"Driving Equity and Wellness"

The African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) addresses systemic health disparities and inequities faced by African American women in the trucking industry. These women experience high levels of occupational stress, isolation, and limited access to healthcare, contributing to chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. They are underrepresented in leadership roles and face barriers to career advancement due to systemic racism and gender biases. In the U.S., women represent only 10% of truck drivers, and African American women make up an unknown percentage but it is an even smaller fraction, further exacerbating their challenges.

The trucking lifestyle long hours presents long hours on the road, inadequate rest facilities, and limited access to healthy food—which worsens physical and mental health outcomes. Statistics reveal that 80% of truck drivers are overweight or obese, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are prevalent. AAWTA serves a growing membership base of over 500 African American women truckers nationwide, delivering health equity training, mentorship, and mobile screenings. 

By tackling the root causes—systemic racism, health inequities, and lack of resources—AAWTA is driving systemic change and empowering underserved communities.

Our Non-Profit delivers solutions to empower African American women in the trucking industry through its Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative.  This program integrates health equity training, mentorship, mobile health screenings, and research-driven insights to improve physical & mental well-being while fostering professional development.

In addition, we have partnered with Dr. Telisa Spikes from Emory University, leveraging the research expertise to study the effects of occupational stress and systemic barriers on African American women truckers. These insights shape evidence-based interventions tailored to participants' unique needs. Additionally, under the leadership of Natasha Jones, BSN, Director of Mental Health and Wellness and CEO of HD Screening and Laboratory, the initiative provides expertise in delivering preventative care, addressing chronic health challenges specific to the trucking lifestyle, and providing our members with Department of Transportation required health-related services.

Such initiatives educate the community through interactive workshops addressing systemic health disparities and promoting preventive care. 

In addition, It supports affordable services to ensure accessibility, including mobile health units that provide DOT-compliant screenings tailored to the required needs of truckers. 

Additionally, the mentorship program builds a supportive network fostering career growth and long-term retention in the industry.

AAWTA’s Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative directly addresses these challenges. The program empowers participants through health equity workshops that educate and provide tools to combat systemic health disparities. Mobile health units offer accessible, affordable DOT-compliant screenings and preventative care tailored to their needs. The mentorship program creates a supportive network, connecting experienced truckers with newcomers to enhance professional growth and retention.

By collaborating with partners within the community, AAWTA delivers research-informed, culturally relevant solutions that prioritize mental health, wellness, and career development. This initiative transforms lives by fostering empowerment, improving health outcomes, and driving equity in the trucking industry.

We “AAWTA” is uniquely positioned to deliver the Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative due to its deep connection to the communities it serves. The organization is led by our Advisory Board which is made up of African American women with extensive experience in the trucking industry, ensuring authentic representation and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by this population. 

The initiative is guided by the input and lived experiences of its 500+ members, a diverse group of African American women truckers nationwide, whose voices shape the design and implementation of solutions.

Natasha Jones, the Director of Mental Health and Wellness, brings a healthcare perspective as a BSN and CEO of HD Screening and Laboratory. Her expertise ensures relevant and accessible health interventions, addressing disparities directly impacting the trucking community. Partnering with Emory University, AAWTA incorporates research-driven insights from studies on occupational stress and systemic barriers to create evidence-based programming.

The team engages with its members through regular workshops, surveys, mentorship programs, and focus groups, ensuring their input drives program development. For example, members have highlighted the need for more accessible health screenings, leading to the deployment of mobile health units offering DOT-compliant services. Similarly, feedback on career isolation prompted the creation of mentorship programs, pairing seasoned truckers with newcomers to foster professional growth.

AAWTA’s leadership team is composed of individuals with lived experience, from professional truckers to health equity advocates, ensuring a grassroots approach that prioritizes the community’s needs. This proximity to the population ensures that the initiative is not only relevant but transformative, empowering African American women truckers and addressing systemic inequities in meaningful ways.

The Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative is at the Growth Stage because it has established a proven, impactful model implemented in multiple communities with consistent design and outcomes. To date, the initiative has delivered health equity workshops, mobile health screenings, and mentorship programs to over 500 African American women truckers across the U.S. These programs address systemic health disparities, career isolation, and mental health challenges unique to this population.

Through partnerships with organizations like Emory University and HD Screening and Laboratory and more, we’ve integrated research-driven insights and DOT-compliant healthcare services into the program. Our mobile health units have provided accessible screenings, resulting in early detection of chronic conditions for 60% of participants. Workshops have empowered participants with strategies for resilience and advocacy, with 75% reporting improved understanding of systemic health challenges.

