The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced today that it will be launching a new initiative that brings together members through a network of local chapters. With a membership of 6,000 members predominantly throughout the United States and Canada, creating local chapters will enable these members to meet more frequently and within their regional markets.
“Having the infrastructure of local chapters brings together individuals who are interested in creating opportunities and addressing challenges when it comes to gender diversity in the male-dominant industry of transportation,” said Ellen Voie, president, CEO and founder of WIT. “It also provides the ability for us to advance our overall mission, which is to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.”
WIT intends to launch many local chapters within the next several years, according to Debbie Sparks, vice president of WIT who is leading a task force to develop the strategy of the chapter program. “The task force is envisioning each chapter to have its own individual personality,” said Sparks. “We are not defining what or how each chapter should operate. The only common, predominant focus for all chapters will be on advancing the mission of WIT,” said Sparks.
The WIT Mid-Atlantic Chapter will be the first chapter to launch, according to Sparks. “One of our task force members, Alyssa Kerin with USI Insurance, has been named president of the WIT Mid-Atlantic Chapter and has volunteered to host this chapter’s first event Sept. 30 at D.M. Bowman’s offices in Williamsport, Md. “The chapter will host an afternoon girl scout program, followed later by an evening cocktail reception open to current and prospective members.” D.M. Bowman, NFI, Penski, and USI Insurance are sponsoring the event. For more details, visit www.WomenInTrucking.org/
