Ellen Voie: Steering Towards Equality and Empowerment in Trucking

The transportation industry is often associated with the image of male drivers steering heavy trucks across highways. However, this perception belies the potential for diversity and inclusivity within the sector. Recognizing the need to challenge traditional norms and provide women with equal opportunities, our visionary leader embarked on a journey to make the transportation industry a more welcoming and empowering space for everyone, regardless of gender.

Meet Ellen Voie, a trailblazing force behind the wheel of change in the trucking industry. As the visionary CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering women and reshaping the transportation landscape.

In 2007, Ellen’s perceptive eye spotted a gap in the industry: a lack of support and opportunities for women in transportation careers. Fueled by this realization, she took a bold step and founded the Women In Trucking Association, Inc. This nonprofit organization is a driving force that not only raises awareness about career possibilities but also offers a guiding hand, helping women achieve unparalleled success in their roles. But Ellen’s vision goes beyond gender boundaries; the association’s goals are championed by both women and men, with 15 percent of its members being men who share in the belief of its mission.

Ellen’s journey in trucking began in 1980 when she earned her diploma in Traffic and Transportation Management. This foundational education led her to a role as Traffic Manager for a steel fabricating plant. Balancing family and career, she harnessed her expertise and transformed into a freelance transportation consultant. For over 16 years, she ensured carriers’ compliance by navigating the intricacies of licensing and permitting their trucks. Not content to rest on her laurels, she pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. In a testament to her intellectual curiosity, her master’s thesis explored the intricate identities of women married to professional drivers, shedding light on their unique experiences.

Ellen’s commitment to understanding the industry from the ground up is exemplary. In 2008, she stepped into the shoes of truckers themselves, earning her commercial driver’s license (CDL) from Cuyahoga Community College near Cleveland, OH. This first-hand experience gave her a deeper insight into the driver training process and solidified her understanding of the challenges and rewards faced by those behind the wheel.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Empowering Change

In 2007, Ellen embarked on a pioneering mission by founding the Women In Trucking Association, driven by the lofty goal of championing gender diversity within the trucking sector. This visionary association is on a mission to promote the inclusion of women in the industry’s workforce, tackle any barriers they encounter, and honor the remarkable achievements of its members.

In its early days, the association encountered the pivotal challenge of establishing both its credibility and its efficacy in realizing its aspirations. Despite swiftly amassing a membership of 500 within its inaugural year, the paramount task remained to tangibly showcase the association’s transformative impact, underscoring its unwavering commitment to elevating women’s representation across all echelons of the industry, from drivers to CEOs.

Ellen’s immersion in the trucking arena dates back to 1979 when she initiated her journey as an assistant traffic manager at a steel fabricating plant. With time, she earned a Traffic and Transportation Management diploma, ascending to the pivotal role of Traffic Manager, entrusted with overseeing the comprehensive operation of outbound material handling equipment and the inbound flow of raw steel resources.

Yet, Ellen’s rapport with the industry burgeoned through her experience as a co-owner of a small fleet alongside her former husband. This journey was complemented by her impactful 18-year tenure as a Transportation Consultant, a role that brought her expertise to small carriers in central Wisconsin, shaping the industry in the process.

Pursuit of Gender Diversity

At the core of the Women In Trucking Association’s mission lies a resolute commitment to advancing gender diversity across the trucking industry. Recognizing that women often approach challenges with a unique, risk-aware perspective—a trait exhibited not only in executive offices but also behind the wheel—the association underscores the significance of fostering inclusivity. Unlike traditional power dynamics, women in the industry often prioritize teamwork and collaborative efforts over hierarchy.

Positioning itself as an invaluable industry resource, the association fulfills a dual role: advocating for the increased presence of women and guiding businesses on effective strategies to attract and retain them. This multifaceted endeavor is fueled by meticulous research, the formulation of enlightening white papers, and the establishment of performance benchmarks. The association maintains an array of communication avenues, encompassing an illuminating e-newsletter, the publication “Redefining the Road,” interactive webinars, and a vibrant presence across social media platforms.

