Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipients
The Women In Trucking Foundation is proud to celebrate these recipients of Fall 2022 scholarships. The categories of scholarship are noted: Leadership, Driving, Safety and Technical.
Theresa Byers | Driving
I have wanted to drive big rigs since my stepfather was trying to make enough money to take my mother on a late honeymoon. He made my mother smile in a way I had never seen before or since. He fell asleep at the wheel, was airlifted to the hospital, but passed away two hours later on the operating table. He was a good man and is sorely missed. I hope to help keep others like him from meeting the same fate. Driving well is my way of giving respect to his memory.
The most recent obstacle I have had to get past is trying to get my class A CDL with no income. I promised my Grammy before she passed that I would find a way, and then drive until I find the place I fit in this world, stopping at nothing to get to a place that feels like home. It has taken me a year to do it, but a little bit at a time, I finally have my class A. Next up is repaying those who helped me and getting a position with a respectable company so that I can find that place where I really fit in this world. Stay tuned - I firmly believe where there is a will there is a way, and I am willing to find that way!
Joan Cowell | Driving
Thinking back about 10 years ago, I would’ve never thought about being in the trucking industry. After researching the industry and speaking with others who have trucking as their career, I am motivated to pursue this career as a woman and be successful with it. Women in the trucking industry is a new trend but with good reason. I have heard trainers say more than once they rather train a woman than a man. Some of the trainers even brag about women’s driving skills by the time they are done with training. In my opinion, women generally drive less aggressively and more cautiously than men, so that should also mean they are less likely to be involved in accidents.
Being a working mother of four beautiful children, I have always had to work hard at whatever accomplishments I desired in life. In my family, I am the first to graduate with a college degree. Living paycheck to paycheck was quite the norm in my home, because my parents did not have the financial means to pursue their own education or assist in the financing of mine. Therefore, I had to work hard and rely on financial aid myself. I consider it a privilege to be able to give back to my community with my time. I look at the struggles I’ve endured as motivation and a stepping stone as I look forward to a bright future and the great things that are in store for me and my family.
In the next 5 years I plan on being an owner operator for a trucking company and having 2-3 trucks on the road. I also plan to have my own truck driving school to help others obtain their goal to have a successful career in the trucking industry.
Ahleea Dantignac | Driving
I have decided to pursue a career in truck driving because I have first-hand witnessed the economic benefits to my family members and close friends, I want to utilize my background in logistics and gain the ability to support my family even through major crises.
When I faced homelessness in 2019, I could have given up because I had nothing to build upon. However, my lack of resources in many aspects allowed me to drive myself harder to focus on my goals and do what needed to be done to successfully enroll and complete a year of business administration at Arkansas Baptist College with a 4.0 GPA and making the President’s list.
Five years into my career, I will have up-front cash flow, a clean driving record and knowledge to operate my own company. At this time, I am planning to comply with a company standard to excel and show safety protocols, save my income and train in many classes to expand my skills continuously.
Brianna Glowinski | Leadership
Having family in the automotive and transportation industry, I became interested in mechanic work at a young age. After starting my career repairing passenger cars, I found that there was more stability in the trucking industry. I like being able to contribute to an industry that impacts the nation on a massive scale. Keeping the shelves stocked is a bigger task than a lot of people realize.
I am bypassed by customers. My desk is strategically located for the ability to supervise my technicians and greet customers. I have had customers ask to speak to a manager, and seem under-impressed when I told them I am the supervisor. I have had them tell me "Oh, if that's the case, I need to talk to a mechanic," or "Just let me talk to a man, hon." It is disheartening to be dismissed based on my looks. Simply showing one customer at a time that I am knowledgeable in my field is a long battle. In the meantime, I am part of a think tank for a Women in Maintenance team at my job. One customer at a time is not enough, we are out to change the industry's idea of what a knowledgeable service professional looks like.
In 5 years I should be wrapping up my masters in Careers and Technical education. About that time I will be ready to transition form shop management to training and development. I want to help develop the next generation of mechanics, and make sure females are represented in the field from the start. I hope that meeting a female early in their careers will help more women find their place in the trucking industry. I was lucky to have a female mentor who helped me gain my confidence. My goal has always been to make the transportation industry “a little more pink!"
