Fall 2024 Scholarship Recipients

The Women In Trucking Foundation is proud to celebrate these recipients of Fall 2024 scholarships. The categories of scholarship are noted: Leadership, Driving, Safety and Technical.

 

Rashonda A. Raheem, Driving

I have decided to enter into the trucking industry bc it has always been a dream of mine to one day become a business owner in the trucking industry. It has had a financial impact and also freedom to be able to travel and see different places while making money at the same time.

 

Tasha Benally, Driving

My late husband/best friend of 24yrs love trucking and delivery. He made real good money with his occupation. My late husband Brandon always wanted to start his own trucking company. He wanted his logo to say, Jose's on the way! It was always comical but that was the type of person he was. In 2020 at the beginning of Covid, my husband got sick with Pneumonia and passed away. We grew up together in the same neighborhood, We had two beautiful kids that he had the honor to watch them grow. He loved collecting toy trucks, he loved his career. His death was enough impact on my life that I wanted to make a career change. I want to one day own my own family own and operated trucking company. Jose's on the way!

 

shealynn burke, Driving

I chose the trucking industry because I would like a job with stability, job options and good pay. I see earning my CDL as opening up doors to a wide variety of careers and opportunities. I have worked in many fields that didn’t provide stability, insurance, retirement or options to move up, I see this as an opportunity for all of those. My grandfather was a truck driver and he is part of my inspiration for joining this program. I saw that he was able to support a family and he had many different types of driving jobs. As a warehouse assistant, I started driving truck to pick up donations and having that experience helped me realize I could do this job which is why I signed up to get my CDL.

 

Tabetha Burns, Driving

I work as a material handler. Consistently asking for more responsibility, I also became a shipping clerk, learning about the paperwork, regulations, computer systems, and forklift driving. Being a shipping clerk puts me direct contact with our truck drivers, and I began thinking about being one. I've been around trucking for years close by but not behind the wheel and I'm tired of being in the passenger seat. I'm 53 years old and realized I am a life long learner. Now is the time. So I enrolled at WCTC to get my CDL. Going back to school has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I am pursuing this on my own and for my own sake, driven to move in this direction, and wont let anything stop me.

 

Nicole CUrl, Safety

My undergrad field is Criminal Justice. I was living in FL and I needed a change for my family. We decided to move to IL and as a result, I changed industries entirely. I didn’t know anything about logistics and I was fascinated by it. I took a plunge and applied for a job. I completely fell in love with it and decided to go back to school! This industry inspired me to go back for my MBA in Supply Chain and Logistics after taking 10 yrs off from school! My daughters and I are thriving in life with this change!

 

Kiara Davidson, Leadership

I love driving and exploring new places. The trucking job will allow me to see different parts of the country while earning a living. The trucking industry can offer attractive salaries, benefits, and bonuses, making it an appealing option for financial stability and growth I’m looking for. With a persistent shortage of truck drivers, I will appreciates the job security and diverse employment opportunities within the industry. The impact it will have on my life will be long hours and time spent away from home but I’m up for the challenge in this is my new beginning of life.

 

Madison Elliott, technician

My career goal is to obtain the training and certifications needed to obtain employment in the diesel and big machinery industry, specifically, diesel mechanics. By attending Wyotech, I will be able to achieve that goal and receive job offers upon graduation. I am applying for this scholarship to help achieve the financial support needed to attend Wyotech. Right now I have a high school education and I am qualified for minimum wage jobs. I want more than that in my life. I need this education to improve my life and ability to support myself.

 

Joy guillemin, driving

I choose to get into trucking because my husband at the time was a mover for a moving company in Oregon. I thought we should buy our own truck and we would be able to save for retirement. We were always self employed and had jobs that required many hours away from each other so we decided we would become over the road movers so that is what we did. We were able to be with each other more and our kids were with us together more often, we enjoyed the times we went across country together. I have since been divorced, so money has been tight. I have a CDL but I have been thinking I would like to get my passenger and shuttle endorsements and continue to be on the road. I love to go and see all the the us has to offer and enjoy the view!

