As the founder and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, Ellen Voie has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry of trucking. Her journey has been marked by perseverance, vision, and a passion for empowering women to succeed in a field that was previously exclusive to men.
Ellen's journey began in 1979 when she started her career in trucking as an assistant traffic manager at a steel fabricating plant. She went on to earn her Traffic & Transportation Management diploma and became the Traffic Manager responsible for all outbound material handling equipment and all inbound raw steel products. Her experience in trucking led her to co-own a small fleet with her former husband, and later, she became a Transportation Consultant to small carriers in central Wisconsin.
In 2007, Ellen founded the Women In Trucking Association to address the glaring lack of women in the industry. Her mission was clear: to encourage women's employment in trucking, address obstacles, and celebrate their success. Despite facing initial challenges in establishing credibility, the association grew rapidly, attracting 500 members in its first year. Today, the Women In Trucking Association has over 8,000 members in ten countries, including men who support their mission.
Ellen's leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire others to believe in and support a shared mission. She understands that credibility is built on knowledge and following through on promises. As a woman in a leadership position, she has faced the challenge of establishing credibility and has overcome it by being committed to delivering results.
Under Ellen's guidance, the Women In Trucking Association has become a beacon of knowledge, providing information and resources to the industry. The association's driver ambassador program, image team, and annual conference are just a few examples of their initiatives aimed at promoting women in trucking. Ellen's passion for empowering women has also led her to create recognition programs such as the Member of the Month, Driver of the Year, Influential Women in Trucking, and Distinguished Woman in Logistics.
As a CEO, Ellen is known for her adaptability and ability to adjust her role to meet the needs of the company. She believes that technology is playing a significant role in every sector and is committed to leveraging technological advancements to make her solutions more resourceful. Her decision to shift to a virtual conference during the pandemic was a testament to her adaptability and willingness to innovate.
Ellen's legacy extends beyond her association. She is a sought-after speaker and has shared her expertise on various platforms. Her dedication to empowering women has inspired many others to join her mission. As she prepares for her retirement this year, Ellen is confident that her successor will continue her vision.
Ellen Voie's journey as a CEO has been marked by her unwavering commitment to empowering women in trucking. Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire others, establish credibility, and adapt to changing circumstances. As she looks back on her journey, Ellen remains proud of what she has achieved and is confident that her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to pursue careers in trucking.
About: Ellen Voie
Ellen Voie is a renowned entrepreneur and advocate for women in trucking. She is the founder and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association.
"I believe that women bring a unique perspective and skillset to the trucking industry, and it's essential that we create opportunities for them to thrive. By breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, we can build a more inclusive and successful industry for everyone."
