Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/566087
46 | Overdrive | September 2015 JOANNE'S JOURNEY Stories like that are good news for the industry. Likewise for Sunrise Transport, where Transportation Manager Ray Gonzalez says the company relies on Fatta's evaluation of new drivers. "Everyone who knows Fatta knows she is not a quitter," Gonzalez says. "She stands out for her conscientious work and great attitude." Fatta attended The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Aug. 27-29, where she was presented with her award, received a makeover for a photo shoot with a show truck, ran in the Fit for the Road 5K and signed autographs at the Overdrive booth. "I loved being there to represent the women in the industry," she says. Q: What do you like to do for fun? A: I love to be with my German shepherd, Skye, whom I take camp- ing and hiking. My boyfriend and I love the outdoors. When I'm not trucking, I'm mountain biking, trail riding, horseback rid- ing, shooting or just hanging out in the woods or on the river or lake. Q: How has the response been since your award was announced? A: The guys now all call me Princess and Superstar, but they are very happy for me. Same thing with the company. It's been an amazing outpouring of congratulations. As far as the few trolls, I just ignore the negative comments. What else can you do? Q: How do you feel about some of the ways fleets are try- ing to attract women into trucking? A: I wouldn't look at myself as a woman in trucking – I'm just a trucker! I don't look for concessions. When you are in a male- dominated industry, you have to be tough. I fig- ure if it's good for the guys, it's good for me. Q: Have you had to struggle as a woman in this industry? A: My job is my job, and I am proud of the struggle I've had to get this far. You have to make sacrifices to get what you want. I made the choice that I wanted to own my home, secure my finances and take care of my daughter. And trucking was a path toward financial inde- pendence. Q: How hard was it to be a single mom and a trucker? A: My daughter, Courtney, is now 21, and I think she understands now how tough it was for me. She was going into first grade when I first started driving, and it was rough. I would finish work and run to get my daughter from school to practice. But I was happy to do it. Q: How has Sunrise Transport helped you along the way? A: Luckily, I work for a great company that gets me home at night and on weekends. I couldn't have managed as a single mom without that good schedule. It's wonderful to work for a company that offers well-maintained equipment that I don't have to worry about. They've been incredibly supportive throughout this con- test as well as when I went through my health concerns. Q: What did you learn from your experience with cancer? A: Be positive. Enjoy life. All the clichés are so true. You really do see life in a different way. MOST BEAUTIFUL Overdrive's NAVIGATING LIFE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF TRUCKING See an interview with Joanne Fatta in the Featured Truckers playlist at youtube.com/ OverdriveMag. Fatta takes her German shepherd, Skye, on her recreational trips.