Her Story
About Denitra
Before my career in transportation, I was in HR for over 20 years, which is how I'm able to bring that experience forward with the businesses I've created, established, and run. I started my HR career at Kmart working in the layaway department when I was about 18 years old. An elderly lady in the HR department believed in me and would invite me to help her, which launched my HR career. Throughout my career, I would meet people who believed in me and promoted me as I went along in companies. I didn't come from a financially stable background to go to college when I was young. My mom was sick, and as the oldest child, I had to take care of her kids, so I started out life a little later. But I was fortunate that people saw something in me. I worked my way up through various companies, taking small certifications and courses in negotiating and operations that companies would send me to. Now in transportation, I've built an ecosystem of businesses. My husband has his trucking company that I started with him 13 years ago. I have my own trucking company focused on dispatcher contracts, including healthcare dispatching for elderly patients. And now as Executive Director of Mile 1 CDL school, I'm bringing all this experience together. I'm most proud of creating and getting state approval for a virtual classroom curriculum that makes truck driving education more flexible and accessible, especially for moms and working adults.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Denitra
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I want women to know that this industry can be done. I'm 40-plus with 19-plus years sitting behind a desk in HR in air conditioning all day long, and I wanted to be in an industry that was challenging yet flexible. What I would say to that woman is that transportation is how you want it to be. For example, it could be as clean as creating your own company and drawing in contracts for dispatchers, you know, for individuals to work. Or you could say, hey, I want to get my own CDL, get my own truck and run my own work. There's just so much that you can do as a woman and add to this industry that would benefit everyone as a whole. I feel like there's not enough women in this industry to see the flexibility that it has, as well as the reward that it gives, because you are a business owner, and not only that, you could be an employer.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I almost don't feel complete unless I'm doing something for others. My grandmother raised me in the church doing the sick and shut-in ministry, so giving back and helping others is deeply important to me. That's why I volunteer with hospice every other week, talking to individuals before they pass away, keeping them company, and playing games with them. Even though I'm a busy lady, I try to make time for others because it's part of who I am.
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