Women's groups honor logistics leaders

Several women working in the logistics profession—and those who help them achieve their professional goals—received some recognition in May and June, as two separate ceremonies celebrated their contributions to the field.

In May, the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) awarded its 2015 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, honoring his commitment to the Obama administration's "Ladders of Opportunity" initiative for strengthening communities by helping more citizens move into the middle class.

"There aren't enough women and minorities working in transportation," Secretary Foxx said at the award ceremony. "WTS is a critical partner in our efforts to promote diversity in this critical economic sector, but we can do even more by making sure our transportation system works for everyone."

The organization also awarded its 2015 WTS Woman of the Year award to Rita Brogan, a 30-year transportation industry veteran who was the first woman appointed as Seattle Metro Transit's superintendent of public transportation development. Brogan is currently chief executive officer of PRR, a Seattle-based marketing firm.

Last month, the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) awarded its LeaderShip Award 2015 to Eli Vassenden, a 30-year shipping industry veteran who is currently serving as chief operating officer (COO) for ship management at the Grieg Star shipping company of Oslo, Norway. The award recognized her contributions to the maritime industry, as well as her competency and leadership skills within the traditionally male-dominated role of COO.