Source: Women In Trucking

The Impact of WITney® at Industry Events

Did you know that in 2024, the WITney® Educational Trailer traveled to 40 events? Nearly 7,500 visitors—primarily women and girls—stopped by to explore the many career opportunities available in trucking. From job fairs and community events to corporate gatherings and major industry conferences, WITney® has become an essential part of WIT’s mission.

Beyond WITney®, WIT’s President & CEO, Jennifer Hedrick, plays an active role in industry events, speaking and networking to further the organization’s mission. The goal is clear: educate, motivate, and inspire more women to enter trucking while also supporting those already in the industry by addressing challenges like work-life balance and gender bias.

Where You’ll Find WIT

Before committing to an event, WIT carefully evaluates its alignment with the organization’s mission and its potential reach. Once confirmed, the WIT team collaborates closely with event hosts to maximize impact.

One of the biggest annual events WIT attends is the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), held each March at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ken. As the largest trucking event in North America, MATS attracts more than 50,000 attendees and 870 exhibitors. WIT makes a strong presence at this event with both a booth and WITney®, strategically placed at a high-traffic location to engage women, girls, and allies interested in trucking careers.

WITney® isn’t just a mobile exhibit—it’s an interactive experience featuring:

• Educational kiosks covering Trucking 101, industry myths, FAQs, and a career quiz
• A wall mural showcasing WIT’s milestones since its inception in 2007
• Headset kiosks where visitors can hear inspiring HERstories from female truckers
• A female trucker uniform display featuring essential workwear and safety gear
• A state-of-the-art driver simulator that lets attendees experience truck driving in various weather and road conditions

Each year at MATS, WIT also hosts the highly anticipated Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, a celebration that honors and recognizes female truck drivers for their dedication and success in the industry.

WIT at the Food Shippers Conference

Another major event WIT attended this year was the 2025 Annual Food Shippers Conference, hosted by Food Shippers of America from March 2 to 4 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Cali. Over 1,300 supply chain, transportation, and logistics professionals were in attendance.

Representing WIT at the conference were Jennifer Hedrick, Carleen Herndon (Member Services & Sales), Cassidy Mullins (Conference & Management), and Brian Everett (Content & Strategy). Their goal was to promote WIT’s mission and encourage greater female participation in the industry. WITney® was also present outside the conference center, helping to generate awareness about trucking career opportunities for women.

Special thanks to Walmart professional drivers Krista Cardoso and Vivian Gonzalez, who transported WITney® to the event and staffed the trailer.

Navigating WITney® into the venue’s parking lot was no small feat due to tight spaces and obstacles. “It was incredibly impressive,” said Hedrick, describing how the driver maneuvered WITney® through a difficult right turn surrounded by large rocks. “She navigated a really tight right turn coming out of the main entrance to the hotel that was lined with large rocks on all sides, really limiting her space to maneuver.”

“This roundabout at the front was filled with cars coming in and out, and she waited a long while for a clearing to begin turning,” Hedrick continued. “Then more cars, so she was doing all of this in front of a backup of cars and handled it so well.”

Want to Book WIT for an Event?

WIT is a trusted authority on women’s opportunities in trucking, offering insights, data, and best practices on industry trends. Their team regularly speaks at public and corporate events, trade shows, and even ride-alongs.

If you’re interested in having WIT at your next event, complete a Booking Request Form to explore potential opportunities!

Source: Women In Trucking

The post How Women In Trucking is Driving Change at Industry Events appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post Honoring Alyssa Briggs: WIT’s Member of the Month for January 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.