 

Lydia hoss, leadership

I have always been surrounded by the distribution and trucking industry. Ever since I was a little girl I was going to events and fairs where I would meet people learn about what the industry was all about. In truth, I never thought that I would follow this path until the May before my freshman year of college. My dad had discussed the idea with me that I would probably be interested in the field and to talk to the Supply chain professor at UNK. An hour and a half in I was sold and have absolutely loved pursuing the field. The next summer I took an internship with Crete Carriers in Lincoln, Ne, and have been hooked ever since. I have loved the environment and feel as though I have found my place.

 

Taylor jambard, driving

I want to pursue a career in trucking to create more opportunities for myself. I have worked in the automotive field for roughly 7 years now and its held my heart dearly. As much as I have enjoyed the field and working with vehicles I feel I have reached the limit of my growth. Trucking has always been a career I’ve considered even from a child after finding out my great grandfather was a trucker. I believe after all I’ve encountered in life this career would help me create more financial stability for myself as well as provide me more happiness on a daily basis. I personally own a 10 ft enclosed trailer that Ive been hauling for 10 years now and love it. So I believe the transition into getting my CDL would be an easy task for myself.

 

jessica James, driving

When I first got my drivers license, many years ago, I would take paper maps and go drive around, just exploring the country roads outside of my home town. I have always enjoyed driving, the open road, and visiting new places. Now that my children are grown and almost all out of the house, I am looking forward to contributing more financially to my family.

 

Quanda manning, driving

I hope to impart to my son, I am determined to set a positive example for him by demonstrating the importance of persistence and hard work to make life better for the both of us. Also showing him ways to make income for himself when he is able to drive.

 

micalea marvin, leadership

My dad started his career in the trucking industry as a driver, working long hours on the road. Over time, he learned the ins and outs of the business, becoming a skilled mechanic and eventually working his way up to director of operations. I remember riding along with him in the truck, listening to his stories and the lessons he shared. Watching him grow in his job really inspired me to follow the same path. His hard work and determination showed me that you can achieve great things if you put in the effort. Now, I’m trying to start my journey in the trucking world, just like he did.

 

Jessica McKeown, Leadership

After some setbacks in my first attempt to complete college, I worked for over a decade in service. I was very good at this, as I have a tendency towards organization and juggling competing needs in an efficient way, but the jobs I took were not conducive to promoting an organized life. I often worked until 4am and slept through days. As a person who begrudgingly thrives on routine I began to look for a change. I was able to move into an admin position with my company and am working my way into a position of leadership. Being in trucking has allowed me to gain new knowledge with which I can help our clients, as well as offered me a path forward with numerous options for advancement and fulfillment that I had not previously experienced.

 

Kara Morris, Driving

After riding along with an owner operator on a few routes, I find myself very interested in transitioning to this industry. I'm in a commission based sales career now, so the idea of working as an independent trucker is very appealing. Transportation is an industry that will always be in demand. Moving goods across the US to help companies be successful sounds like a great way to make a living. I know it will have its challenges but I've overcome many of those already. I'm really looking forward to being an OTR trucker in 2025.

 

Kailee mull, technician

I have chosen a career in this field because growing up trucks always fascinated me. I grew up in the middle of nowhere and have family members in the trucking industry.

 

kimberly perez, driving

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry for several reasons. Firstly, I have always been drawn to a profession that allows me to travel and see different parts of the country. As a truck driver, I have the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures, which is something that I find incredibly rewarding. Secondly, the trucking industry offers a stable and reliable source of income. With the increased demand for goods and products to be transported across the country, there is always a need for skilled truck drivers. This job security has given me peace of mind and the ability to provide for myself and my family.

 

crystal quinonez, Driving

I have choose to do trucking for the stability. I have 3 daughters and lost my salon business during the pandemic. My husband is a trucker and he always has work. That is very important to me. That is what I hope to accomplish.

 

mary rigney, leadership

When I was a child, my father traveled to Germany for work. Interested in this, I took German classes in high school and pursued a German Studies degree from Northern Michigan University. German manufacturing and supply chain is held to a high, admirable standard. I began my career in 2018 working with my father in the same manufacturing facility that sent him to Germany when I was a child. My grandfather worked as a truck driver his entire life, often bringing my father on long hauls with him as a teenager. Working in Logistics and Supply Chain has allowed me to connect with my father and his father. I’ve been able to make my family proud with my dedication to continuing education especially in Supply Chain and Logistics.

