Linda Yarbrough

I truly believe my greatest inspiration comes from my children. They’ve pushed me to grow, not just as their mother, but as a person and a leader. Watching them succeed showed me that the values that were poured into them, discipline, integrity, and perseverance, really matter. In many ways, they’ve been my example.

That’s what drives my passion for service. Taking even a small piece of what I’ve learned and giving it to someone else to help guide, support, or open a door for them. That’s where I find real fulfillment. I may not always be my own biggest cheerleader, but seeing others grow, step into leadership roles, and reach positions like Chief or Vice President is rewarding. This is especially true when I remember that they started in an entry-level position, which brings me joy. It reminds me that the work we do to uplift others truly makes a difference.

My best career advice was to be rooted in possibility, purpose, and self‑awareness. To believe the sky is the limit, and that success expands as far as someone is willing to imagine it. Be intentional with my goals because clarity creates momentum and keeps people aligned with their purpose. Additionally, identify my superpowers, the unique strengths, talents, and experiences that set them apart. Use those gifts strategically to build a career that truly works.

The women entering the transportation Industry should be purpose‑driven and goal‑oriented, which means moving through life with clarity, intention, and a deep commitment to what matters most. It’s about setting meaningful goals, aligning your actions with your values, and staying focused on the impact you want to create. And through it all, remember this truth: you are enough — capable, worthy, and fully equipped to rise to every opportunity ahead of you. 

As women are still underrepresented in the transportation industry, that gap isn’t a challenge but a real opportunity. This industry is evolving and needs fresh perspectives, diverse leadership styles, and innovative problem-solving approaches. That creates space for women to step in, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

My advice to young women entering this field is to be confident in your voice and your value. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready, just step forward, ask questions, and take on challenges that push you to grow. This is an industry built on teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving, and those are the strengths women bring every day.

Find mentors, build relationships, and never stop learning. Be open to starting wherever the opportunity presents itself, but stay focused on where you want to go. I started at an entry-level position and worked my way up, and that journey taught me that growth comes from consistency, discipline, and believing in your ability to rise.

Most importantly, don’t just aim to succeed, aim to bring others along with you. When we support each other, we improve the transportation industry.

The most important values to me are making a positive impact on others and helping people succeed. I came from humble beginnings, and I know that if you apply yourself and you set goals and you work towards those goals, even in failure, you use that as a teaching moment to say, okay, that didn't work out well, what can I do better the next time I try to succeed. It could change one thing, whether it's pick up the phone and make a phone call, join an organization to learn the best practices in that field to better align yourself with whatever your goals are. I'm a very customer-based person, and I'm really big on ensuring that I do my part as a citizen on this earth to make life better for someone else. That's the reason why I do what I do. I just want to see individuals who may not have felt that they could succeed positively in life because of whatever their paths have been be able to develop the skill sets that's required to walk on a job site and be led by their skill set. Be honest about your past, be remorseful about your past, and express to them what your future looks like.