Women have long played a pivotal role in shaping the transportation industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the remarkable women who have changed the industry and recognize the trailblazers at TCI Transportation who are making history today.
Women Who Transformed the Transportation Industry
Throughout history, women have defied expectations and revolutionized the transportation industry. A few notable figures include:
Mary Walton (1840s-1890s): An environmental pioneer, Walton patented a system to reduce air pollution caused by locomotives and developed noise-reduction technology for elevated trains.
Bessie Coleman (1892-1926): The first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license, Coleman overcame racial and gender barriers to become a celebrated aviator and inspire future female pilots.
Lillie Drennan (1897-1974): The first woman in the U.S. to receive a commercial trucking license in 1929, Drennan owned and operated her own trucking company, proving that women belong behind the wheel.
Ellen Voie (1959-Present): Founder of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), Voie has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for women in the trucking and logistics industry.
These women, and many more, have paved the way for today’s industry leaders—leaders like the incredible women at TCI Transportation.
Women Leading the Way at TCI Transportation
At TCI, we are proud to have strong, talented women leading across multiple departments. Their expertise, dedication, and leadership continue to propel our company forward.
Cara Swank – A Legacy of Leadership
After serving as TCI’s CFO for the past five years, Cara Swank has left behind a lasting legacy of strategic vision and impactful leadership. Cara played a pivotal role in TCI’s long-term planning, collaborating closely with teams to develop and implement sustainable financial strategies. Cara is stepping into a new, part-time role as Senior Vice President of Strategy, where her expertise and leadership will continue to play a critical role in TCI’s strategic planning, integrator work within EOS, high-level projects, and acquisition strategy. While we may see her around the office a little less, her thoughtful work and positive influence will continue to shape TCI’s trajectory.
Sylvia Mahfouz – Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Recently recognized as a 2024 Woman to Watch in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association, Sylvia Mahfouz has been a driving force at TCI for the past 10 years. As Senior Director of Marketing, Recruiting, and Retention, she has played a key role in fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Sylvia has spearheaded several impactful development initiatives, including the Mentorship Program and Level Up Program, helping to cultivate talent and leadership within our organization. Her dedication not only strengthens our workforce but also reinforces TCI’s reputation as an employer of choice for top professionals across the industry.
Tricia Agnew – A Financial Powerhouse
Tricia Agnew has been a driving force behind TCI’s financial success, and now, as Chief Financial Officer, she’s taking on an even bigger role. Promoted from VP of Finance, Tricia now leads Accounting & Finance, IT, Sustainability, and Procurement—guiding TCI toward its ambitious revenue goals. Tricia has been instrumental in reorganizing the finance and accounting department and implementing new technology, and her leadership has already contributed to the company’s exponential success. In her new role as CFO, she continues to drive strategic financial initiatives that strengthen TCI’s foundation.
Danica Fairfax – A Safety Visionary
In just a year and a half at TCI, Danica Fairfax has already made a tremendous impact as Senior Director of Safety and Claims. Throughout her career, Danica has led the charge in building sustainable safety cultures, ensuring employee well-being, and driving continuous improvement in safety initiatives. Her leadership in this critical area helps protect our drivers, teams, and the communities we serve.
TCI’s Commitment to Women in Transportation
At TCI Transportation, we believe that diversity in leadership drives innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where women thrive—whether as executives, operations leaders, safety experts, or behind the wheel.
From supporting mentorship programs to championing women in leadership roles, we actively work to empower women across all levels of our organization. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we remain dedicated to fostering a culture that uplifts and recognizes the invaluable contributions of women in transportation.
Here’s to the women—past, present, and future—who keep our industry moving forward.