Resources and Initiatives

The Women In Trucking Association stands as a pillar of support for women in the trucking industry, offering a diverse range of resources. A notable inclusion in their arsenal is the innovative Driver Ambassador Program, which features professional drivers showcasing their trailers at events. Inside these trailers, an immersive learning environment awaits, complete with touchscreen monitors, videos, and a simulator.

Further amplifying their impact, the association boasts an Image Team initiative. This team extends rides to legislators, regulators, and media representatives, granting them an opportunity to experience the world of professional driving firsthand and share their unique perspectives.

The annual conference, a highlight in the association’s calendar, draws an impressive attendance. Last year alone, it engaged over 1,700 participants. With a promise of enriching educational programs, networking prospects, and delightful experiences, this year’s event is poised to attract an even larger audience.

Championing accomplishments within the industry, the association proudly hosts recognition programs such as “Member of the Month,” “Driver of the Year,” “Influential Woman in Trucking,” and “Distinguished Woman in Logistics.” These initiatives serve as platforms to showcase the achievements of exceptional women, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Virtual Work Dynamics

Operating as a virtual entity, the Women In Trucking Association stands united across ten states, comprising a dedicated team of thirteen members. At its core, the association thrives on results-oriented work culture, placing paramount importance on tangible outcomes rather than clocking hours. This approach grants associates the freedom to strike a harmonious balance between work and personal life, anchored in the timely completion of assigned tasks and seamless collaboration with peers when required.

To foster effective communication, the association organizes regular virtual meetings. These gatherings serve as vital conduits for the exchange of progress updates among members, ensuring transparency and cohesion within the dispersed team. Guiding the association’s trajectory is a leader who values autonomy, empowering team members to fully own the programs under their purview with minimal intervention. When seeking new additions to the team, a predilection is shown for candidates who embody self-driven motivation, reflecting the association’s commitment to fostering a self-motivated and empowered workforce.

Adapting and Thriving

In response to the pandemic’s challenges, the Women In Trucking Association navigated a pivotal shift toward virtual conferences. The surprising outcome was a resounding success, characterized by engaging interactions and enriching education. Even as the prospect of in-person events returned, the association chose to retain the virtual dimension. This strategic decision has effectively opened doors for members hindered by travel limitations or scheduling conflicts, ensuring that the conference’s benefits are accessible to all.

Shift Towards Sustainable Fuels

Anticipating a fundamental transformation, the trucking industry gears up for a remarkable transition from traditional diesel engines to vehicles propelled by environmentally sustainable fuels. The future landscape promises a prominent role for electric trucks and those harnessing alternative energy sources. Amidst this transformative wave, the focus shifts towards becoming a beacon of knowledge, highlighting the trailblazers who eagerly embrace these innovative strides in the journey towards a greener tomorrow.

Embracing Change and Continuing Impact

As this year unfolds, Ellen has decided to embark on a new chapter of her journey by retiring from her role. With this transition in mind, meticulous plans have been put in place to ensure a seamless handover to the incoming President/CEO. Despite stepping away from her current position, Ellen’s dedication to the industry remains unwavering. She envisions staying engaged through speaking engagements and a captivating weekly radio show on SiriusXM.

Looking at the organization’s trajectory, the vision is resolute – sustained growth. With a current membership tally of 8,000 individuals spanning ten countries, the aspiration is to expand even further. The canvas of growth includes the augmentation of membership numbers and the expansion of the annual conference’s scope. Aiming beyond its North American roots, the organization is geared to extend its influence across international borders, serving as an inspiration to nations worldwide on the journey towards fostering gender diversity and inclusion.

Insightful Advice

Ellen’s wealth of experience brings forth valuable advice for those considering a career within the industry. Her suggestion is to arm oneself with a treasure trove of information before venturing onto this professional path. An essential step involves engaging in thorough inquiries about the multifaceted aspects of the field. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of seeking opportunities to shadow someone who occupies a role akin to one’s aspirations. This hands-on approach offers a profound insight into the daily dynamics of the industry.

In the vast expanse of the supply chain realm, a myriad of possibilities exists. To navigate this diverse landscape successfully, Ellen advocates for meticulous research. Delve into the depths of available roles, and with a discerning eye, align your unique skills, talents, and career aspirations with the most fitting position. Armed with this comprehensive understanding, you are poised to embark on a fulfilling and purpose-driven journey within the industry.