Tonya Meador
Tonya Meador is an accomplished logistics and transportation professional, currently serving as Assistant Manager for the Southern Region at One World Logistics of America, Inc. In her role, she oversees dispatchers and drivers, supports load planning, assist HR and safety matters, and contributes to financial operations including budgeting and P&L and Risk Management. Known for her hands-on approach, Tonya emphasizes building strong relationships, understanding individual team members, and fostering an environment where her staff can thrive. Tonya’s career began in emergency response, following her father’s example as a Chief firefighter and she as captain, she developed leadership, crisis management, and operational skills. After transitioning to transportation, she obtained her CDL and drove over-the-road for several years before moving into dispatch, supervisory, and management roles. Over nearly two decades at One World Logistics, she has progressed from operational roles to leadership, demonstrating a consistent commitment to excellence, teamwork, and operational efficiency. A first-generation college graduate from CACC, Tonya values education, hard work, and perseverance. Her achievements have also been recognized through the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Award and Shakespeare Awards for inspirational poetry, showcasing her ability to lead, inspire, and motivate both on and off the job.
• CACC,Childersburg, AL
• Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Award
• American Legion
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, a commitment to helping others, and cultivating strong relationships, all supported by employers who allowed me to continue working through multiple cancer treatments. Turning challenges into growth—like transforming reading from a struggle into a refuge—has taught me that persistence, courage, and imagination are key to both leadership and personal achievement.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t wish for what you want, work for it and never give up!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize building strong relationships—understand and value the people you work with—while also standing your ground with clarity and confidence. Compassion and firmness can coexist, and being a woman is never a limitation; know your worth, trust your expertise, and lead without shrinking to make others comfortable.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in transportation today include managing the growing responsibilities that come with advancing in the field while leading a diverse team with compassion and insight. Although the industry has become more accessible for women, success still requires resilience, decisive problem-solving, and the ability to balance operational demands with respect for every driver and every load, recognizing the human impact behind each decision.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are building strong, compassionate relationships, demonstrating resilience and perseverance, and showing loyalty and gratitude to those who support you. I prioritize understanding others, helping people grow, and staying level-headed, while also pursuing personal passions like reading, writing, and creating imaginative works that challenge and inspire.