Kristin Gomez | Safety
I’ve worked in trucking since joining Schneider in 1998, and became a safety and training manager in 2014. Throughout my career, I have valued opportunities to learn and collaborate in the trucking industry, from volunteering in my community to serving on an advisory board.
Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I would see Schneider trucks throughout the city and the new student drivers training. I never imagined myself working in the trucking industry growing up. Shortly after starting my career in Green Bay, I relocated out West to Portland, Oregon, where I worked at our terminal for 21 years.
When I moved into the Safety & Training Manager role, I immediately became involved in a project that Schneider collaborated with Northeastern University. This was an Occupational & Health study for Bose Ride seats to measure reduction in driver fatigue and back pain. This was a great opportunity to see the impact safety can have on the driver fleet while seeing advancements in technology. Early on in my role, I also managed Safety for our Canadian Division for a year which was another great learning opportunity. This helped me develop as a safety leader, leading a group from afar while working on improving crash frequency.
I also feel it’s important to give back to the community through your time and/or money. While working at Schneider, I have served as the co-chair for the Truck Driving Advisory Board for Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington. I was one of three representatives from a large over the road carrier. This board consisted of both Class A and Class B employers, as well as Dry Van Over the Road, LTL, and Tanker carriers. I served in this role for two years before I relocated to our Phoenix, AZ, terminal in August 2022. Another program I was involved in was with Family of Friends Mentoring while living in Oregon. I have been able to share the life of a truck driver and the work that I do with elementary school kids. I mentored a young girl 9 years ago who has now become a family friend and a big part of my life. I enjoy sharing about truck driving and the work that I do. This industry is not glamorous, but it certainly is essential to keep the food stocked on the grocery store shelves, medical supplies to a hospital, or keeping manufacturing plants running.
This CDS certification will allow me to dig a bit deeper into the various fleets that I manage for safety, especially for my material handling account. Improving workplace injuries and reviewing and implementing safe work practices will be a focus. In addition, working the Operations group helping create an even stronger safety culture will help improve safety costs and reduce driver turnover. Being onsite in Phoenix now is a great benefit allowing face-to-face interaction with associates and drivers. I have managed this group for the last six years remotely. Phoenix is Schneider’s largest terminal in the West and I’m excited for the opportunity to lead Safety. With this course I will also learn new ideas to promote safety programs that will engage our drivers and office associates.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Lori Hanganen | Safety
I want to thank the Women in Trucking Foundation for the scholarship to attend the North American Transportation Management Institute’s Safety Certification Program. Through your support I am on my way to becoming a Certified Director of Safety. I thought the class was amazing, our instructor was top notch, and I met some wonderful people in the transportation industry. I believe in taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way with grace and humility, and again want to thank you for your generosity in helping me achieve my goals.
I have previously worked in the transportation industry as a Safety Director for over a decade, but it was many years ago. My previous background was with a regional dry van company who employed about 90 company drivers along with a few independent contractors. I had frequent interactions with our drivers and was able to build a good working relationship with them. My adjustment now is working with an owner operator fleet serving the United States and Canada. I look forward to continuing their commitment to safety compliance and consciousness.
I am a firm believer that knowledge is power, and I am excited to continue my education on becoming a certified Director of Safety. I am looking forward to continuing to develop, implement and manage our safety programs and safety culture. With safety being our highest priority, improvement needs to be continuous.
Phyllis Harris | Driving
I have chosen a career in trucking because I would like to be more financially stable, build confidence and challenge myself in a new environment. I became a single mother of two kids at 24 and my finances have always been hard for me. I never finished college and really have not known my purpose in life. I went from government assistance to corporate America within five years, and for the past four years I have been in accounting at a German logistics company. I'm currently making $46K a year however it’s still not enough for me and my family to live off. I have always wanted to drive trucks, however fear has held me back from pursuing this career path. Fear is no longer my downfall and I'm ready for new challenges in my life.