 

faith robinson, driving

After five years in law enforcement, I began to experience compassion fatigue and I knew that it was time to consider a new career. When I began considering other career paths I used a few different criteria: better compensation, a strong need for the job, and it had to present a new challenge. I discovered trucking when I began spending time in Gillette, Wyoming. It checked off all the boxes and I found that I enjoyed my time riding in the trucks and assisting with mechanical issues. Driving such a large vehicle, and learning to do it well, presented exactly the sort of challenge I was looking for. This is an opportunity for me to provide for myself and begin growing my own business in a field primarily dominated by men.

 

jillian smith, leadership

I chose this industry because I thrive on the ever-changing tasks and obstacles that offer challenging opportunities. I love keeping up with industry events, navigating solutions, and finding efficient ways to improve processes. Learning about trucking has deepened my understanding of its operations across environments and organizations. I’ve gained immense respect for truck drivers and their crucial role—without them, we wouldn't have what we do. I excel at optimizing the movement of products from point A to point B. Once I entered this industry, I knew it was a perfect fit. I’m continuously thrilled by its dynamic nature and look forward to my future in trucking.

 

surprise snethemba, driving

Choosing a career in trucking, I embark on a journey that fills me with excitement and anticipation. The trucking industry offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and opportunity, making it an attractive career choice for those who value independence and are willing to put in the hard work. As for its impact on my life, the freedom and adventure that come with being on the road will allow me to broaden my horizons, experience new places, cultures, and ways of life. I will also develop new skills such as navigation, time management, problem-solving, and adaptability, while building confidence and learning to rely on myself and trust my abilities. Lastly, I will pursue a sense of purpose by contributing to the economy and playing a vital role in keeping goods moving.

 

natalie tews, leadership

I interned with JB Hunt Transportation this past summer and had a fantastic time. Learning more about the industry from them was fascinating, and I am excited to return full-time in the spring of 2025. I enjoyed my time working in trucking because the world of transportation is at the heart of all supply chains. While I understood this concept through my time at school, actually seeing this happen in real time was amazing. I loved learning the logistics behind each route and the competitive edge of sales within trucking companies to push themselves above their competitors. My experience has taught me to look at things from a new perspective. I see so much growth in the industry and hope to be the person to set new ideas into motion.

 

dylan truax, driving

I choose the commercial vehicle operation program for several reasons. It provides specialized training for driving large vehicles, which can lead to a rewarding career in transportation. The program often includes practical driving experience, knowledge of safety regulations, and understanding of vehicle maintenance, all of which are essential for a successful career in the trucking or transportation industry. I graduated in May for Heavy equipment Operations and would like to further my education to truck drive. I know by doing this it may be required certain certifications depending on the type of equipment and the job site.

 

jennifer walsh, leadership

The biggest factor for my working in the trucking industry is the team camaraderie. The impact working for the trucking industry has on my life is expansive. Travelcenters is the most inclusive places I’ve ever worked and they offer more growth opportunities than any other employer (including the ability to balance a full-time college schedule with a 40-hour work week). They have been nothing short of accommodating and encouraging in my journey for higher education which, as a single homeowner in her 40’s, is quite a feat! Working for Travelcenters has had such a positive impact because it is the first time I have felt like a true contributor to my team/the company instead of just another office employee. I feel heard, valued, and respected.

 

sydney willard, driving

As a little girl I watched my daddy and grandpa pull into the driveway after a long work week. I would always stand outside doing the "little arm pull thing" making them blow that loud truck horn. I’ve always had a love for "big trucks" or Semis. Every summer, while out of school, I would get to travel with my dad. He owned the trucking company therefore the truck, trailers, tractors, etc, were always around. Growing up in the trucking industry influenced me to feel safe around big trucks and traveling was so important to me. To drive for a company or even my own company one day has been my goal for a while now. This could help better my life financially and add stability to my future.

 

diane young, technician

I chose a career that is said to be a “Male Dominant” career, but I want to inspire other women that this career is ok for us as well. I am determined to show and teach other women about how the vehicles they drive work and how to fix them. I am determined to show other women that your Saturday morning cleaning clothes can be used for more than just washing the dishes. I personally now have two piles of clothes one for special outings and one for working on my cars and Saturday cleaning. I feel this scholarship could be a pivotal encouragement to my success, I’m going to get there but I’ve also learned as a proud single mother that asking for help doesn’t make you weak or less capable but actually strong-willed and determined.