At NGT Talks, we love spotlighting leaders who are reshaping the future of trucking. Our recent guest, Nicole Ward, founder of the African American Women in Trucking Association —also known as “AAWTA”—is doing just that.
From a surprising entry into the trucking industry to founding a national nonprofit changing lives, Nicole’s journey is marked by resilience, vision, and a mission to remove barriers for individuals across the country.
From Insurance to 18-Wheelers
Nicole started her career in another male-dominated field: insurance. She spent years climbing roofs for inspections before transitioning into trucking—completely by accident. A friend with 20 trucks but no processes asked for her help, and Nicole found herself immersed in compliance, back-office operations, and the glaring lack of business knowledge among small fleet owners.
“I fell into trucking by accident,” Nicole explained. “But I realized people were growing businesses with no roadmap—failing forward with no support.”
Learning the Hard Way
With confidence from her experience in compliance, Nicole launched her own trucking company. But even with back-office knowledge, she quickly learned how tough it is to run a fleet. After hiring her mom as her first driver and scaling to three trucks, she faced a crushing $20,000 loss in just one month.
“It almost sank me,” she said. “But I didn’t see any support systems out there. So I created the one I needed.”
That spark became the African American Women in Trucking Association—a safe space for women, people of color, and anyone facing barriers in trucking.
The Power Hub Vision
Nicole recently opened AAWTA’s first Power Hub in Decatur, Georgia. The hub offers education, support, and career development for individuals facing barriers to entry—whether due to cost, incarceration history, lack of access to technology, or simply not knowing where to start.
The Decatur Power Hub is just the beginning. Nicole’s vision includes 50 Power Hubs in 50 states, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods where community members need new opportunities.
But the hub is about more than just trucking.
“We also added a health and wellness component,” Nicole said. “Drivers face high blood pressure, diabetes—some even pass away in their trucks. We want to help people live long enough to enjoy the careers they build.”
Training the Next Generation
Nicole also launched a youth internship program for ages 16–21. With support from DeKalb County, students learn about logistics, supply chain, and the many career paths available in trucking. They’re placed in one of five focus areas—media, sales, wellness, communications, or operations—based on their interests and skills.
“These students didn’t even know trucking was an option,” Nicole said. “Now they see that they can use their talents to build a career in this industry.”
Interns receive a certificate of completion and volunteer hours, building their resumes and their confidence in the process.
Partnering for Change
AAWTA’s newest initiative, Driven Together, is a partnership with 160 Driving Academy. It’s a two-part program offering CDL training through 160’s national network and a supply chain certification through AAWTA—designed for those interested in entrepreneurship and ownership.
Nicole is building a future where students, returning citizens, career changers, and experienced drivers all have pathways forward.
A Community-Led Movement
Perhaps most inspiring is how Nicole built her board of directors—not through old contacts, but from within the AAWTA membership. Passionate women emerged from the community, eager to roll up their sleeves and lead.
“They came in saying, ‘How can I help?’” Nicole said. “And that’s what we need more of in this industry.”
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a student, an industry veteran, or someone simply passionate about making a difference, AAWTA wants you.
Nicole invites anyone interested in trucking, mentorship, or leadership to reach out. Students can join for discounted access to training and support. Industry partners—whether you run a fleet or a gas station—can support the mission through sponsorship or community engagement.
Learn more at www.aawta.org or follow AAWTA on all social platforms (@aawta.org).
Nicole can be reached directly at:
📧 [email protected]