Kirsy O., a dedicated driver recruitment manager at NFI Industries, brings over a decade of experience in trucking to the She Drives initiative. She’s a passionate advocate for creating opportunities for women in logistics and transportation, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, communication, and community. Her hands-on approach is helping transform the industry into a more supportive space for women drivers.

Kirsy believes that fostering diversity is about more than buzzwords—it’s about meaningful action. As she explained during a recent podcast appearance, NFI is building a culture where women can thrive both professionally and personally. “You need to make sure that you have a seat at the table and that you’re talking about what is important to you,” Kirsy shared. Through She Drives, this vision is becoming a reality by offering a platform for open conversations and actionable change.

One of the standout efforts Kirsy highlighted was NFI’s recent health and wellness event, where a mobile mammogram unit was brought to one of their terminals. This initiative provided a vital service not only for women drivers but also for other employees in transportation. “It’s way bigger than what we think,” Kirsy said, emphasizing that addressing the needs of drivers means going beyond the basics to support their overall well-being.

When it comes to recruitment, Kirsy knows the questions women are asking: Can I do this job and still care for my family? Her answer is an enthusiastic yes. NFI prioritizes family-friendly scheduling, with about 90% of their fleet offering roles that allow drivers to be home every day. Kirsy and her team actively ensure transparency, letting drivers know what to expect and addressing their concerns directly. “You owe it to them to let them know exactly where they’re going and what challenges they might face,” she said.

At the core of She Drives is a commitment to building a supportive network where women drivers can share resources and advice. Kirsy shared how this community is vital in helping drivers navigate their day-to-day lives. From discussing safe rest stops to balancing work and home life, She Drives fosters connections that empower drivers to succeed on their own terms.

As Kirsy puts it, “Not everything is one-size-fits-all. We need to find out what’s important to you and take it from there.”

To hear more from Kirsy O. and learn about her inspiring work with the She Drives initiative, tune in to her full interview here.

To learn more about the She Drives initiative and opportunities at NFI Industries, visit nfiindustries.com.

The post How Kirsy O. and She Drives Empower Women in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

The post Empowering Women in Trucking: Angela and Kirsy Share Insights on NFI’s She Drives Initiative appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.