#United States #Walmart #Arlington #Women in Trucking #Driver of the Year

Women In Trucking Association Announces 2026 Driver of the Year Finalists

On March 11, 2026, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) proudly announced the four finalists for the highly anticipated 2026 Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart. This prestigious annual award recognizes extraordinary female professional drivers who excel in safety standards and actively work to improve the public perception of the trucking industry.

The finalists for the 2026 Driver of the Year include:
1. Ingrid Brown, Professional Driver/Operations Manager at Refrigerated Freight, Blackjack Express LLC
2. Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, City Driver and Driver Development Instructor at FedEx Freight
3. Gina Jones, Professional Driver at Werner Enterprises
4. Kellylynn McLaughlin, National Transportation Driver at Clean Harbors Environmental Services

A Closer Look at the Finalists

Ingrid Brown

Ingrid Brown, hailing from Boone, North Carolina, boasts an impressive 46-year career in trucking marked by her unwavering determination, advocacy for safety, and significant leadership. As an independent owner-operator of Rollin' B LLC, Ingrid also holds the position of Operations Manager for a specialized refrigerated fleet and continues to drive heavy, oversized, and refrigerated freight for Blackjack Express LLC.

Ingrid is a passionate advocate for highway safety, serving as the FMCSA's Voice of Safety for the 'Our Roads, Our Safety' campaign. She has been featured in national public service announcements, community outreach programs, and has appeared on various media platforms. Her accolades include being named the 2015 NASTC America's Road Team and Woman Driver of the Year, the 2025 NASTC Ambassador of the Year, and the recipient of the 2018 TA/Petro Citizen Driver Award. As a charter member of WIT since its inception in 2007, Ingrid also serves on the association’s Board of Directors. A melanoma survivor, she advocates for awareness and mentoring the next generation of drivers.

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista

Fabiola’s journey in trucking began with a fierce desire to learn and grow. When she joined FedEx Freight, she initially had little driving experience, yet by 22, she confidently operated an 18-wheeler. Her career trajectory led her to become the first female Driver Development Instructor at FedEx Freight in 2014, where she has successfully trained over 40 drivers, instilling in them the skills, confidence, and discipline required for safe operation of commercial trucks.

Fabiola's mentoring style is known for its encouragement and hands-on approach, as she actively participates in community outreach initiatives, school safety education, and disaster relief efforts. She is also a FedEx Road Team Captain, which emphasizes her commitment to both driving and community service.

Gina Jones

After transitioning from a successful retail management career, Gina Jones earned her CDL at age 50 to embark on a new journey alongside her husband. With more than 1.5 million accident-free miles, her trucks stand testament to her dedication and safety-first approach. Gina has received several awards, including the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award and the Werner Safe Driver Award.

This past year marked a significant milestone as Gina spoke at the White House about the implications of electric vehicle mandates. As a captain in the 2022-2023 ATA America's Road Team, she plays a crucial role in mentoring prospective drivers through various educational programs alongside her husband while supporting several charitable causes.

Kellylynn McLaughlin

With over a decade of robust experience, Kellylynn McLaughlin is a professional commercial driver specializing in dry-van operations, driver training, and hazardous materials handling. Previously serving as WIT’s first Driver Ambassador, she traveled extensively to promote the importance of trucking and inspire new career paths in this vital industry.

Holding a degree from Oklahoma State University and having served in the Peace Corps, Kellylynn uses her diverse experiences to advocate for professional drivers, sharing insights in industry forums, advisory roles, and public speaking engagements.

The Announcement of the Winner

The winner of the 2026 Driver of the Year will be revealed during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event, conducted by WIT on March 27 at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Women In Trucking Association is committed to supporting the employment and advancement of women in the trucking industry, providing a platform for achievements, fostering connections, and encouraging participation in the workforce to bring about a transformative impact in the trucking sector.