Women’s Coalition of ITA (WCITA)

WCITA EmpowHER 2026
September 1, 2026 | DoubleTree by Hilton | Bloomington, Illinois

The Women’s Council of the Illinois Trucking Association (WCITA) proudly hosted EmpowHER 2026 on September 1, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, Illinois. Held in conjunction with the Illinois Trucking Association’s Annual Meeting & Expo, EmpowHER brought women from across transportation and related industries together for an afternoon dedicated to connection, professional growth, encouragement, and empowerment.

Created to celebrate women at every level of the transportation industry, EmpowHER welcomed professionals from across the state to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities, build new relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from women whose experiences demonstrate the many different paths to leadership and success.

Inspiring Women Through Conversation and Connection
A highlight of EmpowHER 2026 was the opportunity to hear from women who shared their experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned throughout their professional and personal journeys.

Linda Blisset and Angie Persinger joined EmpowHER as featured speakers, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the conference. Their messages encouraged attendees to recognize their strengths, embrace opportunities for growth, support one another, and continue building confidence as leaders in their organizations and communities.

The afternoon was designed to be more than a traditional conference. Through meaningful conversations, networking, professional development, and shared experiences, attendees had the opportunity to connect with other women who understand both the challenges and opportunities that come with working in transportation.

Whether working behind the wheel, behind the scenes, or leading from the front, EmpowHER reinforced an important message: women play an essential role in moving the transportation industry forward.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses
EmpowHER 2026 also provided an opportunity to showcase and support women entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Attendees were able to visit with participating vendors throughout the event, including:

SheBHooked – Sheila Butler

Tastefully Simple - Kimberly Cogswell

Find Your Fizz - Andrea Bjorkman

Author of children's book "Tuxedo Man" - Patricia Guzak

Smiles and Miles - Samantha Sperli

Fully Promoted - Anita Cyracus

The vendor experience added another layer of connection to the afternoon while highlighting women who have turned their talents, creativity, and ideas into businesses of their own.

Giving Back to Women in Our Community
Community service remains an important part of WCITA's mission, and EmpowHER 2026 incorporated an opportunity to support women and families beyond the transportation industry.

As part of the conference, WCITA supported the Mid-Central Community Action Domestic Violence Shelter through a backpack initiative benefiting individuals and families served by the organization.

The project reflected one of the values at the heart of the Women's Council: when women come together, the impact can extend far beyond the walls of an event.

Building a Stronger Community of Women in Transportation
EmpowHER 2026 demonstrated the power of bringing women together in an environment created specifically for them.

The afternoon provided time to meet new people, reconnect with industry colleagues, share experiences, learn from one another, support women-owned businesses, and give back to the community.

More importantly, the connections made at EmpowHER do not end when the conference does.

WCITA is committed to continuing to create opportunities throughout the year for women throughout Illinois transportation to connect, learn, lead, mentor, support one another, and grow professionally and personally.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our speakers, vendors, attendees, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who helped make EmpowHER 2026 a memorable event.

Together, we aren't simply creating a stronger network of women in transportation—we're helping build the next generation of leaders who will move our industry forward.

About WCITA
The Women’s Council of the Illinois Trucking Association brings together women throughout transportation and related industries to promote professional development, leadership, networking, mentorship, community involvement, and meaningful connections.

From educational programs and roundtable discussions to networking opportunities, community-service projects, and signature events such as EmpowHER, WCITA provides women throughout the industry with opportunities to connect, contribute, and grow.

We look forward to continuing the momentum of EmpowHER and welcoming even more women into the WCITA community.