Each week the White House honors “ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things ” through its “Champions of Change” initiative. This past week, the White House recognized leaders who have developed innovative programs in the area of transportation. They invited individuals representing “organizations that have provided exemplary leadership in the growth and expansion of the transportation industry at the local, state or regional level.”
Plover, WI (PRWEB) August 06, 2012
Ellen Voie, (Green Bay, WI) President/CEO and founder of the Women In Trucking Association, was selected for this distinction. Voie was invited to the White House with twelve other Champions who were recognized by US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
“Meeting our nation’s transportation challenges requires innovative thinking and the leadership skills to translate plans and dreams into greater mobility, better jobs, and more livable communities,” said LaHood. “And that is exactly what these Champions of Change have demonstrated–each and every one,” he added.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro introduced Voie before her participation in a panel discussion led by Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta. The event was streamed live via the web to viewers around the world (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ4Sgacj-yM&feature=youtube_gdata_player).
Voie founded the nonprofit association Women In Trucking, Inc. in 2007, whose mission is to encourage women to consider a career in the trucking industry, to address challenges that women face when working in the trucking industry, and to celebrate the success of its members. In 2011 the Women In Trucking Scholarship Foundation was formed to provide funding for members pursuing careers in trucking related areas such as safety, maintenance, leadership and driving.
Leigh Foxall, Women In Trucking’s Chairwoman attended the event, “It is very exciting to have Ellen recognized for her work. It is evidence that Women In Trucking’s efforts to bring awareness to the great careers in the transportation industry is being recognized,” she added. “It was an honor for both Ellen and members of the board to attend this event at the White House on behalf of the entire trucking industry.”
Voie’s Blog appears on the White House website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/07/30/advocating-women-moving-america). You can also read U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s Blog about the event (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/08/01/white-house-honors-champions-change-unwavering-commitment-transportation-innovation).
Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as sixteen percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is funded by its members and the generous support of Gold Level Partners; Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC. Daimler Trucks NA, Frito-Lay NA , Great Dane Trailers, Hyundai Translead and Walmart and Silver Level Partner, C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. For more information visit http://www.WomenInTrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.
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