Spring 2024 Scholarship Recipients

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

 

sheridan deike, technician - ryder

I chose a career in the trucking industry because I grew up with just my mother and three younger sisters all twenty three years of my life struggling to make a living. Growing up I learned that hard labor jobs brought me a sense of satisfaction and self worth accomplishment whenever I completed the task. So, with that being said, I was able to get into the trucking industry and turn my "job" into doing something I love daily. Doing something that brings a lot of self accomplishment and having an opportunity to never have to struggle again in life as long as I work hard. I will now be able to thrive and no longer have to survive.

 

Casey hill, leadership - ryder

I chose to change companies and look for somewhere that I could call home and create a long-term place for myself to build a career. When I began to look at the options out in the world, Penske Truck Leasing was there and after researching the company there was no way that I could pass up the opportunity to become part of their team. They are a huge factor in the world of logistics, from large scale commercial accounts to single families moving across a city or state. They have the ability to keep the world moving forward by supporting companies and customers alike is the transportation needs of everyday life and business. It has been amazing to see exactly how far the trucking industry reaches and impacts the world around me.

 

patricia cherry, driving - ryder

Since I was a baby my father has driven a dump truck. I spent numerous summers spending time with him. The industry is always growing and I will get the opportunity to travel and see many places I would never get the chance to do at a normal job. The variety of careers in this industry are unlimited. There is always room to learn and always room for advancement. The ability to have your own business and thrive throughout the years. As a single mom I would be able to make more money and having these opportunities I will be able to provide a better life for my son.

 

bryanna mendoza, technician

I grew up learning about cars from my dad and uncles and always had a passion for it. I recently decided that I wanted to pursue a career in the trucking industry to learn something new other than cars which will impact my life by giving new opportunities to expand as a person and what I'm capable of doing.

 

lilly pittman, technician

I have been fascinated by trucks since I was 11 years old, and I am finally exploring that interest by becoming a heavy equipment diesel technician. Trucks are essential for commerce. Without trucks on the road, mail would remain undelivered, essential items would become unavailable in stores, and many other services would be halted. I want to be a part of an industry that provides essential services for everyday people. The trucking industry will provide me job stability throughout my career, enabling me to pay off my student loans, and eventually purchase a small homestead, another dream of mine. Ultimately, I hope my career in the trucking industry will provide me satisfaction through hard work and a job well done.

 

julia wydra, Technician

I have chosen to pursue a career in heavy truck repair because I have a passion for this career. Being a submarine nuclear plant mechanic in the Navy opened my eyes to how much I enjoy being a mechanic. I chose heavy trucks because my Dad is a truck driver, and it is important to me to keep truckers like him rolling. The biggest impact this career has had on my life is in my excitement for my work. I have worked in many different industries where I did not look forward to going to work. I look forward to coming to school every day, and repairing and maintaining the fleet of trucks used for the CDL training program at my school. I love the job satisfaction of being able to send out a good-running truck to train more drivers.

 

valerie harper, leadership

I had assumed jobs in the "trucking industry" were geared only toward individuals who drove or handled the maintenance of the truck. My career path in trucking wasn't intentional, I initially started working at Penske in May 2011 as a temp employee for what was expected to be a 60-day job assignment to cover an employee out on FMLA. I was getting over a divorce and starting over as a single mom. My assignment stretched through July, and toward the end of the month the employee notified the company they would not be able to return. At which, I was offered a permanent full-time position. This provided an opportunity for me to build a career for myself and secure a stable environment for my daughter.

 

courtney gisburne, leadership

I didn’t expect to have a career in trucking, but working in this industry has certainly changed my outlook on life and has given me a passion for my job. Trucking is one of the backbones of our economy, and trucks deliver quite a fair share of the items we use every day. Working in trucking has given me a new appreciation for how important this industry is and has given me immense respect for the people that drive trucks every day. My job focuses on providing repair and maintenance information to technicians, and knowing how important the trucking industry is in all our lives has given me the drive to ensure that we provide technicians with the best information we can. I want technicians and drivers to be safe and satisfied.