A time I overcame an obstacle in pursuit of a goal was eight years ago when I was on government assistance. I had food stamps, childcare and government health insurance. I was a CNA at the time working 20 hours a week and making $9/hr. My only goal at the time was to get off government assistance and make $15/hr. I had a friend who was in accounting and was willing to teach me about collections in accounting. She trained me and prep me for interviews for collections jobs. I was still not confident I could do this job or career because I did not have a college degree and would go against people who were more qualified than me. I prayed and fasted, and got my first job at NCR doing collections for small business.
I plan on owning my own trucking company. I have been in logistics for four years now and have learned a lot about moving freight. A hobby I love to do is event planning and decor. I plan on contracting with event planners or wholesellers who buy and sell furniture or event equipment Internationally and in the US. My steps so far is learning the business, how to contract with vendors, and pursuing my CDL A license. I would like to be on the trucker side now to experience this part of logistics. With all of this I would like to find a way to help single mothers like myself pursue their career in trucking, whether its donating back to WIT Foundation or speaking to individuals like myself to pursue their goals.
Kim Hurley | Safety
I am currently the safety director for a family-run trucking company with approximately 40 drivers. I am also a female in a man’s industry.
I want to take the NATMI CSS & CDS Fleet Safety Certification course to learn more. I want to expand my knowledge base when it comes to the trucking industry. This new knowledge will make me a better safety director, which in turn benefits the company. I know I can do better and be better.
This training will help me with proper record keeping for OSHA and DOT and help me to implement safety programs for our company. I want to make sure that I am doing all that is necessary and required for crashes and/or work place injuries. This fleet safety training will help me to identify changes that may need to be made for a safer work environment. I also trust this training will help me and the company to find good quality drivers to hire and how to retain these drivers. I know there is a technical aspect to this field and I would benefit learning more in this area. By me learning in this area I can better communicate with drivers and management. Our company manual needs to be updated and I think this fleet safety training will greatly assist me in doing this update. I also believe that I can learn how to sell (convince) others that safety is not only necessary, but a good thing. Many drivers moan and groan about safety stuff and hopefully after learning in this course I can change that and do a better job of selling it to the drivers.
I believe our drivers and shop mechanics can benefit from continual training. Sometimes it is a challenge to do quality training for them. This certification class can help me to provide better training for everybody.
Brittany Ives | Driving
My family has been in the trucking industry since 2016. I handle all the office work pertaining to the truck, while my husband does the driving. I want to be able to go out and drive the truck. I would love to be a second driver for our company to begin our expansion. I feel like I have so much more to offer besides budgeting and tax work. Driving would allow me to meet our customers and help create more revenue for our little business. Plus, how powerful do you feel handling such a large piece of equipment? It takes strength and courage to join a male dominated industry - I am ready to be a Class A CDL driver.
I went to college for business development. It was a great learning experience, but I became pregnant with my son. I had to make a choice, quit school or find a way to manage it with a newborn. I pushed on with my college career. I would take my son to class so I wouldn't miss when a sitter wasn't available. I was a teaching assistant for a few courses. I made it work. My son and I enjoyed college together.
I hope to see me and my husband sharing the work load so we both can enjoy time at home with the children. I can see a new truck and flat bed trailer added to our growing business.
Ericka Jackson | Driving
All of my kids are adults. I have wanted to drive trucks for a long time, but unfortunately as a single mom, I couldn’t leave my kids. And that’s honestly the only reason. As a single mom I had to do what I had to do. But, my twins turned 18 and I’m FREEEEE! Lol. I’m now to free to see the world. I just want to live my dreams now. I’m always giving 100% of myself to my kids, relationships, family, etc. Now, I’m ready to do what’s been speaking to my heart for decades - Driving.
In the next five years I hope to have my own authority. I want a fleet of pink trucks with an all female crew. I want to empower other women. My mom has foster kids that pass in and out of her home. I can’t wait to expose this to them once I learn it. I’m excited for many reasons. The ones here are just a few. I feel like my whole world opened up now that my kids are adults. I’ve never been arrested, and I don’t have any grandbabies yet. I’m writing for this grant. I already purchased my books. I’m ready. I just need a financial boost. And if I get it, I believe in paying it forward for others.
