As President and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman mentors and supports real women every day! She founded Women in Trucking in 2007 to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, to remove obstacles that might keep them from succeeding, and to celebrate the successes of its members.
And 12 years later, she’s still going strong. Women in Trucking builds relationships, honors those who do the right thing, and continues to empower women in the industry to find success, security and fulfillment.
Meet Ellen Voie…today’s real-life Wonder Woman!
KR: Hi Ellen! Can you tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?
EV: My passion is to empower women! In my role at Women In Trucking Association (WIT) I am able to support, encourage, mentor and celebrate the amazing women who work in the industry. From driver to CEO, these women are all pioneers and role models for others who might not have the same determination to work in a male dominated environment.
KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
EV: My inner superpower is my motivation. I don’t need someone else to push me to succeed. I do it myself! I have a quest to learn, to experience and to conquer. My motto is, “life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” I push myself to the edge to see what I can accomplish, and then push myself some more.
KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
EV: My influential woman was my mother. She not only told me that I could do or be anything I wanted, but she believed it! When I was young, she showed me that women (girls) are as capable, strong and smart as boys, and this was in the sixties! She encouraged me to “get out and see the world,” before I settled down. So, my personal goal was to see half the United States on my own before I would even consider getting married. (I did!) Sadly, when I was 19, my mom was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and died eight months later. She was 46 years old. She is still an influence in my life.
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
EV: If I could have a super human power it would be to make people more empathetic. I would want to make everyone look at others through the other person’s eyes, not their own. Everyone seems to be so quick to be offended by others. Can’t we all just get along?
DUBLIN, IRELAND — OCT 7, 2018: Global Ambassadors Program, a Vital Voices and Bank of America partnership, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photos by David Hume Kennerly)
KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
EV: I walk four miles each day to get outside of my office and appreciate nature (which includes a lot of snow and cold weather in Wisconsin). My hobby is flying my Cessna Skyhawk. I’m a private pilot and love to take my plane and just experience the thrill of flying.
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
EV: I would tell my 20 year old self to be less worried about what others think about you and just go ahead and have fun. I was always trying to create a good impression and make others feel comfortable around me. I would tell young women to be less concerned about what others think and more concerned about following your dreams.
The Women In Trucking Association is a non-profit organization focused on the transportation and logistics industry. They encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.
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