 

victoria trout, leadership

I was married into it and I learned a lot about the industry, which allowed me to get a position at Ryder. I feel that being in this industry was my calling and I want to continue to learn and grow with it.

 

laura beebe, driving

Due to budget cuts and low enrollment, I lost my teaching job last summer. I also found myself burned out due to working during Covid. I've been searching for a new career. Years ago, I spent 2 summers driving a tour bus in Alaska and loved the work. I enjoyed all the adventures and problems I had to solve. I gained confidence and a sense of success when I began to understand how to move the vehicle. I found purpose and pride in working successfully with my team (administration, mechanics, other drivers, passengers, etc) and I loved the long days on the road. Since losing my job last summer, I've struggled to find reliable work and I believe truck driving can help me build a more stable future doing what I loved to do when I drove busses.

 

dana hindenburg, driving

I was a stay at home mom for most of my adult life. My first child had some significant medical needs and made it very difficult for me to work. I am at the point now where I am able to rejoin the workforce, but I have very few employable skills. I believe that earning my CDL will offer the opportunity to have a career and earn money to sustain myself and hopefully be able to help support others through charitable contributions. There are many positions open for CDL drivers and, if I can afford it, getting my CDL will only take a few months.

 

ebony jackson-campbell, Driving

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry because it’s where I feel like I am able to make the most impact in the world. Truckers are the backbone of America, without them goods can’t be transported, without truckers the American economy plummets. Going into the trucking industry will allow me to have more independence and flexibility on the day to day.

 

erica hern, leadership

I've embarked on a career in the trucking industry due to its reliability and sense of autonomy. What impressed me was the community within the industry, which recognized my initial lack of expertise but welcomed my eagerness to learn. Through immersion in the operations, logistics, and sales, I gained insights into my own capabilities. I've come to recognize its environment, signaling a clear need for increased female representation. I benefited from the guidance of a mentor, and I aspire to be one for future women entering our industry. Despite obstacles, women in the trucking industry can find opportunities for empowerment and career growth. As more women enter the field and break down stereotypes, we contribute to a diverse workforce.

 

jessica mckeown, leadership

I would have never thought trucking would end up my career, but I wouldn’t change that for anything. I have had a lot of different work experiences, from financial administration to bartending, but really feel like I have found a field in which I can thrive with trucking and transportation. The company I work for places a huge emphasis on continuing education, and I was encouraged to go back to school after over a decade hiatus. In trucking there is so much to learn, countless different fields, and everything is constantly changing. Trucking has helped me to gain a renewed drive to learn about every aspect of this industry that I can – from LTL to brokering, from the top to the bottom.

 

selena saenz, leadership

I made the decision a few years ago to join the field I knew best, logistics. I have been working in the logistics field for an accumulative 5 years. My goal is for logistics, supply chain management, and transportation to impact my life with unlimited and exciting career paths. I currently play a role in inventory but have spent years in both shipping and receiving clerk positions. Now I feel that I am ready to expand into leadership.

 

alexis goolsby, technician

Learning this new trade has opened so many doors to success for me. Since starting school I have had an abundance of positive experiences that could lead me to have a comfortable future. The confidence UTI has given me and the ease it’s supplied me with has been the greatest gift. I would like to buy a home for my family, get my mother out of poverty, and of course myself. This wasn’t the easiest decision to make for me but I’m so glad I made it.

 

jordan clardy, leadership

I have chosen the career in trucking industry due to the fact it will always be evolving and have a bright future ahead. As I further my education and carrier skills this will help me grow as a person and a company, I work to apply my knowledge to the company and the trucking industry.

