Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients

The Women In Trucking Foundation is proud to celebrate these recipients of Fall 2023 scholarships. The categories of scholarship are noted: Leadership, Driving, Safety and Technical.

 

Addison Kiteley, Leadership

Since I was a child, I have always pictured myself as a well-respected female leader in business and the community. As I started to prepare to transition from high school to college, I was unsure which specific major would lead me down the path that would fulfill my vision. I chose Supply Chain because there are different avenues you can go down and I knew that having so many different paths to choose from, I would be able to find my passion. Majoring in Supply Chain will give me to opportunity to experience many different paths in business including the trucking and logistics area. I interned for a firm where the client focused on trucking and transportation. That is were I fell in love with the possibilities this career path could offer.

 

Alayna barba, technician

I decided to lean more towards the trucking industry after my internship this past summer with Walsh Construction as part a member of their Equipment Yard facility. I was working mostly in the shop over the summer alongside the union mechanics and more specifically the foreman of the shop. Being around construction equipment which is primarily diesel and hydraulic powered. I got very intrigued and interested in diesel equipment whether it be trucks, cars, or heavy-duty construction equipment. Trucking has had an impact on my life by opening my view to diesels more. I want to specialize in diesels by becoming a certified diesel master technician and possibly open my own diesel shop that works on both trucks and diesel vehicles.

 

Alejandra Palomino Chavez, Technician

I enjoy working with these trucks, not only are they amazing and huge, they are powerful machines that captivate me and just give me a sense of awe.

 

Caroline Henry, Driving

I have always been a lover of the other side of the hill and truly believe I have wanderlust in my blood which I inherited from my parents. I had to drive a car as a four year old girl, when my brother and I were rescued by a kind trucker, and that I believe began my fascination with big rigs and the trucking industry.

 

Heather kline, Leadership

I chose Penske because I knew the trucking industry was a solid foundation to build a life for my family. Before this industry I had never realized how important this industry was and why it's essential at getting goods from point a to b. The pandemic really put that into perspective for me with the supply chain strain and why this industry is needed so desperately.

 

jennifer lyne, driving

I'm choosing a career in the trucking industry for several reasons: 1) I enjoy driving. It has given me a sense of empowerment and freedom. 2) I'm a location scout by trade, and became a member of the Theatrical Teamsters, Local 817, around six years ago, so I have the opportunity to drive as a Teamster. I currently have my Class B CDL and my Class A learners permit. 3)The drivers in my local are more than 98% male, and they earn a much higher wage than the Locations Dept. As a single mother with two teenagers I prioritize my ability to earn a living. 4) I started a women's group in my local three years ago, and I'm inspired to pave the way for other women.

 

jessica hamlin, Driving

I chose a career in the trucking industry because I'm drawn to the sense of independence and adventure it offers. Breaking stereotypes and embracing this profession have empowered me to help in paving the way for other women. I will admit I am scared and have put this off for a long time but now is my time. I am looking to gain self-confidence, developed valuable skills, and broadened my horizons. By thriving in this traditionally male-dominated field, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions unapologetically and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

 

Kaylie ball, Driving

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry partly because I was raised in it but also because it is fulfilling for me. I feel accomplished at the end of a long day of work knowing I have made someone's life easier by transporting what they need. Being a successful female in a male dominated industry also allows me to feel accomplished. I have always been proud to be a hard worker and the trucking industry allows me to do so.

 

luci brtek, technician

The reason that I chose a career in the trucking industry is because I loved working on my diesel truck. I think diesels are super cool and fun to work on. Especially big trucks. I love learning how things work and why they fail. I have worked very hard to get where I am today. There is so much room to grow and I can stick with the trucking industry my whole life because I can go from a technician to a manager of a company and own the company. One year ago I was a different person mentally. I was always letting people take advantage of me and I didn’t have thick skin at all and let everything get to my head. I do have my bad days but I use them as lessons and try to grow from it.

