Women make history in automotive world

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Six women became the first inductees into the National Transportation Women's Hall of Fame.

Museum President and founder, James Sandoro said, "There's never been a transportation related women's hall of fame and we canvassed the entire country. There's a group of people that think we should have it and have it in Buffalo."

"You know, to be honored by an industry that I've devoted my entire career to is a tremendous honor for me. It's a wonderful recognition," exclaimed inductee, Marguerite Hambleton.

Mary Martino, who was also inducted said, "There's so much more to transportation than most people realize. It's just not riding a bus or getting on an airplane. But it's the whole aura that goes around all of that."

"Yes, I had a long career at the NFTA in transportation. Now I'm serving as a board member of the New York State Thruway Authority and I'm enjoying that," inductee, Donna Luh said.

Race car driver and car care expert, Lauren Fix said women have always had key roles in transportation.

"Women are involved in every aspect of automotive. From sales to design to engineering, development and in my case, empowering women to make great decisions," she explained.

The late Alice Ramsey was inducted as the first woman to drive a car coast to coast from New York to San Francisco in 1909.

One hundred years later, Emily Anderson recreated that ride.

Emily's 30-day ride last summer in a re-built 1909 Maxwell taught her a lot about simply enjoying the journey.

"Being in an open air vehicle that only travels about 30 miles per hour certainly slows life down. So it was quite an experience all the way around," Emily stated.