Tanya Miracle, currently serving as the Director of OE Truck Channel at Bridgestone Americas, has been recognized as the Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) March member of the month. Although she acknowledges her deep involvement in the trucking industry since high school, Miracle humorously points out that her enduring connection to the field is entirely accidental.
Embarking on her journey in 1993 as a dispatcher for Roberts Express in Ohio, Miracle later ventured into the tire mold industry. Married to an owner-operator specializing in oversized drop-deck freight (they have since divorced), she intimately understands the sacrifices and challenges faced by the families of long-haul drivers. These experiences, including navigating missed birthdays and holidays during industry downturns, have contributed to shaping her resilience and courage.
Miracle’s transition to Bridgestone was initially geared toward developing consumer tires. However, her introduction to the commercial truck group during the interview process redirected her focus, and she now holds her position at the company’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.
Since joining Bridgestone, Miracle has developed a profound love for the people, the industry, the Nashville weather, and her work, relishing the interactions with various members of the trucking community.
“It is a great industry to be in,” Miracle said.
In her role, Miracle stands out for actively breaking down gender biases prevalent in the predominantly male industry. She champions internal promotions, fosters an inclusive environment, and paves the way for women to succeed, ensuring that each employee has the necessary tools to reach their full potential.
“Miracle has a progressive mindset and leverages her technical expertise as a previous design engineer to drive initiatives and innovative ideas to deliver solutions to her customers (OEMs and fleets),” WIT said. “She selflessly shares information and contacts to make Bridgestone a great place to develop talent and preserve a culture of comradery. She is in her element when she can mentor and teach others in the industry.”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Miracle’s passions lie in her children, family, and golf, where she expertly balances the roles of a successful career woman and a devoted mother to nine children—three stepchildren, three biological children, and three adopted children.
Notably, Miracle earned an internal award in 2020 as part of the R213 team at Bridgestone Americas and was recognized as a top woman to watch in the company in 2022. She dispels the negative image some hold of the trucking industry, emphasizing its openness and acceptance. She believes in the industry’s evolving diversity as a catalyst for progress.
Looking ahead, Miracle envisions a continued commitment to the trucking industry, striving to make it the best it can be and actively contributing to its forward momentum.
“This industry was created by hard-working, driven people who move the world around us into the future every day,” she said.
Source: The Trucker
Photo: Women in Trucking
