by Vanita Johnson | Executive Enterprises LLC, on Dec 20, 2021 1:46:43 PM
I am a new truck driver that is eager to prosper in this male-dominated industry. I come from a career in education for the past 13 years, and I am now the proud owner operator of Executive Enterprises LLC operating under my own authority.
I earned my class A CDL November 2020, and took my first load on January 29, 2021. I found the Women in Trucking Association around September 2020, and I am a recipient of their fall Ryder Charitable Foundation Scholarship.
In August 2021, I received an email from WIT with an amazing opportunity to be a part of a pilot mentoring program for entry-level female drivers through a partnership with LeadHERalliance Mentoring.
I must say, this has been a priceless opportunity.
Thus far, our monthly sessions have helped me with mental health, tapping into my special gifts and recognizing my strengths. I have a mentor that has been in the industry since the 90's, and she has a vast knowledge in the trucking industry. She has worked for companies, she has been an instructor for trucking schools, helped write curriculum, been an owner-operator, has and her brokerage license, just to name a few.
When I was traveling through the mountains out west for my first time in the snow, I called my mentor and she talked me through my first experience. She knew exactly where I was and was able to share her knowledge about chain laws and experiences on that side of the United States.
I have also been introduced to other ladies in LeadHertrucking and WIT that I call on in times of need. They are right there ready to lend an ear and words of encouragement. It's funny because normally the first people I contact is my mother or my sister, but they are not in the trucking industry.
Thanks to the founders and masterminds of this mentoring pilot program, I now have new sisters to call. I am forever grateful for LeadHERtrucking, LeadHERalliance and Women In Trucking!
Written by Vanita Johnson, Executive Enterprises LLC
