Driving the Future of Transportation

Across this four-part series, one truth emerges clearly: women in transportation are not just participants—they are actively shaping the industry. From day-to-day execution on the road to strategic oversight and mentorship, their stories reveal a consistent lesson: leadership is defined by impact, not title.

Trailblazers: Leadership Begins with Action

Leadership often begins with courage and the willingness to step forward, even when the path is uncertain. Bridgett Biggs, Senior Corporate Safety Manager at Rumpke Waste & Recycling, embodies this mindset: “I didn’t wait for permission. I focused on competence, preparation, and results. I worked to earn credibility in rooms where decisions about operations and safety are made.”  

Early in her career, Bridgett recalls being one of the few women in operational meetings where high-stakes decisions were made. “I knew I had to prove my knowledge and reliability, not just my ambition,” she says. That determination is a hallmark of many trailblazers in transportation: women who earn influence through competence and consistent results.

Everyday Excellence: Keeping the World Moving

Leadership thrives in the daily mastery that keeps transportation systems safe and efficient. For Bunni Ambrosia, an OTR driver with Halvor, each mile is an opportunity to grow and lead: “If you feel pulled toward it, follow that. Learn your craft, trust yourself, and take up space anyway. This work builds confidence, independence, and real-world skills fast.”  

Bunni recalls a particularly challenging week navigating long hauls with tight deadlines, yet she credits the experience for building confidence and resilience that have defined her career. Similarly, Rhonnie Reeves, Director of Operations at EMSAR, emphasizes the technical and analytical skills that modern fleet management demands: “Fleet today is technology-heavy and analytics-driven. It requires decision-making under pressure, operational precision, and cross-functional coordination — strengths that are not gender-specific.”  

Ariadna “Ari” Campos, Fleet Specialist at Interstate Batteries, underscores measurable performance: “Strong leadership is defined by performance, reliability, and accountability — not gender. Women are professionals driving measurable results every day.”  

These leaders show that impact is measurable and gender-neutral—skills, preparation, and accountability drive success in transportation.

Stat: Women currently make up roughly 7% of over-the-road drivers in the U.S., highlighting the importance of visibility and representation in operational leadership.

On the Road Ahead: Resilience and Strategy

From daily execution, the narrative naturally moves into strategic leadership. Emily Plummer, an OTR driver with Prime, Inc., shares a perspective on retention and equality: “The best way to retain women is to treat us like everyone else. We aren’t always delicate flowers — most of us love a good challenge.”

Kendra Payette, Senior Safety & Training Manager at Halvor Lines, stresses mentorship and preparation: “Find mentors who can help teach you, navigate challenges, and open doors. Keep safety as your foundation and show up prepared and confident.”

Marcy Murillo, EHS GTM Director at a global consumer goods company, highlights the essential contributions women make to operations: “Women in transportation aren’t asking for special treatment—they’re asking for accurate recognition of the essential work they already do. When women succeed on the front lines of transportation, operations are safer, workforces are stronger, and the industry becomes more resilient.”

Amanda DeMartinis, Assistant Safety Director at Aim Transportation, emphasizes career opportunities and work-life integration: “Transportation is a field that is on the move (literally) toward equal opportunities for employees. There are many levels of transportation that a young woman can build an empowering career in. There is a high demand in this field and also a high earning potential, while still offering positions that support having a family.”

Building the Future: Mentorship, Opportunity, and Culture

Finally, the series highlights women building pathways for the next generation. Karen Smerchek, President at Veriha Trucking, emphasizes the professional skills women bring: “Women bring resilience, professionalism, attention to detail, strong communication, and leadership every day. Success isn’t about fitting a stereotype—it’s about skill, commitment, and the ability to adapt and solve problems.”

Samantha Bodnar, President at D.M. Bowman, underscores organizational support and visibility: “Transportation can be demanding. Companies that focus on flexibility, fair pay, and growth opportunities retain talented people. Highlighting women in leadership roles shows what’s possible.”

These insights tie naturally back to earlier themes: the courage of trailblazers, the consistency of everyday leaders, and the strategic vision of operations professionals converge to create a foundation for future impact.

The Road Ahead Is Being Built Today

From Bridgett, Bunni, Rhonnie, Ari, Emily, Kendra, Marcy, Amanda, Karen, and Samantha, the series illustrates that leadership in transportation is action, strategy, culture, and mentorship in motion. Every decision, mile, and mentorship opportunity strengthens the industry, making it safer, smarter, and more inclusive.

The lessons are clear: leadership is measured not by recognition but by impact, continuity, and the pathways it opens for others. Through their dedication, these women demonstrate that the future of transportation isn’t just on the horizon—it is being built today.