Spotlight on the Finalists

The three finalists for 2026 bring a wide range of experience and achievements:

Eileen Dabrowski — Founder and CEO, Apex Tide Consulting

Dabrowski established Apex Tide Consulting in 2025 to help transportation and logistics companies strengthen leadership teams and improve organizational performance. Her experience spans sales, marketing, learning and development, and strategic planning. Before founding Apex Tide, she held leadership roles at private and publicly traded transportation companies where she built training programs, led key initiatives, and contributed to enterprise growth. Dabrowski has received industry recognition, including the DEI Pioneer Award, Leading Lady in Logistics, and TMSA Member of the Year. She continues to influence the industry through consulting, speaking engagements, and active participation in logistics associations.

Aurélie Doucette — Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage Operations, Penske Logistics

Doucette has more than twenty years of logistics experience and currently manages dedicated contract carriage operations for Penske Logistics. She moved from France to pursue an MBA at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and began her career at Transfreight in 2001. Over time, she advanced into leadership roles overseeing multiple accounts. After Penske acquired Transfreight in 2015, Doucette continued to shape operations across all product lines. She focuses on mentorship, customer relationship management, and team development. Doucette also serves as executive champion for Penske’s Women’s Business Resource Group and has received the President’s Award twice.

Erin Mitchell — Chief Operating Officer, YMX Logistics

Mitchell joined YMX Logistics in 2024 to lead yard and trucking operations as well as human resources, IT, customer success, engineering, fleet safety, and maintenance. She brings over twenty years of experience from Kraft Heinz, where she managed logistics across more than one hundred warehouses and five North American distribution networks. At YMX, Mitchell focuses on modernizing outsourced yard operations and improving safety, sustainability, and overall performance. She is a strong advocate for expanding opportunities for women. More than half of recent leadership hires at YMX have been women. Her awards include Supply Chain Pros to Know 2026, Women in Supply Chain Award Trailblazers, Global Trade Magazine’s Women in Logistics list, and WIT’s Top Women to Watch in Transportation.

Why This Award Matters

The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award honors professionals who combine operational expertise, leadership, and strategic vision. Finalists are chosen based on their accomplishments, mentorship, and measurable contributions to the logistics and transportation industry. This year’s group reflects a mix of consulting expertise, operational leadership, and innovative strategies that continue to influence logistics at every level.

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WIT announced the call for nominees as the award enters its second decade. The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award recognizes women working in logistics roles across North America, including freight brokerage, third-party logistics, supply chain strategy, and operations.

Industry leadership recognition

Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT, said the award reflects the role women play in the logistics sector.

“The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award exemplifies the power of women’s leadership in a field critical to our economy,” Hedrick said. “We invite industry leaders, peers, and organizations to nominate women whose vision, determination and influence are shaping the next generation of logistics excellence.”

According to WIT, the award highlights leadership, innovation, and impact within the logistics profession.

“The award is an inspiring recognition that celebrates exceptional leadership, innovation and impact by women in the logistics profession across North America,” WIT said.

Focus beyond job titles

WIT said the award focuses not only on professional achievement, but also on broader contributions to the industry.

“The logistics industry is evolving, and the contributions of women leaders are central to that transformation,” WIT said. “The DWLA recognizes not only career accomplishments but also mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. These attributes inspire others and foster a more inclusive, resilient industry. By elevating these role models, WIT encourages future generations of women to pursue dynamic careers in logistics and trucking.”

How to submit a nomination

Nominations are open now and must be submitted by February 27. There is no nomination fee. Individuals or organizations familiar with a nominee’s work may submit a nomination online.

Award presentation details

The 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award recipient will be honored at the TIA 2026 Capital Ideas Conference, scheduled for April 15 through April 18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Martha Payne was named the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award winner.

Source: The Trucker

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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

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“This award highlights the remarkable talent and contributions of women who inspire and drive positive change in our industry. We encourage nominations for this award to celebrate those who are shaping the future of logistics and setting the standard for excellence,” shared Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT.

This prestigious honor is open to accomplished women making a mark in logistics, such as freight brokerage, third-party logistics (3PL), supply chain management, and related sectors.

The award is an annual recognition of outstanding women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, drive innovation, and maintain a steadfast commitment to excellence within the logistics and trucking fields.

For those interested in nominating an industry leader or learning more about the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, please visit the Women in Trucking website at www.womenintrucking.org/distinguished-woman-in-logistics. Nominations must be submitted by February 12, 2025.

The winner will be unveiled at the TIA 2025 Capital Ideas Conference, scheduled for April 11 in San Antonio.

“Since 2007, the Women in Trucking Association has been encouraging women to join and thrive in the transportation industry,” shared Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of TIA. “TIA is a proud supporter of WIT and the accomplished women driving the industry.”

This is your chance to spotlight a trailblazing woman who has left a significant impact on the logistics industry—submit your nomination today!

Source: Truckers News

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