Even with the massive shortage of truck drivers in this country, some job seekers still need a helping hand in building a career behind the wheel. For anyone seeking to enter the trucking industry, the first step is training for and acquiring a commercial driver’s license.

One businesswoman is making it her mission to help fill those empty seats by tapping into talent pools in underrepresented communities.

“I serve minorities because we have a hard time getting access to the things we need to expand and grow our business,” according to Teresa Watson, executive director, Minority Professional Truckers Association.

There’s more than 80,000 jobs going unfilled in the trucking industry and those jobs could be filled by individuals in underrepresented communities if they only had training, support, and access to capital.

WorkingNation sat down with Watson at the NASWA Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C.

Watson learned the trucking business from her late father and she has been a fleet owner for 18 years. She’s passionate about helping those starting out in the industry – perhaps starting their own trucking business – map out business plans and goals.

“I do what I do because I love to serve those who are in need. Any knowledge that I’ve gained over the years that I’ve been in business, I’m an open book. I share it with any and everybody who needs help.”

Learn more about the Minority Professional Truckers Association.