Changemaker Award 

A changemaker is someone who sees a better world and refuses to wait for someone else to build it. They listen deeply, act boldly, and bring people together to turn compassion into action. It’s a journey of courage, collaboration, and love—and it’s a path open to anyone, no matter their age or role.

Core qualities we celebrate include:

• Empathy that listens before speaking
• Teamwork that builds bridges, not walls
• Leadership that empowers others to lead

• Relentless commitment to positive change

Changemakers find purpose in adversity. They use their voice to amplify others. They persist through obstacles not for glory, but because their hearts won’t let them do otherwise. They inspire all of us to think differently, care more deeply, and act more courageously.

There is no single mold or roadmap for being a changemaker. That’s the beauty of it—you define it, you shape it, and you live it. Just as Joanne did.

Award Criteria

Community Impact

The nominee has driven real, positive change that has benefited others.
Examples: community programs, safer workspaces, grassroots outreach.

Empathy & Compassion

They lead with heart, demonstrating care and understanding in everything they do.
Examples: emotional support, inclusive initiatives, kindness in action.

Collaboration & Teamwork

They unite others to accomplish bigger goals together.
Examples: partnerships, coalition building, effective communication.

Leadership

They model courage and inspire others to step up and lead.
Examples: mentorship, speaking out, role-model behavior.

Initiative & Problem-Solving

They see challenges, take action, and lead by example.
Examples: launching new programs, solving long-standing problems.

Adaptability & Growth

They evolve, learn, and show resilience in the face of change.
Examples: pivoting strategies, embracing feedback, personal growth.

Sustainability & Vision

Their impact lasts—what they build is meant to endure.
Examples: long-term plans, policies, scalable models.

Creativity & Innovation

They find fresh approaches to old problems and spark new possibilities.
Examples: new ideas, bold thinking, inspiring others to think differently.

Introduction to this award 

Honoring Joanne Mackenzie
Sometimes, those who leave early have given all they were meant to give us in the time they were here. It feels unbearable, but perhaps their journey was complete, even if ours is not. Their legacy—the love, the memories, and the lessons they shared—continues to shape our lives.

In their leaving, they teach us a painful truth: life is precious, fragile, and fleeting. Their early departure doesn’t diminish the love they left behind; it amplifies it. Their impact and influence stay with us long after they’re gone. Though it feels like they were taken too soon, their presence in our lives was no less meaningful because of it.

Life is not measured by time but by impact. Those who leave us early often live with such intensity and brightness that their presence fills the space of many lifetimes. It isn’t about how long they were here but how deeply they touched the lives of those around them.

It’s one of the hardest truths to accept—that those we hold closest sometimes leave this world sooner than we think they should. It feels unfair, even cruel, but their legacy is measured not in years, but in the profound marks they leave on our hearts and souls.

Joanne Mackenzie, the driving force behind Trucking for a Cure, was known for her resilience and compassion. Joanne devoted her life and career to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer, inspiring the trucking community to unite for a greater cause. A fan of Pink’s song “Hustle,” Joanne  would quote the song’s lyrics, using its themes of resilience and defiance to offer encouragement.

Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her.

This September, at our Bridging the Barriers conference in Ontario, we will proudly present the inaugural #ChangeMakers Award—a tribute created with love, in memory of our cherished friend and colleague, Joanne.

Joanne was more than a leader—she was a light. Her empathy, strength, and unshakable belief in others left an imprint on every heart she touched. She led not for recognition, but to lift others higher. This award reflects the values she lived every day.

Join us in honoring her legacy by recognizing the extraordinary individuals who, like her, are transforming lives, communities, and the future of our industry—for the better.

🩷The pink heart symbolizes the compassion and love that underpins the very essence of a changemaker. It represents the courage to lead with empathy, the strength to unite others in kindness, and the vision to build a future filled with care and collaboration. Like Joanne’s enduring legacy, it reminds us that change begins when we act from the heart.