The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC) presented David Kelly and Andrea Boddy with mentorship and allyship excellence awards on Sept. 17 at the WTFC’s seventh annual Bridging the Gaps conference in Mississauga, Ont.

Kelly, currently president of Innocon, is the very first recipient of the Geri Cox Allyship Excellence Award that was introduced this year. The award recognizes male allies who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the inclusion of women in trucking through intentional and positive actions. It is named after Geri Cox, who founded Polaris Transportation Group in 1994.

Geri’s son, David Cox, along with WTFC’s chief executive officer and president Shelley Walker, presented Kelly with the award.

Kelly has a 25-year career, previously serving as the former general manager of ready-mix concrete in Southwestern Ontario for Lafarge. Walker describes him as someone who believes in allyship, both formally and informally, and it’s not just a job for him, but something he preaches in his personal life as well.

She adds that Kelly has worked with many managers to make the industry more appealing and welcoming for female employees, and he is an active participant in Lafarge’s diversity, inclusion, and belonging group, as well as an advocate for women in Lafarge’s leadership group.

A colleague of his provided a quote, stating, “David Kelly is one of the best advocates for females in the construction and truck driving industry that I know.”

Andrea Boddy: WTFC’s 2024 Mentor of the Year

Meanwhile, Andrea Boddy of Andrea Boddy Consulting received the WTFC’s 2024 mentorship award. It recognizes leaders like Boddy who are celebrated for their interpersonal skills and effectiveness in working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

Boddy has built a successful career in the Canadian cement industry, achieving several firsts, Walker says. She became the first female technical saleswoman in 2000, the first female cement district sales manager for Ontario and upstate central New York in 2008, and the first female board member for Concrete Ontario association. Her impact extends beyond her titles, Walker adds, saying that Boddy has been a passionate mentor to women both within and outside the ready-mix industry.

“She firmly believes that, you know, teaching our kids is the way to go, and the younger we start teaching them, the more likelihood we will have that I’m going into these careers,” Walker said. “She’s an amazing lady. You know, if you call her at 10 p.m. and you need help, she will help you.”