Akilatu Ayinla, Leadership

I was reluctant to pursue a career in the trucking industry, unsure if I would fit into a male-dominated workplace. However, I chose to confront my fears motivated by my excitement to break through these barriers. When I arrived for orientation, I was surprised to find that the branch I joined was led by a female branch manager and service supervisor, which gave me confidence to thrive in this role. My three years at Penske have had a profound impact on my life. As a young adult, I have grown tremendously, learning from colleagues who have inspired me and shared invaluable insights about the trucking industry. This career has taught me to communicate with confidence and to embrace vulnerability by acknowledging mistakes and asking for help.

Alixis Lopez, Driving

I chose the trucking industry because I want a career that truly makes a difference in the world. I like to help people and if having my help makes a difference then this is something I am proud to do. This will give me the opportunity to have a promising career to provide for myself and my children. I want to show my kids that nothing is impossible and if you keep working towards your goals one day you will reach them and it will be the greatest feeling in the world.

Candice Shaw, Driving

In 2014, I was living in New York City and had the honor of learning about a blue collar pre-apprenticeship program called N.E.W. (Nontraditional Employment for Women) that provides 6-7 week bootcamp training for women that introduced us to the blue collar industry through intensive training on carpentry, trades math, and physical training applicable to these roles. N.E.W. graduates are paired with the career of their choice within these fields. Since graduating from this program, I have genuinely felt roles within this industry feel most purposeful and intrinsically rewarding for me. I have installed solar panels as a volunteer and have worked as an apprentice electrician at various NYC landmarks, including the Empire State Building.

Christina Vaillancourt, Driving

As a female I have chosen the trucking industry because my father did it for 25 years and grandfather did it for 15 years. I would like to continue in the same footsteps and show people that woman are just as capable of doing the same jobs that a man can do, if not better.

I feel it will impact life in the aspect that I will be financially better and be able to make a name for myself and allow my children to be proud of me.

Deja Keane, driving

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry for a couple of reasons. First being, a lot of my family has been involved in this industry. So, not only is it personal for me, but every one of them says it's a fulfilling career with great benefits and an excellent way to invest in the future. Secondly, the fact that I would get to travel, be on the open road, and be in control of my own schedule is really appealing to me. Thirdly, as someone who loves being apart of, and helping my community, it'd be very satisfying knowing that in this career path I can help my city, state, or even country continue running by transporting needed supplies. Also, I appreciate all the opportunities/flexibility to grow and advance.

Elaina Mitchell, driving

I’ve chosen a career in the trucking industry because it offers stability, independence, and the opportunity to provide a better future for my child. As a single mom, I need a career that allows me to earn a solid income, grow over time, and build a life where I don’t have to constantly worry about how to make ends meet. Trucking is a career where hard work truly pays off, and that’s exactly what I’m ready to give.

Isabel Hernandez, technician

I have chosen a career in trucking due to a sparked interest in mechanics, machines, and trucking. My father is a CDL driver that influenced me to get my Class A CDL in 2023. Since then I searched for opportunities to learn diesel mechanics and found such at CPCC in the CAT Technician Program. I intend to apply the skills learned to help maintain and repair his truck as well as my own one day.

Jae Summers, driving

I have always thought about going into the trucking industry because it can be a very lucrative career with a strong sense of stability and consistent employment. The fact that it pays you to see places you've never been is also a bonus.

Growing up, my dad was a truck driver. I've seen him work both long- and short-haul, and he even hauled the last Harry Potter book when it came out. Thanks to him, I've grown up with a strong respect for truckers and the hardships they face in their career. While every career has is cons, I'd like to explore all the good that can come from it, including opportunities to travel across country borders.

Jamie Al-Nemri, technician

I chose a career in the trucking industry because it allows me to work with vehicles that are essential to society while promoting sustainability. I am passionate about maintaining reliable, well-made equipment rather than relying on temporary, disposable options. By focusing on diagnostics, repair, and upkeep, I help extend the life of trucks, reduce waste, and support transportation systems that move goods and people efficiently. This career has taught me discipline, technical skill, and responsibility, and I hope to inspire others to approach vehicle care with the same dedication so future generations can preserve resources.

Kailee Mull, technician

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry because of my passion for mechanics and puzzles. The impact this has had on my life has been great especially with companies/groups like the WIT Foundation.

Kelly Miller, driving

I am 46 years old and my youngest child is in her third year of college. I started driving school buses back in 2015 with Kickertt School bus company to financial support my family but as I trained and passed the driving exams I realized it was easy to me and I caught on easy and was comfortable driving an 53 foot bus. I also befriended a few truck drivers when I worked as an office assistant at Union Pacific Railroad yard and would hear how much money they made and how to become your own boss and start your own company. As time went by being a single mom of two boys and one girl I put my dreams on the back burner and continue to take jobs that provided enough money at the time, now I am free to pursue another career and retire.

