Her Story
About Devonia
Devonia Nixon serves as a Feeder On-Road Supervisor at UPS in Jacksonville, Florida, bringing nearly a decade of experience in logistics and a broader career grounded in military service, healthcare administration, project management, and operational leadership. Her professional journey began in the military as a medic, followed by project management and government subcontracting work from 2005 to 2013. She joined UPS part time during peak season while also working in human resources and onboarding, and quickly advanced through positions in hub operations, yard control, dispatch, driver training, and on-road supervision. Her ability to build strong relationships, take initiative, and embrace new challenges helped her establish herself as a trusted leader within the organization.
Nixon's career at UPS has been distinguished by her commitment to safety, training, and employee development. After successfully completing the company's rigorous driver training school, she returned to Chicago as an instructor and became the first African American female Driver Training School (DTS) instructor for the company, more than 50 years after the program's inception. In her current leadership role, she trains, manages, and develops tractor-trailer drivers while ensuring compliance with UPS policies and applicable Department of Transportation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Her previous experience includes supervising large and diverse teams, managing dispatch operations, coordinating staffing and transportation needs, conducting safety training, and supporting complex operational initiatives. Her background also includes more than 13 years of healthcare administration experience, including nine years in supervisory positions.
Nixon holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Services Administration from Keiser University. She is also pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Liberty University, reflecting her continued commitment to professional growth and leadership development. She attributes her success to willpower, faith, and a determination to set a positive example for her three children. As a primary caregiver for her mother, Nixon draws additional strength from her sense of responsibility, compassion, and perseverance. Through her professional accomplishments, military background, commitment to education, and dedication to her family and community, she continues to exemplify resilience, leadership, and service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Devonia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willpower, faith, and determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges. My experiences from an early age taught me independence, resilience, and the importance of taking responsibility for myself and others. Today, I am motivated not only by my own goals but also by my desire to set a strong example for my three children. Caring for my mother, who has dementia, has further strengthened my compassion, patience, and sense of purpose. Through every experience, I have learned to remain grounded in my faith, persevere through adversity, and continue striving to become the best example I can be for my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to always have an answer when someone asks what I want to do or where I want to go. Having a clear vision and being prepared to articulate my goals has helped me remain focused, recognize opportunities, and communicate my direction with confidence. It has taught me the importance of knowing what I want while remaining open to the possibilities that can help me get there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is simple: don’t give up. You are here because you belong here just as much as anyone else. Believe in your abilities, trust your voice, and do not allow challenges or setbacks to make you question whether you deserve to be in the room. Stay confident, continue learning, and remember that your perspective and contributions have value.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the increasing diversity of the on-road supervisor role, with more women taking on these positions and bringing valuable perspectives and leadership skills to the industry. At the same time, leadership remains predominantly male-dominated, with only one female manager among approximately seven to eight managers. This creates an important opportunity to continue encouraging women to pursue leadership roles, develop their voices, and demonstrate that they have the experience and ability to lead at every level of the organization.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, self-discipline, determination, drive, and ambition. I believe in staying committed to my goals, maintaining the discipline to follow through, and continuing to push forward even when challenges arise. These values keep me focused, motivated, and determined to grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve the best possible results in everything I pursue.
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