CLDA Board of DirectorsDEI
Breaking Historical Barriers: My Inspiring Journey
Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, there weren’t many successful stories for minority women to share within my community, and this only made me want more to be part of the change I wanted to see in my hometown community years later. Dreaming is the first step to achieving a better life and succeeding, but then comes hard work, resilience, and just a drop of faith. I have been an entrepreneur for the past two decades and now am the proud owner of three successful and profitable businesses. Still, when I moved to Atlanta, GA, I amassed the opportunity to become a voice in the logistics industry to shape the future for everyone working beside me, for me, and looking up to me.
I am honored and pleased to announce that I was elected as the FIRST African American female to sit on the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) Board of Directors, marking this a truly remarkable moment in history for the logistics industry and breaking the barriers of what continues to be a predominantly male industry.Â
As the founder of Express Errands & Courier and a long-term entrepreneur, for me, this historical moment not only challenges the current status quo of the industry but also aims to pave the way for other females and minorities to engage in a beautiful and rewarding journey-based on innovation, dedication, and leadership.Â
Women's rights, equalityÂ
I recall several times in recent years being lowballed and undervalued on bids for new contracts because I was a woman, and sad to say, most of the time because I was black and a woman. This is why, with me breaking this historical barrier, I will fight for what’s right and continue to be a pioneer for all women. Being a minority business owner in a male-dominated industry in 2024 still fighting for equality shows not only that the change is slow but also that it will take years until women of all colors will be accepted and valued as members of the industry. Being a woman in this industry is no different.
As my platforms grow, so will my voice.Â
As a business coach and long-time entrepreneur, I aim to inspire people across all industries and individuals of all races and genders through my story that breeds determination, resilience, and success. I aim to create a lasting impact and encourage others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination for years to come. I won’t stop until I see my name etched in history books and the name Roslyn Ellerbee is talked about to our future generations as a history maker, a trailblazer for equality, and an inspiration for the ones who can’t speak up. Â
Finally, I express my gratitude to the CLDA, one of the largest logistics and delivery associations worldwide, for the chance to represent the change, the diversity change. I want to thank all the members who voted for me, believed in me, and trusted me. I won’t let you down!Â
As a newly elected Director for CLDA, this proves the Association and its members see no color, gender, or identity and their commitment to the entire supply chain’s diversity, inclusion, and, overall, making it openly inclusive across the board. Thus, I am honored to be in this position and hope to sprinkle a lot of diverse perspectives to the table and leverage my two decades of business expertise.Â
This achievement reflects my journey and opens doors for others who aspire to break barriers in the business world. I will respect not only the high standards and the prestigious reputation of the Association but also commit to driving change in the supply chain and helping the Association break historical barriers. The CLDA vision is already in the lens of 2054, and all of us together are the change the world needs to see.Â
Roslyn Ellerbee, Trailblazer and Director at CLDA
