by Courtney Bloom, on Aug 1, 2025 5:00:00 AM
The ฮ็านสำฦต (WIT) has announced Gina Jones as its August 2025 Member of the Month. Jones is a professional driver at Werner Enterprises.
Thirteen years ago, Jones never imagined that a road she hadnโt yet traveled would become the foundation for a deeply fulfilling career. Today, as a driver with Werner Enterprises and a decorated member of the trucking community, Jones is more than a professional behind the wheel. She is a role model, a trailblazer, and a steadfast advocate for women in the industry.
Her introduction to trucking wasnโt conventional. After nearly 30 years in the retail grocery business and with her youngest child heading off to the military, her husband Steve extended a surprising invitation: join him on the road. She said yes and that choice at age 50 was a leap into the unknown but one that proved transformative.
โฮ็านสำฦต found me at a time I needed it most and I havenโt looked back since,โ Jones says. โYouโre never too old to try something new or to completely change the direction of your life.โ
Moments That Matter
What followed was a journey not just of miles, but of milestones. Among the most surreal moments of her career was being selected by the American ฮ็านสำฦต Associations (ATA) to stand beside the President of the United States during a CRA signing ceremony supporting the auto and fuel industry.
โStanding there, I felt like I was representing not just myself, but every driver out there, especially the women who are forging new paths in this field,โ Jones says.
Recognition has followed her dedication as Jones has served as a Werner Road Team Captain and as part of Wernerโs Operation Freedom Fleet. She was selected for ATA Americaโs Road Team and was honored with the 2024 TA/Petro Citizen Driver Award. In 2025, she was named a finalist for Women in ฮ็านสำฦตโs Female Driver of the Year and was also part of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project, transporting accompanying trees and ornaments to Washington, D.C.
While her resume is filled with accolades, Jones finds her deepest reward in inspiring others. โEvery time I meet a woman who says, โI didnโt think I could be a truck driver until I met you,โ it reminds me why I keep going,โ she says. โRepresentation matters.โ
Overcoming Obstacles and Setting New Goals
Like many women in trucking, Jones has faced challenges, particularly in earning respect in a traditionally male-populated industry. โThere were people who didnโt take me seriously at first,โ she says. โBut I stayed focused. I let my actions speak louder than words.โ
What keeps her motivated? Itโs the relationships sheโs formed through organizations like the Women in ฮ็านสำฦต, ATA and Women in Motion, and the personal goals she continues to chase. Chief among them is reaching two million accident-free miles.
โThatโs the kind of goal that gets me up in the morning,โ she says.
Jones also credits her professional growth to the mentorship sheโs received over the years. โIโve been blessed with several mentors who saw something in me even when I was still finding my footing,โ she shares. Now, she strives to be that same source of encouragement for others.
Her involvement with WIT has been a vital part of that mission. โConnecting with other veteran members of WIT has been so empowering. The leadership and encouragement Iโve received have pushed me to grow and keep raising the bar for myself,โ she says.
Looking ahead, Jones plans to continue driving with safety and purpose, mentor more aspiring drivers, and remain a strong advocate for military veterans transitioning to civilian life. As a member of Wernerโs Operation Freedom Fleet, she loves sharing how trucking can offer a stable, rewarding path after service.
A Life Beyond the Cab
Beyond the cab, Jones is just as dedicated to her personal passions. Sheโs currently training for a 50-mile march with the 50-Mile March Foundation, an effort that supports veterans dealing with mental health struggles and homelessness.
โItโs physically demanding, but Iโm honored to walk that distance for those whoโve given so much for our country,โ she says.
In her downtime, she finds joy in decorating her house for the holidays, especially Christmas saying, โI go all out with multiple trees. It brings me joy and turns my home into a magical place.โ Sheโs also a proud grandmother, recently reading I Want to Be a Trucker by Wanda Nance Brooks to her grandkids before gifting them the book.
As for her bucket list, Namibia sits at the top as she has always wanted to see the incredible landscapes and wildlife there. When sheโs relaxing, you might catch her binging Animal Kingdom on Netflix, glasses on, of course.
Jones offers clear advice to women considering a career in trucking: โdo your homework on potential employers, find a place that respects and supports you and donโt let anyone tell you that you canโt do it, because you can. Set goals, work hard, and most importantly, be yourself. Thereโs power in showing up authentically.โ
And the best career advice sheโs ever received? โNothing we do is worth hurting yourself or others. Safety has to come first, always.โ
From late-in-life career changes to standing on the White House lawn, Gina Jones is proof that passion, purpose, and perseverance can take you far. And for her, the journey is just getting started.
Related Articles:
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- Fueled by Grit: Sue Bellโs Inspiring Journey in ฮ็านสำฦต
- Driven by Purpose: A Leaderโs Journey in Transportation and Logistics
- Advocating for Trucker Health and Wellness: A Unique Journey in the ฮ็านสำฦต Industry
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