 

mercedes costelloe, driving

There have been many times over the last decade or so where I have been exposed to the trucking industry and have thought about getting my CDL. I learned to operate heavy equipment, starting with a skid steer at the yearly sugar beet harvest in Minnesota. That opened me up to many more opportunities operating equipment at a transfer station, construction supply company, etc. During my time working at the transfer station, I was also taught to drive, back, and hook up trailers with a 58 foot tractor trailer and found learning how to do this was extremely rewarding. All of these experiences have led me to finally enroll in a CDL class, and hope it opens up further opportunity in industries I am already familiar with.

 

tammie faulkner, Driving

My goal is to be an Owner Operator and eventually manage my own trucking business. In June of 2023, my career in banking and finance came to an abrupt halt when the company went through a reorg and eliminated my position. When the turn of events left me unemployed, trucking kept coming to mind. I was reminded that I thought about leaving banking several times to pursue trucking but was fearful of taking that leap. As faith would have it, I now have the time and opportunity. I see this as the Universe opening another doors, I just have to open it. The trucking industry will allow me to continue to earn a living, eventually be my own boss, and continue to build a financial legacy for my family; and give back to communities I serve.

 

jenna halloran, technician

I choose a career in trucking because of the love I have for problem solving and the interest in machinery. I started with no knowledge of heavy machinery and very few on automotive. I saw the need in the trucking industry and believed it was a close fit to the things I am skilled with. I am a hard worker and always eager to learn something new. So far I have been able to help friends and family problem solve car repairs with the knowledge I have learned to help them save money.

 

susan manis, driving

I have been around the trucking industry most of my life and it has always been a career II wanted to pursue. In 2014 I met a man who is now my husband, he is also in the industry. I had the opportunity to go over the road with him on and off for about a year. At the time I still had a son in school so it was difficult but we managed. My son has since graduated and now has his own home and career, so it's time I pursue my career and goals.

 

savanna kenyon, technician

I have chosen a career in the trucking industry because I grew up within it. This industry has provided me with various opportunities and experiences that have helped shape the person I am today. I try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way because it allows me to make connections. Building a network is crucial, and I have already been lucky enough to establish a strong foundation with my current connections. This network will be incredibly valuable to me in the future, as I can reach out to them for help or advice when needed.

 

tekisha bonner, driving

I am ready to travel and make money doing so. I am interested in getting financial freedom and stabilize in a new career path.

 

jessica page, driving - RI - RITA recipient

I have always been into farming and equipment. I enjoy the idea of being responsible for driving delivering and driving safely I have been a Jill of all trades from a personal chef to a handcraft cheese shop owner to raising my children and animals. I hope to show my kids you can do anything no matter the obstacles.

 

yalera shorter, driving

I choose the trucking industry because, trucking is a career that has been around for years and will continue to be around. I'm looking for a career in doing something that I can grow with. It will impact my life by allowing me to get back in the work field by allowing me to do something that I love to do and that's hit the highway.

 

shawna sperry, driving

My father was a trucker for my entire life. Though he’s now retired, he had over 2 million miles over the road in his career. He is my rock, and his career in trucking gave me a comfortable life and experiences many people don’t get to have. As a kid, I used to go with him on his smaller routes, delivering milk. Though I currently work in Public Utilities in the Natural Gas industry, my heart is in a truck on the road. I want to combine my experiences and my passions and create a career that will sustain my family and open opportunities for others in my situation.

 

diamond white, Driving

In my family, I have one other member who chose to get their class A CDL license. From then on I came to admire the lifestyle that would allow me to gain a sense of independence and job stability. I believe that jobs in transportation and logistics are some of the most rewarding careers. They are unique in the fact that you can allow yourself to gain skills that apply in various other disciplines. There are also various positions available. I possess the capability to be punctual and work with minimal supervision, additionally, I can pay attention to detail and I am extremely organized. I believe trucking will further extrapolate these skills while also giving me new impactful experiences like traveling and meeting new people.

 

Petra Rodriguez, Driving

I've chosen a career in the trucking industry to come to a complete circle from when I was 10 years old having an interest since then to be a truck driver while I would build model semi-trucks and display them on a shelf. The impact is reaching my early-age career of being a truck driver to a full circle.