Capping two days of education and networking hosted by the RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation (RVWACF), the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) presented its awards on Thursday, Oct. 16, in four categories: Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement, Leader of Tomorrow Award, Champion of Women – Individual, and Champion of Women – Company. Winners were selected from an impressive field of finalists.
“The RV Women’s Alliance is proud to honor the remarkable women, men and companies who are making a difference in our industry. By celebrating these champions, we’re building a brighter future where women can thrive,” said Jennet Lewis, RV Women’s Alliance board chair-elect and awards task force lead. “Their leadership and dedication are an inspiration to us all.”
The night’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Jennifer Zachary, owner and president of Transport US.
“Jennifer’s impact extends far beyond her own achievements,” Lewis continued. “She has not only reached incredible heights in her career but also paved the way for countless women in the RV industry. That’s true leadership.”
Recognizing the positive change she is already driving in the industry and beyond the workplace, Campers Inn RV’s Devyn Cady was presented with the Leader of Tomorrow Award. Winnebago Industries’ Brandy Droptiny took home the Champion of Women – Individual Award, and Campers Inn RV was recognized with the Champion of Women – Company Award. Both Droptiny and Campers Inn RV make it part of their daily efforts to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry. The new Chairperson’s Award for Outstanding Contributions went to Creative Products Group’s Chris Carpenter for his outstanding service to the organization.
“These awards celebrate the remarkable women and men shaping the RV industry,” said RV Women’s Alliance President Susan Carpenter. “Congratulations to all 16 finalists, and especially to our winners, all of whom exemplify the strength and leadership of our community.”
A full description of the awards and the winners is below.
Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement
The RV Women’s Alliance Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the RV industry’s advancement while also paving the way for other women to follow in her path. The RV Women’s Alliance’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
- Winner: Jennifer Zachary, Transport US
Jennifer is the owner and president of Transport US. As a very active member in the RV Industry, she serves as a mentor, political consultant and liaison to bridge the gap between industry sectors. She always makes it a point for her employees to attend educational events like the Global Leadership Summit and was an active part of introducing a bill regarding tort reform at the State of Indiana legislative level that would affect not only RV transportation, but all forms of transportation within the state. She also lead the charge against RV theft in the Elkhart area, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and transportation companies. Every day she works to maintain a culture that’s supportive of whatever path women choose to take, picking up the slack for those with sick children that need tending to and providing a safe space to share knowledge regardless of title. She has made it a point to have someone in the office several times a month for her employees to speak to regarding any personal issues hindering them from being their best selves, making her a trailblazer on every level.
Leader of Tomorrow Award
The RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes women who are making a big impact on the RV industry during the beginning stages of her career. The future of the RV industry depends on the cultivation of strong, creative and hardworking women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the RV industry. Recognizing the up and comers in the industry, the Leader of Tomorrow Award is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
- Winner: Devyn Cady, Campers Inn RV
Devyn is a production manager at Campers Inn RV. Starting as a receptionist, she took the initiative to become a Level 1 RVTI certified technician, streamline the handoff between departments and take on more responsibility like mentoring new advisors. Her passion for logistics and solving operational challenges makes her a standout in one of Campers Inn’s busiest shops, combining hands-on knowledge, empathy, accountability and talent.
Champion of Women Awards (Individual & Company)
The RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Awards recognize those who embody our mission to elevate, educate and promote women in the RV industry. Recipients of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.
- Individual Winner: Brandy Droptiny, Winnebago Industries
Brandy is a customer service manager at Winnebago Towables. She has been a silent yet consistent cheerleader for women in the RV Industry, fostering a sense of community and support. She encouraged three of her female teammates to join her for this year’s spring campout and has spent the year advocating the benefits of RVWA ever since! She volunteers for industry events, organizes professional development workshops and mentors new team members. Brandy’s leadership is both proactive and inclusive — she creates opportunities for others to shine and ensures that every voice is heard.
Brandy was also recently named to RV PRO’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
- Company Winner: Campers Inn RV
Campers Inn RV is a company where women are driving our industry forward: they don’t just talk about promoting women, they live it daily. HR, Accounting, Inventory Management, Marketing and Internet Sales department heads are all women in addition to the manager overseeing the used RV buyer team. Many of the subordinate managers across these departments are also women. Campers Inn works to fund their female employees’ continued education through degree completion and RVTI technician trainings. They lead with an open door culture, ensuring all women in the company have access to leadership fostering support, confidence, trust and philanthropic efforts.
Award for Outstanding Contributions
New this year, RVWA introduced a new award designated by the chair of the RVWA board to recognize a specific member’s unwavering dedication, enthusiastic participation and commitment to going above and beyond. this person’s support and advocacy embodies the RVWA spirit, making them a true champion of the alliance’s mission.
- Winner: Chris Carpenter, Creative Products Group
