“I really appreciated my brother showing me self-defense, and bringing it to the female drivers of NFI so they can also be aware of how to defend themselves.” – Evelyn Guajardo
Evelyn Guajardo, a Recruiting Manager at NFI, has spent the past 10 years in the transportation industry, playing pivotal roles in operations, safety, and recruiting. Her passion for empowering others has been instrumental not only in her career but also in the launch of the Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA) within NFI, which promotes diversity and leadership development. At the heart of her work is her dedication to empowering women in trucking through the “She Drives” program, where she also serves as a self-defense instructor, teaching critical skills to ensure the safety of female drivers on the road.
Promoting Safety with Self-Defense Demonstrations
Evelyn’s journey into safety advocacy began with a conversation she had with NFI’s female drivers, many of whom expressed concerns about their safety at certain stops. “They said, ‘I feel the same way. I feel like it’s not safe in these particular locations, so I take my own safety precautions,’” she recalls. Recognizing the importance of addressing these concerns, Evelyn decided to hold a self-defense demonstration at one of the “She Drives” events, with her recruiter, Ryan, volunteering as the participant.
The demonstration was a resounding success, sparking interest from many drivers. It has since become a staple of every “She Drives” event, where Evelyn teaches self-defense techniques, empowering women to protect themselves on the road. “I really appreciated my brother showing me these self-defense techniques and bringing it to the female drivers of NFI,” she says, emphasizing how vital these skills are in enhancing safety for women in the trucking industry.
Expanding Horizons: The Allure of Travel and Exploration
Beyond safety, Evelyn also emphasizes the unique opportunities trucking offers for women seeking adventure and exploration. Many women come to trucking later in life, driven by the opportunity to see the world and experience new places. “A lot of women get into trucking because they never got a chance to see the world… they never had their turn,” Evelyn explained during the interview.
One such story involved a driver who had spent 20 years as a dental assistant. In the ’90s, she told her mother she wanted to become a truck driver to explore the United States, but her mother insisted that “females are not truck drivers.” Decades later, she followed her passion and joined NFI, where she’s been driving for six years and loves the freedom and adventure trucking offers. Stories like these are what Evelyn strives to share with other female drivers to encourage them to pursue their dreams.
Building a Community of Support for Female Drivers
A key feature of the “She Drives” program is the supportive community it creates among female drivers. Because many regional drivers don’t often meet face-to-face, the “She Drives” events provide a much-needed space for connection and collaboration. During a recent event in South Carolina, drivers recognized each other from truck stops and shipper locations, sharing tips and stories about their experiences.
This sense of community is critical for female drivers who may feel isolated in the male-dominated industry. Through these events, Evelyn helps foster connections that empower women to succeed and feel supported in their careers. “They gave each other some really great tips,” Evelyn noted, reflecting on how these interactions create a sense of solidarity and support among female drivers.
With a decade of experience in transportation and a passion for empowering others, Evelyn Guajardo is making a significant impact on the trucking industry through her leadership in NFI’s “She Drives” program. Whether it’s teaching self-defense to promote safety or sharing inspiring stories of women who have found adventure and freedom on the road, Evelyn is dedicated to ensuring that trucking becomes a rewarding, inclusive, and safe career for female drivers.
To explore Evelyn’s full story, listen to the complete She Drives episode here.
