The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has proudly recognized Alyssa Briggs, a 24-year-old trailer mechanic at XPO, Inc., as their January 2025 Member of the Month. With nearly four years of experience, Alyssa’s achievements highlight her tenacity, determination, and commitment to excelling in an industry where women remain underrepresented.
Discovering a Career Beyond Expectations
Alyssa’s path to becoming a mechanic was not a direct one. After graduating high school, unsure of her next steps, she decided to enroll in a vocational school. Her stepfather, a CNC machinist, served as part of her inspiration to take that leap.
Looking for opportunities to grow, Alyssa selected courses in the following areas:
- CNC machining
- Welding
- Diesel mechanics
Surprisingly, diesel mechanics wasn’t her first choice—it was her third. When she received confirmation of her acceptance into the diesel mechanic program, she entered with no prior knowledge or background in the field. She didn’t know anything about mechanics. The closest she’d come was watching her stepfather change the oil in a car.
The challenges didn’t stop there. Alyssa was the only woman in her program—a fact that could have been isolating. Fortunately, her classmates created an inclusive environment, providing support, answering her questions, and helping her thrive. Soon, what began as uncharted waters evolved into a genuine passion.
Entering the Workforce
After graduating, Alyssa faced a critical decision. Though she had the training and knowledge to begin her career, she hesitated, feeling unsure about breaking into an industry with so few women mechanics.
“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.”
Her search led her to XPO—a company that stood out due to its competitive pay, employee benefits, and flexible time-off policies. Despite her concerns, Alyssa took the leap and applied.
During the interview process, Alyssa voiced her concerns about whether the company had experience hiring women mechanics. Her interviewer reassured her, saying, “We actually have two other great women mechanics here.” This response gave Alyssa the encouragement she needed to move forward.
Shortly after, Alyssa officially joined XPO, marking the beginning of a successful career trajectory. “The amount of support and respect I’ve received here is unmatched,” she stated.
Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way
Since joining XPO, Alyssa has continued to grow her skills through on-the-job experiences, tackling challenges with unwavering determination. One of her most significant milestones came in November 2024 when she competed in XPO’s MasterTech competition—a prestigious event where the company’s top mechanics demonstrate their expertise through a series of demanding assessments.
To qualify, entrants had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including an entrance exam, interview, and a comprehensive evaluation of their work. Alyssa earned her spot and traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete. The competition tested participant skills across 27 stations, covering everything from electrical systems and preventative maintenance to brakes and more.
Alyssa became the first woman to win this competition, shattering barriers and setting an inspiring precedent. Reflecting on her historic victory, she said, “This accomplishment will motivate me to become an even better technician and inspire other women to take chances and pursue their careers fearlessly. I hope women mechanics—both those in the field and those considering entering it—see this and know we are just as capable in a male-dominated industry.”
Inspiring Future Generations
By earning this honor, Alyssa Briggs has emerged as a role model for women aspiring to join the trucking and automotive sectors. Her unwavering dedication proves that perseverance, passion, and hard work can break down stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.
Congratulations to Alyssa Briggs, WIT’s January 2025 Member of the Month! Her inspiring story is a testament to the changing face of the industry, where women are not only thriving but leading the way toward a more inclusive future.
Source: Truckers News
Image: Alyssa Briggs, Truckers News
