Part 1: Ellen Voie and the Fight for Gender Equity in Trucking

Ellen Voie’s journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to a pioneering leader in the trucking industry is an inspiring story of resilience and vision. As the founder of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), Ellen reflects on the challenges she faced in the 1980s when establishing credibility as a young female traffic manager in a pre-deregulated, male-dominated industry. Her experience offers valuable insights into balancing personal and professional responsibilities and sheds light on the evolving role of women in transportation.

Over the past 17 years, women have played a transformative role in trucking, with the industry increasingly embracing gender diversity. However, significant challenges remain, including the need for equitable policies, safer environments, and better support systems for female drivers. Ellen’s leadership highlights both the progress made and the work still needed to achieve full inclusion and equality.

Key Highlights

• Ellen Voie’s Background and Early Challenges
  • Started as a broadcast journalism major before transitioning to trucking leadership.
  • Gained credibility as a young female traffic manager in the 1980s despite industry skepticism.
  • Offers insights into balancing career demands with personal responsibilities.
• Transformative Impact of Women in Trucking
  • Over 17 years, women have helped reshape the trucking industry.
  • Drivers seek pay equity, supportive workplaces, and accommodating truck designs.
  • Legislative efforts are underway to secure restroom access for all drivers, emphasizing the benefits of an inclusive environment.
• Challenges Still Facing Female Drivers
  • Privacy concerns, including the need for secure spaces and personal accommodations.
  • Lack of data on breastfeeding drivers and limited policies for their support.
  • Complications surrounding same-gender training policies.
  • Studies on harassment underscore the importance of building safer, more inclusive work environments.

Ellen’s insights serve as a call to action for the industry to continue supporting women, ensuring trucking becomes an accessible, equitable career path for future generations.

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