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Women's History Month is a time to honor women's contributions in the United States and recognize their diverse achievements. It's also a time to reflect on how far women have come and encourage future generations to strive to do more.
Not surprisingly, the logistics industry has, and continues to benefit from, the involvement and leadership of women. And it’s important to note that the trends are positive. For example, according to a recent report by Gartner, women in frontline supply chain roles increased from 2023 to 2024 between 4 and 5% across all titles.
In celebration of the progress that women have made and acknowledging there is still a lot to be done, we’ve written this article highlighting several groups, individuals, and resources to further the well-deserved recognition.
Groups Advocating for the Cause
Community support and advocacy are central to the gains women have made in logistics. If you are looking for a community to participate in or support, here are six worth considering.
WIT (Women In Trucking Association)
Founded in 2007, WIT’s mission is to promote women's employment in the trucking industry, celebrate their successes, and address obstacles they face. The association offers various programs, including the annual "Salute to Women Behind the Wheel" event, which honors female truck drivers. WIT also provides a "Girl Scout Patch Program" to introduce young girls to career opportunities in transportation. Additionally, it publishes "Redefining the Road," a magazine focusing on gender diversity in transportation.
AWESOME (Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education)
Founded in 2013, AWESOME is a leadership organization connecting senior women in supply chain roles. It focuses on advancing women's excellence through networking events, leadership development programs, and recognition initiatives. AWESOME hosts an annual symposium that brings together female leaders to discuss industry trends and challenges. The group also offers scholarships and mentorship programs to support the next generation of women supply chain professionals.
WISE (Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence)
Founded in 2007, Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence (WISE) is a Department of Supply Chain Management organization for students at the University of Arkansas with the primary purpose of promoting the field of supply chain management and logistics, as well as developing and supporting female leaders. It offers educational initiatives, networking events, and mentorship programs designed to empower women and prepare them for leadership roles in the industry. WISE collaborates with industry partners to provide real-world learning experiences for its members.
WTS International (Advancing Women in Transportation)
Founded in 1977, WTS International is dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women. The organization offers professional development programs, networking opportunities, and educational workshops. WTS also provides scholarships to women pursuing careers in transportation and hosts an annual conference that addresses current industry issues and showcases female leadership.
Some organizations offer sub-groups centered on women in supply chain.
CSCMP Women Leaders in Supply Chain
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) includes a community focused on empowering women in supply chain management. They provide educational resources, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for women to share their experiences. CSCMP organizes conferences and roundtable events that address the unique challenges women face in the industry, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
Lean In Circles – Women in Supply Chain
Lean In Circles for Women in Supply Chain are small peer groups that meet regularly to support each other and learn together. These circles provide a platform for women in supply chain roles to share experiences, discuss challenges, and develop leadership skills. The initiative fosters a sense of community and encourages women to pursue their career goals with confidence.
Pioneers in the Industry
Some early pioneers paved the way for these groups and the women working in logistics today. The stories of Lillie Elizabeth McGee Drennan and Edwina Justus are as interesting as they are inspiring.
Lillie Elizabeth McGee Drennan: The First Licensed Female Truck Driver & Trucking Firm Owner
Lillie Elizabeth McGee Drennan was born in Galveston, Texas, in 1897. As a young woman, she suffered significant hearing loss due to scarlet fever, requiring hearing aids for much of her life. Despite this challenge, she co-founded the Drennan Truck Line with her husband in 1928.
Determined to grow the business, Drennan took to the road herself, proving her capabilities as a truck driver. Her dedication paid off, and the company flourished with multiple trucks and drivers. However, in 1929, her marriage ended, leaving her as the sole owner of the trucking firm.
Without her husband, the male-dominated industry became even more resistant to her presence. The Railroad Commission, which regulated motor freight at the time, initially refused to grant her a driver’s license—citing her hearing impairment. Drennan, however, believed gender discrimination was the real issue. She challenged the commission to find a male driver with a better safety record than hers. Unable to do so, the commission relented, and Drennan received her license. Over the next 24 years, she maintained an accident-free record while expanding her trucking business.
Despite facing discrimination for both her gender and disability, Lillie Drennan paved the way for women in the trucking industry, proving that skill and determination could break down barriers.
1973: Edwina Justus: Paving the Way as Union Pacific’s First Black Woman Engineer
Edwina Justus was a trailblazer, breaking barriers for women—especially women of color—in the male-dominated railroad industry. In the 1970s, at a time when Black women were rarely seen in such roles, Justus refused to let societal norms dictate her future.
A Bold Start in the Railroad Industry
In 1973, Justus began her career as a traction motor clerk, responsible for tracking when traction motors were removed from trains. Though unfamiliar with the technical aspects of the job, her curiosity led her to the rail yard to see the operations firsthand—heels and skirt notwithstanding. Her eagerness to learn and explore beyond her initial role set her apart.
She spent three years mastering the intricacies of rail operations before earning a promotion to full railroad engineer with Union Pacific. She was assigned to North Platte, Nebraska, home to Union Pacific’s largest railroad operation in the U.S.
Facing Adversity Head-On
As the first Black woman engineer at Union Pacific, Justus faced discrimination from her predominantly white and male colleagues. When asked if her co-workers welcomed her appointment, she candidly recalled, “Oh, hell no! Guys didn’t want to work with me… One old guy even tried to kiss me. Don’t forget my age; I was 33.”
Despite the challenges, she persevered, proving her skill and earning respect in an industry that had never made space for someone like her.
Other Resources:
Also worth noting are a few media platforms that provide information and resources related to women working in the logistics industry. Each has a library of information and stories and are worth revisiting periodically.
- Supply & Demand Chain Executive - Women in Supply Chain
- Let's Talk Supply Chain - Women in Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Digital - Top 10 Women in Supply Chain USA
Join Loadsmart as we celebrate all women this March!