, making her even more nervous, however, most of the men were quick to answer the questions she had and taught her a lot of useful information. As time went on, she grew to love mechanics and the more she learned, the more interested she became.
After graduation, Briggs wanted to become a professional mechanic but was terrified of applying for a job. “I felt like I didn’t have a chance in this industry,” said Briggs. “I wasn’t sure who would give a woman a chance, and it took a little more than a year of considering my options and a whole bunch of pep talks with my husband who finally convinced me to give it a try.”
Briggs began researching and came across XPO, which seemed like the perfect fit as the pay, benefits and time off stood out compared to the company’s competitors. The day after applying, she received a call to come in for an interview. During the interview, she still felt like she had no chance of getting hired but she was determined to give it her best. “I remember asking the interviewer if the company had ever employed a woman mechanic and to my surprise, he responded with, ‘we actually have two other great women mechanics here.’ I couldn’t believe it and hearing that helped ease my nerves going into this field – I wasn’t alone!” Once Briggs was extended a job offer, she immediately accepted and was beyond excited. She knew XPO was the right place for her and to this day, she can't ask for a better place to work saying, “the amount of support and respect I receive is unmatched.”
Throughout her time at XPO, Briggs has been able to further her knowledge with hands-on experience. In fact, in November of last year, Briggs had the chance to put her skills to the test at the company’s annual MasterTech competition which tests the professional skills and knowledge of XPO’s top technicians. To qualify for the competition, technicians must pass an entrance exam, interview and quality checks of their work. Next, the top 20 mechanics, eight truck mechanics, eight trailer mechanics and four forklift mechanics within the company are invited compete against each other in Orlando, FL. Briggs took first place in the competition which consisted of 27 stations including electrical, preventative maintenance, brakes and tires. She is the first woman in history to win first place saying, “this accomplishment will motivate me to become even better technician and will motivate other women to take chances and to just go for things in their career. I hope other women mechanics and women who are considering going into this field see this and know that we are just as capable in a male-dominated field!”
December 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced April Crysel as its December 2024 Member of the Month. Crysel is a professional driver for Chestnut Enterprises, a well-established company in Wilmington, North Carolina that has been in the container repair industry since 1977. She is also a member of the WIT Class of 2024 Image Team.
At the age of 45, after her factory job was outsourced to another country, Crysel began her career in the industry at Maverick Transportation where she hauled specialized flatbed, hauling glass to 48 states and Canada. From there, she became a driver trainer/driver support team for Ryder System, Inc. In this role, she drove box truck, flatbed, doubles, refrigerated tanker, containers and dump beds. She then settled into working for an owner-operator hauling containers out of the ports. Additionally, Crysel tried her hand as a safety manager and dispatcher at Global Transportation Management (GTM) for two years, enjoying helping other drivers get started in their careers. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in the office but ultimately missed driving and the open road.
Now, 10 years later, Crysel is thrilled to be working with the most wonderful people at Chestnut Enterprises, a small family-owned company with a husband-and-wife team. She loves the people she works for as they are flexible in and out of the port and there is a great camaraderie. “Everyone gets along, and everybody helps everybody,” says Crysel. “You don’t see that as much nowadays and that’s why I don’t want to leave.”
Crysel discovered WIT when she came across the Facebook page in 2015. Shortly after, Sandy Long became her mentor, and she became part of the mentoring Facebook page. She is passionate about helping and supporting other women saying, “being able to help and connect with other women so they know they have a support system here for them is so fulfilling.”
One of Crysel’s favorite parts of being involved with WIT and on the Image Team is attending the Accelerate! Conference & Expo. She has made many lifelong friendships throughout the years and enjoys watching women come together and empower each other.
Off the road, Crysel has boy and girl twins who are grown and have children of their own giving her three wonderful grandsugars.
November 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (WIT) has announced Dana Tarver as its November 2024 Member of the Month. Tarver is a fuel hauler for Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), a leading specialized transportation and logistics provider across a range of diversified end markets in the United States and Canada.
In 1995, driven by tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on, Tarver began her career in the trucking industry at the age of 25. Today, she consistently demonstrates thoroughness and punctuality, adheres to all company policies and is guided by her personal motto – do it right the first time. Tarver serves as an exemplary illustration of the valuable contributions a successful driver can make as her pride in herself, her role and her company shines through her daily trips.
With a passion for safety, Tarver meticulously maintains her equipment, takes all necessary precautions and values mentoring others on the subject. She takes great pride in fellow professional drivers calling her for advice and guidance on the road.
Through trucking, Tarver has carved out a fulfilling career for herself that provides job security and allows her to enjoy time with family and friends without stress or exhaustion, knowing she is well taken care of. She encourages other women not to be intimidated by the male-populated industry and to recognize the opportunities for growth and success available within it.
Tarver is a champion for other women navigating a career path in the trucking industry saying, “never be intimidated to do this job. What's for you will be for you if you always put safety first. When in doubt, stop and ask somebody!"
October 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (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.
September 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (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.
August 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (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.
July 2024 Member of the Month
The һƷ̽ (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.
The Member of the Month program supports a key pillar of the WIT mission - promoting accomplishments of women in the transportation and logistics industry. Do you know a woman who is making significant strides in our industry or want to share your own journey? Submit a story below.