Mentorship programs have paired experienced truckers with newcomers, fostering career retention and growth. Feedback from participants has shaped and refined the initiative, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. These accomplishments demonstrate a scalable solution with a solid foundation for continued expansion, affirming our position in the Growth Stage.

www.aawta.org

Our solution is innovative because it holistically addresses the unique challenges faced by African American women in the trucking industry. By integrating health equity training, mobile health screenings, mentorship programs, and technology development, we create a comprehensive support system that goes beyond traditional approaches.

Unlike existing initiatives that may focus solely on one aspect, such as mentorship or training, our multifaceted strategy ensures that members receive support across various dimensions of their professional and personal lives. This integrated approach not only empowers individuals but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment within the trucking industry.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of combining health initiatives with professional development and community building, our model can inspire other organizations to adopt similar comprehensive strategies. This has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry.

Our approach challenges the status quo by highlighting the importance of addressing systemic barriers through a holistic lens. By prioritizing the well-being and advancement of African American women in trucking, we aim to shift industry standards and encourage the adoption of more inclusive practices, ultimately transforming the landscape to be more equitable and supportive for all.

For instance, our organization is dedicated to empowering and supporting African American women within the trucking industry by providing resources, education, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Additionally, initiatives like the Women in Motion Mentorship Program offer mentors a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on the personal and professional journeys of their mentees, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment that values and embraces women at all levels.

By building upon and integrating these approaches, our solution seeks to create a more comprehensive and impactful support system for African American women in the trucking industry.

Our mission is to empower African American women in the trucking industry by providing comprehensive support that addresses their unique challenges. To achieve this, we have established the following impact goals:

1. Enhance Health and Well-being:

• Goal: Improve the physical and mental health of our members through targeted programs.

• Indicators:

  • Number of participants attending health equity training sessions.

  • Frequency and reach of mobile health screenings conducted.

  • Self-reported improvements in health and well-being from member surveys.

Increase Professional Development and Retention:

• Goal: Provide mentorship and training to enhance career growth and retention in the trucking industry.

• Indicators:

  • Number of mentorship pairings established annually.

  • Retention rates of members within the industry over time.

  • Career advancement statistics, such as promotions or new certifications achieved by members.

Foster Community Engagement and Support:

• Goal: Build a supportive network that encourages community involvement and resource sharing.

• Indicators:

  • Attendance and participation rates at community events and workshops.

  • Member satisfaction and engagement levels, assessed through regular surveys.

  • Growth in membership numbers and diversity.

To measure progress toward these goals, we employ both quantitative and qualitative methods, including attendance records, surveys, retention statistics, and health assessments. Regular evaluations allow us to adjust our programs to better serve our community's needs.

Our approach aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a transformative impact that not only benefits our members but also contributes to broader societal change.

• Natasha Jones, BSN, BHSc, RN: As Director of Mental Health and Wellness at AAWTA and CEO of HD Screening and Laboratory, Natasha brings healthcare expertise, delivering DOT-compliant screenings and equity-focused programs.

• Nicole Ward: AAWTA President and FMCSA Women of Trucking Advisory Board Chair, Nicole champions diversity and policy advocacy, shaping systemic improvements for women in trucking.

• Dr. Telisa Spikes: An Emory University researcher and health equity expert, Dr. Spikes develops evidence-based interventions addressing stress-related health issues in African American women truckers.

• Sharleigh Zavagalia: A truck driver, occupational health consultant, and MD candidate, Sharleigh designs health solutions tailored to truckers' needs.

• Donna Sheppard: A professional truck driver and advocate, Donna informs mentorship and community programs with lived experience.

Since its inception in February 2022, the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) has been dedicated to empowering African American women in the trucking industry. In 2024, AAWTA launched the "Driving Mental Health and Wellness" initiative, focusing on the unique challenges faced by its members. This program emphasizes mental and physical health, providing resources such as wellness summits and health screenings to support truckers' well-being. Through these efforts, AAWTA is fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in the trucking sector.

At the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA), we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that reflects the rich diversity of our community.

Diverse Leadership Team:

Our leadership team embodies a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including professionals from healthcare, academia, logistics, and active truck drivers. This diversity enables us to address the multifaceted challenges faced by African American women in the trucking industry with empathy and insight.

Minimizing Barriers to Opportunity:

We actively work to eliminate barriers by implementing inclusive recruitment practices, offering mentorship programs, and providing professional development opportunities tailored to the unique needs of our members. Our initiatives are designed to ensure equitable access to resources and advancement within the industry.

