Growing up in a world where men predominantly occupied roles of power and influence, Lina Acosta experienced firsthand the barriers and gender norms that often confined women to traditional roles of mothers and wives. Her father was the family’s breadwinner, and the opportunities available were largely reserved for men. Despite this, Lina’s early life was marked by a resolute belief in equity and equal opportunities. Instead of resigning herself to a life constrained by these societal norms, she chose to defy them and carve out her own path.
Today, Lina stands as a formidable force in the logistics industry, serving as the only female partner at GLT Logistics, a prominent Third-Party Logistics (3PL) company. Her journey from a young Latina navigating a male-dominated field to becoming a key player in a major logistics firm is a testament to her unwavering commitment to female empowerment. Lina is deeply passionate about fostering environments where women can thrive, both personally and professionally. Through her Instagram account, she shares invaluable tips and insights aimed at helping women build strong communities and achieve their full potential as leaders.
Lina’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2006 when she moved to the United States for an internship. Her decision to stay and co-found 1A Intermodal in 2008 marked the start of an impressive career in the logistics industry. As a non-native English speaker and a Latina, Lina faced significant challenges, from being away from her native Colombia to learning the intricacies of business in a foreign country. Despite these hurdles, she and her partners successfully built 1A Intermodal, which later merged with another company in 2017 to form GLT Logistics. This merger transformed the company into one of the largest 3PL providers in the southeastern United States, boasting a workforce of 360 employees.
With this new chapter, Lina assumed the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), a position that required her to pivot from her previous experience managing administrative tasks. Building a new marketing team from scratch presented its own set of challenges, but Lina embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. She quickly discovered that marketing is a unique blend of management, science, and art, and she reveled in the learning process. Under her leadership, the marketing department at GLT Logistics has flourished, contributing to the company’s remarkable 265% revenue growth over the past four years.
One of Lina’s standout achievements is the development of GLT’s Logistics Sessions, a series of educational events designed to disseminate industry knowledge and foster connections within the logistics community. The series has featured notable figures such as Rob Estes, former President and CEO of Estes Express Lines; Billy Hupp, COO and EVP at Estes Express Lines; Ellen Voie, Founder of the Women In Trucking Association; Drew Wilkerson, President North American Transportation at XPO Logistics; and Nabil Malouli, VP of Global E-commerce at DHL. Each event attracts over 500 attendees and supports the American Aid Logistics Network (ALAN) through fundraising efforts. Lina’s vision for these sessions underscores her commitment to industry education and community support.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lina’s personal growth has been equally transformative. After turning 30, Lina faced significant personal challenges, including a divorce that pushed her out of her comfort zone. This period of introspection and growth forced her to confront her fears, enhance her self-confidence, and further hone her role at GLT. These experiences have inspired her to share her journey and insights with other women in the logistics industry. In 2022, she delivered a powerful speech on female empowerment at the Women In Trucking conference, offering her perspective on thriving in a predominantly male field.
Today, GLT Logistics is not only a leader in the logistics sector but also a pioneer in fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. Women make up 62% of the company’s workforce, and an equal percentage hold leadership roles, from Team Leaders to Lina herself. As part of her ongoing commitment to female empowerment, Lina is preparing to launch the company’s first female empowerment course in March, coinciding with Women’s History Month. This course will provide women at GLT with the tools and inspiration to overcome their limitations and pursue their dreams with confidence. It will be periodically updated to include insights from various executives, ensuring that the content remains relevant and impactful.
Lina Acosta’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, resilience, and a commitment to empowerment can transform challenges into opportunities. Her story continues to inspire countless women, proving that the only true barriers to success are the ones we place on ourselves.
