The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has officially revealed the three extraordinary finalists for the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). This accolade shines a spotlight on outstanding female leaders in North America’s transportation sector, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the industry.
Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Truckstop, the DWLA is a tribute to the impact women have had on logistics, fostering innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
Meet the 2025 DWLA Finalists
Martha Payne
Martha Payne, a prominent transportation attorney with Benesch Attorneys at Law, represents North America’s leading transportation and logistics providers. Her expertise encompasses risk analysis, contract negotiation, and supply chain management.
Notably, Payne has specialized in cargo liability and legal risk management, collaborating with U.S. carriers and serving on the Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime of the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Transportation Lawyers Association, Payne also actively serves on the board of Fields of Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering global peace through leadership initiatives for children.
Peggy Mecca
Peggy Mecca, the President and CEO of Mecca and Son Trucking, has spent 55 years transforming her company from a regional trucking service into a global logistics powerhouse. Her firm now excels in specialized freight, port drayage, and commodities requiring sophisticated handling.
Mecca’s dedication to employee well-being and growth has driven her leadership through economic downturns, natural disasters, and a pandemic. A Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, she is recognized for her influence on operational reforms within the NY/NJ port system through her work with the Bi-State Motor Carriers Association and her collaborations with federal agencies, including the Federal Maritime Commission. She also leads initiatives under the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s (NJBIA) Women Business Leaders Council.
Sharon Johnson
Sharon Johnson, Chief Legal Officer for MODE Global, oversees legal and compliance affairs for the multinational logistics company. Recognized as Compliance Innovator of the Year by Compliance Week and the Outstanding General Counsel by D CEO magazine in 2024, Johnson has pushed the boundaries of compliance excellence.
Under her leadership, MODE’s compliance programs have achieved the Navex Excellence in Ethics and Compliance Award for two consecutive years. Johnson serves on the Texas A&M School of Law Alumni Board while spearheading initiatives, such as TIA’s Fraud Task Force. Her collaboration with TCU students focuses on improving fraud detection, data visualization, and carrier vetting processes.
The Judging Panel
The 2025 DWLA finalists were selected by a team of industry-expert judges, including:
- Brent Hutto – Senior Advisor, Truckstop
- Chris Burroughs – President and CEO, TIA
- Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey – Director, Southeast Transportation Workforce Center, University of Memphis
- Jennifer Hedrick – President and CEO, WIT
- Sarah Ruffcorn – President, Trinity Logistics and 2024 DWLA recipient
Award Ceremony Details
The winner of the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award will be announced on April 10 during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition, hosted in San Antonio, Texas.
“These women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the logistics and transportation industry, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations and communities,” WIT said.
Recognizing these remarkable individuals underscores the growing influence of women in logistics and reflects the progress toward a more inclusive industry. Stay tuned for updates on the award ceremony and the incredible stories these women continue to create!
Source: The Trucker
Image Source: (WIT) Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award: The 2025 finalists include, from left, Peggy Mecca, Martha Payne and Sharon Johnson