Welcoming and Inclusive Environment:

We cultivate a culture where every team member feels valued and respected. Regular training sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion are conducted to promote awareness and understanding. Open forums and feedback mechanisms are in place to encourage dialogue and continuous improvement.

Goals and Actions:

Our ongoing goals include increasing representation of underrepresented groups within our leadership, expanding outreach to marginalized communities, and continuously assessing our policies to promote inclusivity. We collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion, pooling resources to amplify our impact.

By embracing these principles, we strive to create an environment where all members can thrive

The Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative operates on a hybrid business model, balancing impact-driven programs with sustainable revenue generation to serve African American women in the trucking industry. This model ensures that the organization delivers critical services while generating income to expand and sustain our efforts.

Value to the Population Served

Our key beneficiaries are African American women truckers, a group disproportionately affected by systemic health disparities, career isolation, and workplace inequities. The initiative provides essential services that are needed to thrive, including:

1. Health Equity Workshops: Interactive sessions educate participants on systemic health challenges and equip them with tools for self-advocacy and resilience.

2. Mobile Health Screenings: Accessible, DOT (Department of Transportation) -compliant health screenings tailored to the trucking lifestyle ensure early detection and management of chronic health conditions.

3. Mentorship Programs: A supportive network that enhances career retention and professional growth.

Revenue Streams

1. Program Fees: AAWTA Members pay nominal fees for workshops, health screenings, and mentorship programs, ensuring affordability while contributing to operational costs.

2. Sponsorships and Grants: Corporate sponsors and grants from organizations like the Truist Foundation support program scalability and outreach.

3. Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Emory University and HD Screening and Laboratory provide in-kind resources and shared revenue opportunities through joint health initiatives.

Service Delivery

The solution is delivered through a mix of in-person and digital platforms. Mobile health units bring services directly to the community (i.e. Truckstop, Rest areas, AAWTA events, etc.), while a digital platform will provide telehealth access, resources, and progress tracking.

Beneficiaries value these services for their relevance, accessibility, and ability to address pressing health and career challenges. This model ensures sustainable growth while delivering measurable impact to underserved communities.

The Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative is working toward financial sustainability through a diversified revenue model combining program fees, sponsorships, grants, donations, and in-kind partnerships. This strategy ensures a balanced approach to funding while addressing the needs of underserved African American women truckers.

Revenue Streams

1. Program Fees: Workshops, mobile health screenings, and mentorship programs generate modest income, ensuring affordability for participants while offsetting program costs.

2. Sponsorships: Corporate partnerships, such as those with HD Screening and Laboratory, provide financial support and in-kind resources. For 2024, sponsorship commitments contributed $5,000, with plans to expand corporate engagement in 2025.

3. Grants: Pending applications, including the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, are a key part of our growth strategy. In 2024, $25,000 in anticipated grants reflects ongoing success in securing competitive funding.

4. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and small business contributions, along with events such as galas, generate essential supplemental revenue. In 2024, donations totaled $6,500, while miscellaneous fundraising contributed $4,000.

Evidence of Success

To date, AAWTA has served over 500 participants nationwide, demonstrating demand and impact. Program fees and sponsorships have enabled the delivery of health equity training, mobile screenings, and mentorship programs. Partnerships with organizations like Emory University further validate the program’s scalability and relevance.

Deficit Mitigation and Long-Term Goals

Efforts are underway to address the operating deficit through enhanced program marketing, expanded sponsorships, and increased participation. AAWTA’s plan includes scaling services, strengthening partnerships, and securing recurring funding from government contracts and additional grants.

By diversifying revenue streams and focusing on measurable impact, the initiative is building a sustainable framework to ensure long-term success and financial health.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards because we believe this partnership can help us take the Driving Mental Health and Wellness initiative to the next level. At the African American Women Trucking Association, we are deeply committed to empowering African American women truckers, but we recognize that systemic health and career disparities require a collaborative and innovative approach. This opportunity would provide us with the resources, expertise, and network to amplify our impact.

Working with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would allow us to overcome key barriers, such as scaling our programs and improving operational efficiency. Access to funding, technical support, and capacity-building workshops would help us refine our business model, expand our reach, and deliver services to underserved communities more effectively. For example, the funding could enhance our mobile health units and mentorship programs, while MIT Solve’s expertise in innovation could support the development of our digital platform for telehealth and resource tracking.

The peer-to-peer learning opportunities with other changemakers would also inspire fresh ideas and collaborations, ensuring our solution remains dynamic and impactful. By aligning with the Truist Foundation’s mission of fostering equity and economic mobility, we can address systemic barriers in trucking, scale our efforts nationally, and create sustainable change for African American women. This partnership would be transformative for our organization and the communities we serve.