She also earned her pilot's license in the past year.  

A risk taker, Voie said, she draws on self-discipline, tenacity and a love of learning to meet the goals she sets for herself, as evidenced by earning two licenses in one year.   

"I tell people to write down their goals and work toward that end. If you're spending too much time on something that doesn't help you achieve your goals, then it's time to re-prioritize and place your efforts in the activities that will make you successful," Voie said.  

After starting her career as an assistant traffic manager at a material handling company, Voie was later promoted to traffic manager, which included the responsibility of managing the company's drivers and shipping complted products out of the steel and hardware inbound.  

"I was only 20 years old and one of very few female traffic managers at the time," she said. "I had to prove myself to peers by the doing the best job possible. I gained the respect of my co-workers by proving my ability to get the job

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done."  

She works hard, but like Thermote, said she believes in balance and finds time for herself and her family.

"I take long walks, which help me find clarity in the decision-making process," she said. "I find that walking helps me to focus and to solve problems that I can't find a solution to when sitting at my desk. Even during the cold Wisconsin winter, I walk every day."  

She also keeps in mind some of the best advice she ever received - from her mother when she was a child - to maintain her balance: Consider the source.  

"When someone criticizes you or makes incorrect assumptions, determine if their credibility allows them to have any influence over yourself or others," she said. "If someone I respect offers input, I am more than willing to discuss and understand their perspective. I disregard anonymous criticism because the critic is not willing to state their comments publicly."  

During her time in the industry, the most visible change she's seen is an increase in the business pace.  

"Everything happens so quickly now," she said. "From shipping to invoicing to tracking, we can stay apprised of where, when and how in seconds. It's all done in real time and we can access the information easily." And with more information available electronically, there will be "greater transparency in all areas of transportation. Understand that along with transparency comes accountability. We need to accept responsibility for our efforts and be prepared to adapt to changes that affect more than our portion of the industry."  

The mission statement of Women in Trucking is "to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry." Since its founding in 2007, the non-profit has grown to 1,300 members, of which 14 percent are men.  

"The best part of my job is in meeting and encouraging our members," Voie said. "I love working with everyone from individuals to corporations to help them meet their objectives by working with us to make the industry more female friendly."   

That includes educating members about staying safe and developing leadership skills.  

"We developed a Sleep Safe Strap to secure the interior of the truck cab to ward off intruders," Voie said, and "we provide mentors for our members as well as networking opportunities at events."  

The association works with truck stops to promote safety, convenience and amenities to accommodate truckers on the road.  

"We work with carriers to project an appropriate image to potential female drivers. We work with driver training schools to help them attract women into the industry," she said. "Mostly, we educate, inform and mentor our members to succeed in a male dominated environment."  

Mary Glindinning is a freelance writer who has worked at daily and weekly newspapers for more than 20 years. She lives in rural Schullsburg, Wis. You may contact her by e-mailing ahchapman@mhwmag.com.  

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