Schneider, in collaboration with Women In Trucking and driver/trainer Kellylynn McLaughlin, is working to raise the number of women in the nation’s driver pool while supporting professional truck drivers.

McLaughlin has been appointed as the first Driver Ambassador within Women In Trucking’s diversity recruitment program, which encourages people of all genders, particularly females, to consider a career in the trucking industry.

“This role tugs at my heart because I’ve always tried to help others see how fulfilling work in this industry can be,” said McLaughlin, who has also volunteered in the Peace Corps, Truckers Against Trafficking and other driving-related groups throughout the last decade. “I’m looking forward to elevating the shared goals of Women In Trucking and Schneider, promoting and highlighting the achievements of women in transportation.”

According to Rob Reich, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Schneider, hundreds of women currently drive for the company.

“We’re dedicated to growing the number of women drivers every day through our initiatives and with the support of the Women In Trucking Association,” said Reich. “We’re proud to have Kellylynn and her contagious passion for the industry in this exciting role.”

Schneider works closely with Women in Trucking to stress the need to increase the number of women professional drivers. The two companies created the Driver Ambassador position to challenge and change what has traditionally been considered a male-dominated profession.

“We want to encourage the employment of women in the industry,” said WIT Vice President Debbie Sparks. “Women don’t think of themselves as professional drivers, so when they see Kellylynn they think, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’ She is sophisticated, articulate, passionate and perfect for this role.”

In her new role, McLaughlin will attend driver-focused events like the Mid-America Trucking Show, CDL driving training schools, conferences like Uber’s Elevate Summit, college campuses and more to attract and engage with potential professional truck drivers.

Later this year, McLaughlin will be pulling a trailer, donated by Walmart, with an interactive exhibit that shows the history of women in trucking, safety resources, steps for how to become a professional truck driver and other information, surveys and games.