Kimberly Grosser, Leadership

I chose a career in the trucking industry because it powers our economy, and I wanted to support an essential, fast-paced field. At Penske, I work as a Senior HRIS Analyst, using data and systems to improve the employee experience. My role allows me to contribute to the success of teams across the organization, from drivers to corporate staff. Studying Organizational Leadership has helped me better understand how to drive change and support people effectively. This career has had a meaningful impact on my growth, it’s allowed me to combine technology, leadership, and purpose in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding.

Leah Anstedt, Driving

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry because transportation has always been my passion. I am deeply enamored with every aspect of it, from the exhilarating highs to the challenging lows, from the expansive open roads to the profound sense of freedom it offers. Trucking provides me with an unparalleled opportunity to explore new destinations, encounter diverse individuals, and immerse myself in the unique experiences that the world has to offer. It transcends the conventional notion of a job it embodies a lifestyle that aligns seamlessly with my identity. The trucking industry has a profound sense of self-worth, enabling me to secure a satisfactory living and demonstrate that success.

Lindsay Good, driving

I chose a career in the trucking industry as a means to create a better future for my son after facing significant challenges as a teen mom. Following the tragic loss of my son's father, I found myself working night shifts to support us. This experience taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. My background in aftermarket auto parts sales introduced me to the logistics and transportation aspects of the industry, sparking my interest in trucking. I am committed to this career not only to provide for my family but also to inspire others facing similar hardships. By making a positive impact in the trucking industry, I hope to demonstrate that resilience can lead to new opportunities and success.

Lisamarie Perez, Driving

Originally, I was an event coordinator for a well known catering company in San Antonio, and due to food prices the company was forced to shut down. I had done some daily research and upon my findings was wrapped into the thought of me becoming a professional driver and also seeing this new world of opportunities and educational literacy would impact me. I was willing, and ready, to be apart of a great community of truckers. I have noticed since beginning my new career path, my kids have shown great enthusiasm in helping me study, also enjoying and expressing interest in this as well. My daughter cheers me up when she exclaims “I can be a professional driver too!”. Makes me believe this is the best decision I have made for myself and my family.

Lonnie Lucero, technician

I have chosen this career to be our life style. My best friend is an owner operator and has shared his dream with me to buy a fleet, drive, and militance our trucks ourselves. I wish to build a company that is family oriented, successful, and a second chance to many people. I have a vision that I will not stop until I see it come to pass.

Megan Millett, technician

My passion for becoming a diesel mechanic stems from growing up surrounded by diesel engines. I've helped my father in the garage ever since I was old enough to hold a flashlight. Through this I have learned to love the thrill of late nights, trying to figure out what went wrong, as we watched our “projects” turn into running machines. These experiences heavily influenced my love and passion in the work of being a diesel mechanic. I hope to one day be able to own my own shop and be able to help others with their passion in diesel. I know as a female with this type of passion it's very hard to find like minded females who share the same passion, and I hope to be able to inspire other girls with their passion in diesel.

Najae Nuels, driving

I chose the trucking industry because I’ve seen how it’s changed the lives of my family members. The love and passion they have for it has made me grow a love for it. I love traveling, driving, and helping people. With trucking, I can do all of the above. I’m a single mother of 4 boys who also expressed wanting to do trucking when they’re older. Trucking can also change my financial situation and I just want to provide a better life for my children and I. We deserve stability, peace and fun! With trucking, I can do that. I can eventually get to a place where I can be a O/O and work for myself. The world depends on truck drivers and I want to make a difference.

Sharon Krofina, Driving

First of all, thank you for this opportunity. I LOVE to drive! This is one of the reasons I am submitting today. I also love the industry: dedication, safety, transporting the goods on time, commitment, tradition, seriousness of purpose. And the involvement of women shaping the future of transportation. I hope to inspire women to get involved by my involvement. I am very serious about my chosen career path.

Shenelle Rochester, Leadership

After college, I really needed a job, and the management trainee programs at Penske and Enterprise stood out as great opportunities. Starting my career in the trucking industry was initially practical, but once I was in the field, my passion for logistics and transportation grew deeply. I saw firsthand how vital efficient supply chains are to businesses and communities. This inspired me to pursue an MBA in supply chain management to deepen my knowledge and make a meaningful impact. I truly enjoy the day-to-day challenges and take pride in my role within the transportation segment of the supply chain. I look forward to continuing to grow in this field and driving innovative solutions that improve supply chain efficiency and reliability.

Whitney Hicks, Driving

I recently transitioned to trucking from the healthcare field. I chose a career in trucking because I wanted to find a career that would provide me with more opportunities that lined up with my desires. I wanted a career that would provide me with more freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to travel and be outdoors in nature. Since I have been in trucking for almost five months, I've been able to experience just that! So far I have had a rewarding career in the trucking industry and it’s helped me to go beyond self-limiting beliefs and go after all that life has to offer and that includes having a career that fits me! My self-confidence has improved greatly as I stepped into the unknown world of trucking and I do not regret my experience.