Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ward
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into trucking began 2001 with a series of lessons learned through trial and perseverance. I started as a dispatcher, immersing myself in the logistics and business side of the industry. As I navigated this space, I saw an opportunity—not just for myself but for my family. I sent my mother to trucking school, and she became my first employee. Together, we expanded our operations, growing our presence in an industry that often overlooks African American women.
During this time, I realized that while information about trucking was available, it was scattered and difficult to access—especially for women of color who face significant barriers to entry. Recognizing this gap, In 2022 my mom and I founded the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) to create a centralized hub of resources, mentorship, and services designed to empower and support our community.
Through AAWTA, we developed the “Power to Drive Change” program, partnering with affiliate members to offer resources for advancement, mentorship and opportunities. We advocate for a more inclusive, safer trucking environment and actively work to address the industry’s driver shortage by providing pathways for women to enter and thrive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has only strengthened our commitment to AAWTA’s mission. African American women in trucking often encounter significant barriers to entry, making it essential to build an organization that not only provides resources but also advocates for our unique needs. Establishing AAWTA took time, dedication, and unwavering persistence to create a trusted and impactful community.
Despite these challenges, AAWTA has continued to expand as awareness grows. Through advocacy, education, and industry partnerships, we’ve demonstrated the vital role African American women play in shaping the future of trucking, driving progress, and creating lasting change..
We’ve been impressed with African American Women Trucking Association, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA)
The African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) is the first nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering African American women in the trucking industry. Our mission is to create a safer, more inclusive, and equitable trucking industry by providing resources, mentorship, scholarships, training, and leadership opportunities for women of color in trucking.
What We Do & What We Specialize In
AAWTA serves as a centralized hub for education, advocacy, and community support in the trucking industry. We work with corporate partners, regulatory agencies, and affiliate members to develop initiatives that provide career advancement opportunities, professional development, and essential services to help women navigate, sustain, and grow within the industry.
Through our “Power to Drive Change” program, we offer:
✔ Mentorship & Coaching – Connecting women with experienced professionals to provide guidance and career support.
✔ Industry Training & Compliance Support – Offering FMCSA compliance training, dispatch courses, and small business coaching.
✔ Health & Wellness Initiatives – Promoting mental and physical well-being for women in trucking.
✔ Advocacy & Policy Engagement – Championing industry changes that foster inclusivity and equity.
What Sets AAWTA Apart?
AAWTA isn’t just another trucking association—we are a movement committed to breaking barriers and building bridges for African American women in an industry where they are often overlooked. Unlike traditional trucking organizations, we take a holistic approach to empowerment by integrating business growth, mental health and wellness, regulatory education, and financial literacy into our programs.
Our leadership in the industry is recognized at the highest levels—we held a seat on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) for two years, where I also served as Chairman of the WOTAB Subcommittee in 2023. These milestones highlight AAWTA’s direct impact on industry policies and the advancement of women in trucking.
What We Are Most Proud of Brand-Wise
AAWTA is more than an association—it’s a thriving community. We’ve built a network of support, education, and opportunity that has directly helped women enter, sustain, and grow their careers in trucking. Our ability to bridge the gap between industry stakeholders and African American women has positioned us as a trusted voice and leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the supply chain and logistics sector.
What Do We Want Readers to Know?
AAWTA is here to drive change. Whether you’re a new driver, a business owner, or an industry leader looking to support diversity in trucking, we provide the tools, resources, and community to help you succeed.
🚛 Want to get involved? Explore our membership, mentorship, and training programs.
💡 Looking for partnerships? We collaborate with companies committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📢 Need a voice in the industry? Join us in advocating for policy changes that create real opportunities for women in trucking.
AAWTA is leading the charge in reshaping the trucking industry, and we invite you to be a part of this movement! 🚛💪🏾
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people know me for my work in trucking, advocacy, and business development, but what they might not know is that I have a big passion for the entertainment and TV industry—especially music. Before fully immersing myself in the trucking world, I was deeply connected to the music scene.
My ex-husband, Mike Mike Phillips from the group 95 South, is part of the iconic music movement behind hits like “Whoot! There It Is”. He was also a member of Quad City DJ’s, the group behind the classic hit “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)”. We were married for several years, and through that experience, I developed a deep love and appreciation for the music industry, its culture, and the impact it has on communities.
Beyond music, my journey also led me to the world of television. Mike Mike and I appeared on the hit BET reality show After Happily Ever After, which was an exciting and unique experience that gave insight into relationships, growth, and second chances.
Music, like trucking, is about movement—it brings people together, creates opportunities, and tells a story. While my career path led me to championing African American women in trucking, my passion for entertainment and creative expression has never faded. It has shaped my vision for branding, storytelling, and connecting with people in powerful ways—whether in business, advocacy, or industry leadership.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aawta.org
- Instagram: aawta_org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanWomenInTrucking
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-american-women-trucking-association/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: aawta_org
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjGaJ07C5qsujyvncJwL-w
- Other: Membership@aawta.org
Image Credits
BET 2024 Black & Iconic
African American Women Trucking Association
