OREANDA-NEWS. The Ryder Charitable Foundation, which directs charitable giving and support on behalf of Ryder System, Inc., in four strategic pillars – expertise, innovation, safety, and community collaboration – today announced its $25,000 donation to the Women In Trucking (WIT) Foundation, affiliated with the non-profit organization Women In Trucking Association, Inc. As part of Ryder’s giving strategy supporting expertise, this gift will help educate the next generation of transportation professionals by providing student scholarships.

“Ryder is taking the lead in drawing more women to the transportation industry, at a time where the industry needs to grow the pool of qualified diesel technicians and professional drivers,” said Patrick Pendergast, Group Director of Recruiting Services, Ryder. “Together with the Women In Trucking Foundation, we are able to make technical education more affordable for women who are striving to make a career in trucking a reality.”

In March 2016, the Ryder/WIT Foundation Scholarship was awarded to five recipients who are working toward careers in the trucking industry. A check in the amount of $1,500 for tuition and fees was given on behalf of each student to the technical school of her choosing. This year’s initial scholarship winners are:

  • Corinna Carter – enrolled at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn.
  • Heather Dodson – enrolled at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Md.
  • Wanda Lee-Ann Edwards van Muijen – enrolled at Professional Transport Driver Training School in Winnipeg, Man. in Canada
  • Susan Murphy – enrolled at Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield, Mo.
  • Shanna Waters – enrolled at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Ga.

“When I first found out that I was going to receive the Ryder/Women In Trucking Scholarship Award, the timing could not have been better,” said Ms. van Muijen. “As a mother of three and going to school, it is definitely tough to make ends meet at home. It is because of this scholarship program that I am able to complete my course, and provide for my family at the same time.”

“We greatly appreciate the Ryder Charitable Foundation’s generous gift as it has afforded the Women in Trucking Foundation’s ability to increase the number of scholarships awarded this year,” said WIT Foundation Chair Debora Babin Katz of TrucBrush Corporation. “The positive impact which these awards offer in the lives of women who wish to forward their careers in transportation and for the industry is immeasurable.”

Ryder has the best technicians and professional drivers in the industry and values the importance of technical training for ensuring the quality maintenance of its vehicles and a commitment to quality customer service for Ryder’s customers. 

Ryder Charitable Foundation

Established in 1984, the Ryder Charitable Foundation demonstrates community and industry leadership and inspires trust by supporting causes that address needs in communities where Ryder does business in the United States. The Foundation proactively solicits proposals from and awards grants solely to IRS certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose goals align with Ryder’s core values in four strategic pillars – Expertise, Innovation, Safety, and Collaboration. The Foundation is funded by operating profits of Ryder System, Inc., (NYSE: R), a leader in commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions.

Women In Trucking Foundation

The Women In Trucking Foundation is affiliated with the non-profit organization Women In Trucking Association, Inc., and is responsible for raising funds for scholarships and encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks North America, BMO Transportation Finance, Great Dane, J.B. Hunt Transport, Ryder System, Inc., U.S. Xpress, and Walmart.