And one of my daughters is going with me. She just got her diploma and we wanna do this together.
Tara Lawson | Safety
Obtaining my CDS is a great way to consolidate and solidify the knowledge I’ve gained over the last 31 years in transportation. In working both on the carrier and supplier sides of the industry, I will use that experience to earn accreditation on these skills. As a business professional supporting the transportation industry, it will help me gain valuable insight and understanding of a safety director’s roles and responsibilities to help better support their careers.
Receiving the Women in Trucking Safety Scholarship is an incredible honor. Completing my CDS certification has provided me with the insight to recognize the contributions I’ve made throughout my career to help motor carrier fleets improve their safety programs through a variety of services and solutions. The relationships I built with colleagues in the certification program provided a network of industry professionals whom I can collaborate with in the future. Earning the CDS certification is not an easy feat, so having the opportunity to be among the best-in-class safety professionals in the industry is exciting and rewarding.
LaDonna Milton | Leadership
I have chosen a career in truck driving to be able to take care of my six children. One day I will purchase our very own home, and be able to save and send my children to college. I love being my own boss and not being micromanaged. Truck driving makes it possible for me to accomplish my goals and dreams. I attend school online and drive at night.
In 2021 my baby and I suffered from a traumatic delivery where we both had injuries. I was told I wasn’t well enough to drive, but I overcame the negativity by praying, healing and being determined to do what I do best, drive.
I plan to own a trucking company hiring females to drive for me. I want to prove that we can do anything we put our minds to.
Turajha Moore | Driving
I decided to work in trucking because I have always gravitated to industries that provide resources for others who are considered the “outsiders.” I finally took the leap of changing my career in 2020 and it was due to three main factors: The impacts of C-19, supporting other women in the inland empire, and to become an efficient CFO for my daughter.
While working in higher education, I saw the first-hand effects of COVID and felt that my role at that time (as an executive assistant) was not sufficient to the education I gained, nor did it give me extrinsic value for I was limited to doing student success related work. I began to gain knowledge of trucking and fell in love with the idea that I could provide resources to my city.
I faced many obstacles and still face them as an owner operator. The biggest obstacle was the gas price increase and the removal of our driver. We struggled this year due to meeting gas expenses and constant repairs. I am now in the process of enrolling in school. I have a goal and a vision that cannot be deferred due to the inability to change or lack of maintenance for company owned vehicles. I’ve obtain my permit and am now seeking funding to complete my 15 hours.
My 5-year goal is to obtain 3-5 trucks and to create a steady in come of $50,000 to $100,000 dollars a month. This will allow me to create multiple benefits options; create the pathway with community colleges, truck driving schools, and four-year universities; hiring more women drivers; start the process of creating other divisions outside of California.
Charlotte Sherwood | Driving
I was involved in a fatal accident with my fiancé who lost his life in the fall of 2021. Trucking was his absolute world and I came into the industry to memorialize him and have fallen in love with it. I’d like to climb in the industry and get my CDL.
I almost lost my life and then went through a very long recovery following the crash. My arm still isn’t 100% back to normal after two surgeries. I struggled at first coming into the industry to do certain tasks, considering I struggle to cut my own food myself. But I’ve become one of the faster drivers and absolutely love, and can see why he loved, this industry.
I’d like to get my Class A CDL and go over the road, and see the world. Meet lots of new faces and enjoy my 20s. It was always a dream my fiancé and I had - We wanted to truck across the US and live on the road.
Shannon Starr | Driving
I am eager to make the change from struggling cosmetologist into the commercial truck driving field. It is overwhelmingly in demand and I can work without constantly being on my feet.
I was a teen parent and have been a single mother of three children since the tragic death of their father in 2018. Then the pandemic happened. I’ve received government assistance since I can remember, had multiple foot surgeries, and despite the pain, I have persevered.
My 5-year plan is to own my own truck and to be able to buy my childhood home. I definitely see a future of owning multiple trucks, as well as specifically hiring and empowering other women to do the same. I personally want to use my story to encourage more women to enter into this career field.
