Meet Nicole Ward | Nicole Nikki” Ward President & Founder of African American Women Trucking Association “AAWTA” | philanthropist. Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a businesswoman and philanthropist who has dedicated my career to helping others. I began my career in the insurance industry, working my way up to become an executive. However, I eventually decided to pursue entrepreneurship, founding a trucking and logistics company, and then the African American Women Trucking Association“AAWTA”. I am a huge advocate for the advancement of women in trucking and serve on the Women of
Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA) on policy issues about Diversity and inclusion and Safety initiatives

As a new and growing Assocation, we’ve encountered our fair share of hurdles on our journey. Our primary challenge revolves around striking the right balance between meeting the diverse needs of our members and ensuring we possess the requisite resources to do so effectively. In navigating these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower, uplift, adapt, and evolve to better serve our members and the entire trucking industry.
AAWTA is proud and grateful for the support of our affiliate Members and Partners within our Assocation, as well as the community that supports “The Power to Drive Change” and its mission to increase the representation of African-American women in the Trucking industry. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At Krog Street Market, the choices are both diverse and abundant. The eclectic mix of shops provides an opportunity to peruse and purchase unique finds, adding a touch of retail therapy to the culinary adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for international flavors or hometown favorites, this place has it all, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

if and when my bestie comes in time we will definitely dine in comfortable walking shoes and arrive with empty stomachs. The ideal itinerary begins with a visit to Krog Street Market, where we kick things off with a couple of adult beverages and a delectable appetizer at “Bar Mercado,” one of my preferred Spanish restaurants. After savoring the flavors, we meander through the market, exploring various shops and indulging in sweet treats along the way.

Round two beckons, and we head to Watchman’s Seafood + Spirits, an ideal choice for seafood enthusiasts like us. The restaurant’s ambition and style never fail to impress, making it a must-visit spot.

As the evening unfolds, we would continue to shop, walk off the calories, enjoy a few more drinks, and culminate the night on a sweet note with a visit to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. This is how we craft an unforgettable food-filled adventure in Atlanta – an experience that leaves us saying, “Boom!”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation and recognition to a pivotal figure in my journey, my mother. She has been one of the major driving forces behind my endeavors. Her unwavering support and strength have provided me with the foundation to tackle the demanding work I’m involved in, particularly when it comes to championing a social cause greater than oneself. In many ways, I am a carbon copy of my mother, infused with a Jamaican-American flair.

Our journey into the world of trucking began as a joint venture, with my mother being my first company driver. To this day, we continue to navigate the trucking industry side by side, a testament to the enduring bond that fuels our shared ambition.

Last but not least, the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) was inspired by a former African Women Truck Driver G. Jackson who before transitioning, had a passion for helping other black women in the trucking industry, create a safe space, and providing a community with resources.
These passions align with mine, and based on my unmet needs within the transportation sector, and my fervor for service, I took a bold step forward to move forward with a social cause that could change and support Black women in Trucking.
This marked the birth of the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) in February 2022, an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the trucking industry, just as Gertrude had envisioned could one day happen.

Website: www.aawta.org

Instagram: @aawta_org | @iamthe_nicole

Twitter: @aawta_org | @iamthe_nicole

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanWomenInTrucking

Image Credits
@BET