REAL Women in Trucking, Inc. (RWIT) is hosting its 4th annual Queen of the Road Awards on August 29 at 6:30 p.m. PT at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. The awards were created to minimize bias when recognizing the diverse population of women truck drivers.
Emmy Award winning actor Max Gail, from Barney Miller and, most recently, General Hospital, will serve as a presenter, as well as past Queen of the Road and Trucking Industry Trailblazer award recipients.
The 2020 Queen of the Road award recipients are Kristy Mathews, Edwina Webb, and Vonnie Whitemagie.
“I am so grateful and humbled by this support. At its core, what sets this award apart from the others is the appreciation of women, for women, by women -- which has not always been,” said Edwina Webb, employed by J.B. Hunt Transport. “As a woman of color, I’ve persevered through trials though I had intentions of quitting. With all the adversity I have faced throughout my 30-year career, I can confidently say I've witnessed a lot of change.”
The President’s Choice Trucking Industry Trailblazer award winners are Deb Desiderato and Tamara Brock. Three honorable mentions will be awarded to Shundora Bell, Jacinda Duran and Cheryl Pollard.
“This is my dream, and I’ll do whatever it takes to succeed and thrive in this male-dominated career,” said Kristy Mathews. “The Queen of the Road award means so much to me because it shows my strides toward wanting to succeed are being noticed in a positive, empowering way. There is also an outpouring of support I never knew existed.”
Other award nominees include Brittany Richardson, Kandy Qualls, Donna Sleasman, Rebekah Meadows, Michelle Braithwood, Dale Estwick, Nickie Pointer, Shelly Burton, Margaret Heath, and Ellie O’Daire
“Women who truck and take the opportunity to break down barriers in all aspects of trucking are the true warriors!" said Vonnie Whitemagie, a Native American. “I’m so thankful for this recognition.”
The Queen of the Road Awards is sponsored by RoadPro Family of Brands. All interested drivers, professionals within the truck driving industry, and others who encourage and support women truck drivers are invited to attend the awards ceremony. Register here.
For those interested in supporting this important event through sponsorship opportunities or gift bag donations, email desiree@realwomenintrucking.org.
