Women’s Coalition of ITA (WCITA)

WOMEN’S COALITION OF THE ILLINOIS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

WHO ARE WE?

The Women’s Coalition of the ITA (WCITA) was created by passionate female leaders in the trucking industry. We were established in 2021 with the assistance of the Illinois Trucking Association. Our purpose is to inspire, mentor and encourage women in the trucking industry. WCITA looks towards building a network that offers support, education, professional relationships, and to empowHER other industry women to become the best versions of themselves.

JOIN TODAY

Become a member of the Women’s Coalition of the Illinois Trucking Association and help strengthen the voice of women in trucking. Individual memberships are $100 per year, or companies can show their support with a Corporate Membership for $500, which includes up to ten participants.

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FOLLOW WCITA ON FACEBOOK

2022 WCITA OPEN HOUSE

BECOME A SPONSOR

Pass the Torch: $5,000
EmpowHER $2,500
Lead by Example: $1,000
Believe: $500
Acknowledge: $300

SPONSOR WCITA

WCITA Events

WCITA Breakfast Recap – ITA Safety & Maintenance Conference

We had a wonderful time hosting the WCITA Breakfast at the ITA Safety & Maintenance Conference and wanted to share a quick recap of this inspiring event.

We were honored to have two outstanding panelists: Brian Wasowicz from Triple G Enterprises and Rick Schmidt from Nussbaum Transportation. The discussion focused on the role of women in their workplaces and the opportunities for growth in our industry.

Rick shared that at Nussbaum Transportation, they proudly employ 42 female drivers and 42 female office staff members. Their culture emphasizes a strong sense of family and faith, creating an environment where women can thrive. Rick also expressed a desire to continue growing female representation—especially in leadership roles.

Brian spoke about Triple G Enterprises, a hazmat tank carrier where female employees are less common due to the physical demands of the job. However, he emphasized that it all starts with ownership and leadership. When respect is given equally, opportunities follow. He highlighted Michele Schafer, their top safety leader, who has been with the company for over 20 years, as a great example of dedication and success.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was simple but powerful: as long as we do our jobs well, we are respected and accepted just like anyone else. Growth into leadership starts within ourselves—are we ready to step up, take on challenges, and commit the time and effort required?

We also acknowledged the reality many women face as mothers and wives—balancing both personal and professional responsibilities is not always easy. The WCITA board members understand this firsthand, and it is exactly why WCITA was created: to support, mentor, and connect women who are successfully juggling both worlds.

If you know women in your workplace who are doing an incredible job, take a moment to tell them. Uplifting one another is a powerful choice we can all make.

We invite you to join WCITA as a member or support us as a sponsor so we can continue growing and empowering more female leaders in this industry.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

WCITA family

EmpowHer Sponsors

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FOUNDERS

Sherry Hessling, Publications Director

Compliance & Regulatory Manager
CPDI

BIO

Sherry Hessling is a seasoned transportation compliance and safety executive with over 10 years of experience leading regulatory strategy and operational excellence. Known for her integrity, decisive leadership, and commitment to high standards. She is dedicated to elevating safety cultures and advancing women in the trucking industry through her involvement with WCITA. A proud wife, mother of five, and dog mom to three, Sherry leads with strength and purpose, both in her career and at home.

Linda Blisset, Advisor

Director of Safety
Illinois Trucking Association

BIO

Certified Director of Safety
Certified Driver Trainer

Linda has been surrounded by people in the transportation industry since she can remember. It was the influence of those as to why the trucking industry is her passion.
Wanting to be involved in the safety and regulations part of the trucking industry, Linda began to drive a semi OTR. It was important to her that she learned from the ground up.
Linda has been in the role of the Director of Safety for nearly 20 years. She has proven excellance in having won numerous high-honored ATA Safety Awards, being a yearly speaker & leader on national conferences and is a tenured credited NATMI educator.

Vilma Kuprescenko, Social Media Director

Safety Director
Unlimited Carrier, Inc.

BIO

Certified Director of Safety
Certified Driver Trainer

Vilma enjoy using her skills learned over 10 year of experience to contribute to the safety improvements at Unlimited Carrier. She is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage the UC Group team and drivers to work hard and succeed. Vilma is inspired daily by her husband, a professional OTR driver and Owner Operator and their three kids.

Courtney Cook, Public Communications Director

Safety Director
Jung Truck Service, Inc.

BIO

Certified Director of Safety
Certified Driver Trainer

Courtney is the Safety Director at Jung Truck Service, Inc. for the last 4 years. Growing up in the family business, trucking is all she knew. She watched her grandpa, dad, and uncle grow Jung Truck Service, Inc. and knew from an early age that this was her future too. Courtney’s passion lies in building up their professional drivers and educating the public on the industry.

Women’s Coalition of ITA (WCITA)

WOMEN’S COALITION OF THE ILLINOIS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

BECOME A SPONSOR

Pass the Torch: $5,000

EmpowHER $2,500

Lead by Example: $1,000

Believe: $500

Acknowledge: $300