“I never saw myself in this industry. I was a young mother, and I wish someone had told me that the money was there—that there’s no pay disparity. At least at NFI, there’s a schedule to fit your family.” – Angela, Recruitment Marketing Coordinator at NFI
In an insightful conversation on She Drives with Radio Nemo, Angela and Kirsy from NFI shared the passion and purpose behind their groundbreaking initiative, “She Drives.” Focused on fostering opportunities for women in trucking, the campaign is redefining perceptions and empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
What is She Drives?
Launched in 2018, She Drives is NFI’s bold campaign to increase visibility for women in trucking. As Kirsy, NFI’s Driver Recruitment Manager, explained, the program’s mission is multi-faceted:
- Celebrating women drivers and their achievements.
- Providing a platform to share their unique stories.
- Redefining industry connections by addressing the needs and aspirations of women drivers.
- Promoting a female-friendly work environment that fosters growth and long-term success.
Challenging Stereotypes in Trucking
Angela highlighted how her initial exposure to trucking shattered preconceived notions. “People stereotype truck drivers as always being out on the road with no time for family or kids. That’s just not the case here,” she emphasized. NFI’s commitment to flexibility allows drivers to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
Kirsy shared the campaign’s broader vision: “We’re not just focusing on women—our goal is to address the driver shortage by attracting people from all walks of life while fostering diversity.”
Progress and Goals
The She Drives campaign has already made significant strides. In 2022, women represented just over 4% of drivers at NFI. By the end of 2023, that number had more than doubled to 9%, with an ambitious target of reaching 12% in 2024.
This growth stems from NFI’s dedication to listening and adapting. “We meet with women drivers to understand their experiences—what they love, what they don’t—and use that feedback to make meaningful changes,” Kirsy explained.
Building Visibility and Community
Angela emphasized the importance of showcasing women’s stories. “We’re traveling to terminals, gathering testimonials, and sharing these stories on social media and our website. Visibility is key—every woman should see herself in this industry.”
One particularly inspiring moment occurred at the Transition Trucking event in Washington, D.C., where a female driver, whose mother had also been a trucker, won a new Kenworth truck. Witnessing her daughter’s excitement to follow in her footsteps was a powerful reminder of the generational impact She Drives hopes to create.
Upcoming Initiatives
NFI is planning events to celebrate and promote the trucking industry, including family-focused gatherings and Mother’s Day celebrations. These initiatives aim to highlight the diverse opportunities available in trucking and inspire the next generation of drivers.
A Vision for the Future
Angela and Kirsy’s unwavering dedication to She Drives reflects NFI’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry. “We’re 200% committed to making this happen,” Angela affirmed. “This isn’t just about asking for space—it’s about showing the industry that it needs us.”
To hear more from Angela and Kirsy, catch their full episode of She Drives here.