Lyawnna Still | Driving
When the pandemic hit, I was looking for ways to earn extra money since I was working from home. I looked into dispatching and decided to take a class. Once I finished with the class, it was still difficult trying to find carriers to sign because I didn't have the experience. I've been working in my current field now for about 17 years and even though I like what I do, I've decided that I would love to work for myself now. I love being on my own schedule and I love to travel. What better way to travel than to get paid to do it? I also see how hard it is for some people to become gainfully employed because of past circumstances. I eventually would love to own a fleet of trucks and help those who have a difficult time getting employed.
Having the courage and not being afraid to fail was the biggest obstacle for me when it came to relocating to Georgia by myself. I grew up in Virginia all my life and 11 years ago I decided to just do it. I found a job and relocated with my son. After year and a half there, the job I relocated for started to downsize and I was laid off. I was scared and alone but I knew I couldn't go back. I didn't want to go back. I struggled working temp jobs. Then I found the job I have now and all has never been better. While I love what I do, and the company I work for, I'm at the stage in my life where I want to work for myself, and eventually have something I can leave for my son and grandchildren.
I hope to own a small fleet of trucks, including box trucks. Taking this CDL class is the first step to making that happen. Once I have my CDL license, I feel the sky is the limit. Next year, I plan on purchasing a truck so I can began to drive. I may continue to work part time in my current position, but if all goes well, I will leave the engineering industry all together. While that is a big risk, that is a bet I'm willing to make on myself.
Chantal Taunton | Driving
After spending 27 years in law enforcement I need a change and a productive second career. I am able to retire early next year and have considered truck driving for quite some time. I recently obtained my CDL B (P & S) and am giving back to my community as a substitute school bus driver. My next goal is gaining the coveted trucking license. While it seems to be a lofty goal, I'm ready and excited for the next chapter in my life.
I immigrated to the United States in 1990 from Northern Europe. I knew I wanted to be a police officer, but I lacked skills, experience and basic qualifications. I chose to become a US citizen, and decided to serve my new country, so I joined the U.S. Army as a military police officer. My next challenge was a state law enforcement certificate, so I put myself through a police academy and passed. I was hired by a large police department the next month. My motto is to always achieve the goals you set for yourself and do your very best. If you can imagine it, you can do it!
I plan to attend a local truck driving school and obtain my CDL this fall. My desire is to become employed with a reputable trucking company so that I may gain experience and continue to be a safe and productive asset in the future.
Tiffany Thomas | Leadership
I've chosen a career in trucking because as a small business owner it's been hard expanding without proper funding. I've been independently running my business since 2019, and the financial part has gotten me in some debt. I've been working to expand, and trying to get help with finances, but I'm burning myself out without the extra assistance. I'd love to be able to bring in more income and not feel burnt out. At the age of 29, I have no children and the trucking industry can help me prepare financially for my future and my family. I'm looking forward to getting my CDL and starting a business with my husband.
A time when I overcame an obstacle in pursuit of a goal was becoming a pet stylist. I love pets and working with them, but I never pictured becoming a stylist. I started as a bather at Petsmart for hands-on training. I completed the grooming course and two years of grooming. Then I was able to transfer to the animal hospital. I overcame the obstacle of being in a position I didn't necessarily find interesting to get into the vet office and veterinary school.
In the next 5 years, I plan to have enough experience to team drive and expand a trucking business with my husband. I also plan to expand my grooming business and hire others to assist me. I'm excited and looking forward to it so I can better provide for my loved ones and have fun with it. I ride motorcycles and enjoy traveling so why not make a profit and gain knowledge while getting paid.
Renatta Warren | Driving
Choosing a career in trucking was a dream deferred because it was house rules that my parents wanted me to go straight to college! We laugh now, but it was a sacrifice made to not let my parents down because it was rare that anyone in my family pursued higher education, aside from enlisting in the service. Although I hold a Bachelors of Science-Health Psychology, it has been very difficult finding a career in that field. I ended up landing three jobs and worked them all up until hitting a severe rough patch in my late 20s. But now I recognize that I need to switch gears, as it makes no sense for anyone to stay at an occupation where they have mastered all the duties/tasks of a particular role and are no longer happy.
