At just 30 years old, Zureena Samuels is already making waves in an industry often seen as a man’s domain: logistics. Recently appointed as the first and only female perishable transporter at Frost Logistics, she stands at the intersection of breaking gender barriers and challenging long-held industry norms. For Zureena, this achievement is not just a personal victory, but a symbol of possibility for other women who have often felt excluded from this line of work.
Growing up with a family deeply rooted in the logistics industry, Zureena was exposed to the world of transportation from an early age. Her father, who led Ish Rigging Solutions, instilled in her a love for the road and a vision to ensure that the family business would continue to thrive. By the age of 13, Zureena was already behind the wheel, and it wasnβt long before she obtained her official code 8 license at 18, followed shortly by a code 14, which allowed her to drive the massive trucks that would become her daily companions.
Though her entry into the industry was guided by family tradition, Zureenaβs journey was far from easy. Her decision to join the predominantly male workforce came with both pride and challenges. βOn one hand, it feels empowering to break gender barriers and represent women in a traditionally male-dominated field. It gives me a sense of pride being able to prove that women can excel in all roles, including driving, logistics, and management,β she shares, her voice a mix of strength and conviction.
However, the reality of being a woman in this space is not without its difficulties. Zureena admits that there are times when she feels isolated or must prove her worth more than her male counterparts. βThere are some instances of needing to assert myself more frequently to gain respect or to prove competence,β she says. But instead of allowing these challenges to deter her, she uses them as fuel to push forward. For her, the key to success lies in building relationships and finding allies who understand the importance of mutual support. Sheβs quick to highlight how the camaraderie of her colleagues at Frost Logistics has made a big difference in her professional growth.
Despite the occasional feelings of being the odd one out, Zureena remains adamant about the importance of representation and empowerment. βSupporting one another and uplifting each other is important because we somewhat face the same challenges daily. It is important to always stay true to who we are as women and inspire not just other women but every individual who wants to make a success in life,β she says. She is keenly aware that her success isnβt just for her own benefit; itβs a beacon for others to follow, particularly young women who might feel intimidated by the idea of working in a space thatβs often seen as reserved for men.
Her time at Frost Logistics has been an eye-opener, allowing her to further hone her skills while benefiting from the support of her colleagues. She credits the companyβs inclusive culture for making her feel not only respected but valued. βIβve gained a lot of knowledge so far from colleagues and got a lot of support from them, so Iβm very appreciative of that and also in a happy space here,β she says, emphasizing how critical a positive work environment is for women navigating industries that may not always welcome them with open arms.
Beyond her current role, Zureena has even bigger dreams. She envisions one day owning her own transport company, one that will empower other women to enter the field without hesitation or fear of discrimination. Sheβs passionate about training the next generation of drivers, particularly women, and helping them navigate a path that may seem daunting at first. βItβs important to know itβs okay to work in this industry, and not feel threatened just because it’s seen as a βmanβs job,ββ she says, determined to break down the stereotypes that continue to hold many back.
Zureenaβs journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of self-belief. In an industry that often seems to value strength over everything else, she has proven that women have the capacity not only to succeed but to thrive in it. Her story continues to inspire, not only women who aspire to follow in her footsteps, but anyone who dreams of breaking free from societal expectations and forging their own path.