 

madison jaeger, technician

My parents owned and operated a towing business throughout my childhood. I had been deeply involved with the company since I could literally walk, I would spend most of my childhood days around these large rigs. During high school I had taken many of our mechanic classes that the school offered. This is where I had discovered WyoTech, as the recruiter came and talked with our shop classes. I have taken numerous shop classes in high school, and I realize that females are far less likely to work in this field. I will take my knowledge that I have learned into the work force and become the best I can be. So, with the training I will receive I want to be an influence for other women who want to pursue a career in the trades.

 

maggie lorenzo, driving

The trucking industry offers a new opportunity that will restore my hope. I am excited about this opportunity where my labor and efforts will finally produce financial stability. I will be able to secure job with many opportunities which I hope will increase my income. I will be able to pay off long debts, maintain a livelihood and save toward my retirement. Being a trucker, I can increase my sense of wellbeing through serving the community by delivering necessities to others. I will be able to travel, join exciting women organizations, spend time with my partner on the road and create memories. I will be able to accomplish a life-long desire of becoming a successful woman business owner!

 

natalie tews, leadership

When first declaring my major as supply chain I was unsure of which path I would take within the industry. After taking some of my major courses as well as attending WISE, I discovered that I have an interest in trucking. I loved hearing about technological advancements within the industry and how they are not only making everything safer, but more efficient. I appreciate that the trucking industry is using technology to their advantage and wanting to find ways they can become more sustainable. This is a huge market right now and with the amount of trucking around the nation, sustainability is crucial. I believe that the impact this will have on my life is knowing I am making a true impact to everyone everywhere and this inspires me.

 

paige anctil, Driving

I've always had an affinity for driving. When I was child in Michigan, it was go-karts and 10-drives to visit the grandparents. When I turned 16, I ran errands for my mother and drove my sister to school. Eventually, I started taking my own road trips to visit friends. However, there are certain aspects of life that have never fit who I am and I still financially rely on my parents for many things. Being a student and then an office worker were paths I was encouraged to pursue but particularly difficult due to my autism and I found it severely impacting my mental health for the past decade. In an effort to improve not only my financial situation, but my own happiness, I am choosing trucking in the next stage of my life.

 

riley cardinal, driving

Trucking has an amazing impact on everyone, and every community. Choosing to get my commercial drivers license (CDL) was the first step into getting to the career I wanted as a truck driver. Second, I have decided to proceed to get my CDL to get me into the trucking industry, and to get into the construction industry. I have grown up around dump trucks, tractor-trailers and it has amazed me the power they have under that hood. Trucking will have an impact on my life not only being able to be more involved with family trucking, but getting the chance to be running belly dumps, side dumps, lowboys, off-road dump trucks on the construction side of trucking, and more importantly getting more females involved in the trucking industry.

 

skye mcnaught, Technician

I chose the trucking industry because my dad used to be a truck driver and used to tell me many stories about being in long haul. I've always known since I was little that going to a traditional college was not for me, I always knew I didn't want to do a job that required sitting in an office. Anyways when I was younger, I remember my brother and other kids/adults telling me that females could never be mechanics. So, when I got to high school and heard about Tri-tech I applied to the welding class, which ended up being full, my second choice was the diesel class. and ever since I took that class starting in 11th, I stuck with it and fell in love with it and have pushed to prove those who doubted me wrong.

 

winter winfree, technician

I have chosen the career in trucking because, I've always loved large machinery, my grandfather worked in the same field but was forced to retire young, He taught me so much before passing away in 2017 before I was able to graduate high school. Me and my grandfather were very similar and him not being here to ask him these questions I decided I would explore what he fell in love with because my interest is just the same if not higher.

 

yessica lange, leadership

I'm truly passionate about supply chain and logistics. It's a field that has captured my heart since I was a child. In my homeland, Colombia, I witnessed how the smooth movement of goods can bring communities together and drive economic progress. Now, in America, I've been exposed to the immense impact of the trucking industry on a global scale. It's amazing to see how vital this industry is in keeping the American economy running smoothly. This career choice has already been life-changing for me. It's a journey where my passion for supply chain meets my cultural roots, and it feels like a dream come true. I'm enthusiastic about continuing this journey in the USA, where I can contribute to the industry and make a positive difference.