Speaking of the severe rough patch in my late 20s, I was temporarily displaced. I went out on a limb trying to help someone close to me with a situation that led to us being displaced. Thankfully, I started to meet and network with people.. Once the networking started, everything else began to fall in place, from finding my first room for rent in 2013 and now my own apartment in 2022! I have always been determined and looking forward to my new career in trucking!
Considering my background and my optimistic outlook for my future, my first interest is dump trucks, with the long term goal of owning my own dump truck service! Keeping in mind not to limit myself (will obtain Class A) my hopes are of passing down this skill and company to my nephew! I have already begun my studies and will be taking the knowledge-based test within the coming weeks. I am constantly researching all types of resources, schools and trending trucking news to keep up with the times and inquiring via some family and friends that are driving for companies or have their own. Are there are other paths that I can embark on? Of course! But what better way to set the trend and acquire a new and exciting skill as a woman truck driver!
Kimberly Williams | Driving
I've chosen a career in trucking for multiple reasons. Most notably, I'm sold on the idea of earning while driving and the freedom of choosing when I move excites me. I enjoy the thought flexibility. My ultimate goal is to become a successful owner-operator with the expectation of financial stability and a long-lasting career as a driver. Driving for Amazon, and then as a self-employed carrier afforded me the opportunity to see the landscape of America in its entire pleasantly breath-taking splendor. Thus re-emerged the idea of a career in trucking, but the shortages and high turnovers worried me. What I found was most drivers had many accidents or DUIs, family obligations or were overwhelmed. I am focused and ready for the challenge.
The goal - starting a transportation business. The obstacles - finding mentors, talking with other like-minded business owners, finding the right vehicle, working through the federal/state level paperwork processes, finding reasonable insurance, and the upfront costs of investing in my business. Self-confidence and self-esteem flew right out the window on multiple occasions. I'd go to sleep and wake up to complete another step in the process. Due to discipline and determination, I'm now a certified business owner. And those challenges now allow me to mentor those starting at the beginning and entering the transportation business.
I see prosperity by employing others, even family, either as drivers or in logistics. I do not know what that looks like I just know it is going to be grand and challenging. As for tentative preliminary steps, I plan to work six moths for a company then lease a power only. I will follow rules and regulations at federal and state levels to keep my business running. I will maintain all financial obligations. I will purchase a 26-foot box truck, hire a driver, and have my daughter dispatch all three vehicles including the sprinter which will be used for local load commutes. From there, I plan to grow into whatever life has in store for me.
Susan Wolfe | Driving
The possibilities are endless with a CDL and I'm very excited how the industry has opened up for women. My husband is a third-generation logger and we are looking to expand the business and drive as a team.
August 26, 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was the same day that I began classes to complete my Associates Degree in Business. My cancer was aggressive and invasive. I never gave up and graduated on May 11, 2012 after 16 cycles of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. The college that I attended was so supportive and helped me and my family in every way possible so I could continue. One of the proudest moments of my life was walking across the stage, bald as a cueball and accepting my diploma. I'm now returning to the same college 10 years later to obtain my CDL.
My goal is to drive professionally and be an owner-operator. With the Business Degree, CDL and years of experience in the manufacturing and logging industries, the path has been paved for my husband and I to expand our business and continue to grow in this industry. Exciting things in the future!
Katie Woodworth | Leadership
Honestly, my career in logistics has been by chance. I started in 2019 as a broker. I literally did not know anything about trucking but quickly fell in love with it. After a period of time I was promoted to office manager where I became involved with the asset side of the company. In September 2021 I was hired as the domestic freight coordinator for SAMBAZON. I think there is career stability in logistics. I also love that I seem to learn something new daily and have the opportunity to problem solve.
In my younger years I thought I wanted to be a court reporter, then decided to pursue psychology. Recently I discovered that I had wasted all of the federal Pell Grant money and now have to pay for school out of pocket. Despite this, I took two classes this summer while working full time, and having three small children at home. I received an A in both classes.
I hope to climb the corporate ladder, whether it is within the company I am already employed with or elsewhere. I hope to have more responsibility within the supply chain. To do this, I want to obtain my Bachelors Degree. After that I want to get the CSCP certification through APICS.