DMC Transportation Training Services Graduate Ashley Leiva Wins National Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award for Veterans
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U.S. Army veteran was one of 11 and only female finalist for 2022 award; Announcement made by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 16
Ashley Leiva_New Tractor_Transition Trucking_Driving for Excellence Award 2022_121622
Del Mar College Transportation Training Services Program graduate Ashley Leiva sits in the cab of the new $155,000 Kenworth T680 Next Gen Truck that she received as part of receiving the 2022 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes Program. Leiva was nominated for the competition and was among the 11 finalists selected out of thousands of nominated veterans from across the country. She was nominated by the College’s program director, and the announcement was made in Washington, D.C., by organizers on Dec. 16. (Credit: contributed)
Article by Melinda Eddleman
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I was in shock. There were eight others [the award] could have been [given to]. My family was there with me for support, and once they called my name, we were all in shock. It was like winning the lottery.
Ashley Leiva, 2022 Recipient of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award and November 2021 DMC Transportation Training Services Graduate
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And, she did hit the jackpot.
Not only did Leiva receive the 2022 award but also a $155,000 Kenworth T680 Next Gen Truck, fully-equipped for comfort and safety as a head start to her entrepreneurial career. Leiva, who now owns with her brother their late mother’s trucking company, also received a full scholarship that will cover the cost of pursuing a degree. She plans to continue her entrepreneurial endeavor by earning a bachelor’s degree in business management.
The Transition Trucking initiative began in 2016 and is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program in collaboration with Kenworth and FASTPORT to address the driver shortage and create immediate jobs for the nation’s transitioning military personnel, including veterans, national guard members and reservists in the trucking industry. And, the year-long search for America’s “top military rookie driver” culminated with voting ending Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) among the top 11 individuals selected from thousands of nominees with Leiva included among those finalists.
Leiva’s nomination, along with one for her brother Johnny Leiva, age 32, was made by the director of the College’s program that trains Coastal Bend residents to become truck drivers, including veterans who make up about 5% of each class. Criteria for the final selection included each candidates’ successful transition from military service into civilian life as a truck driver and their focus on safety in the profession.
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