The Women In Trucking Association has announced Ashley Leiva as its March 2023 Member of the Month. Leiva is the co-owner of Noemi Trucking in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Shortly after graduating high school, Leiva enlisted in the Army. During her 15 years in the military, she was a Sergeant First Class, E7 and worked as a Culinary Management NCO, hauling equipment, food, and personnel to training and danger areas. She trained in many parts of the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, as well as serving two tours in Iraq.

Leiva’s mother, who has been her lifelong inspiration, was a professional driver for more than 20 years. After her passing in February 2021, Leiva took a leap of faith, taking over her trucking company, formerly Leiva Trucking, with her brother, Johnny Leiva, and obtained her CDL to continue her mother’s legacy of hauling crude oil. Leiva and her brother have co-owned what is now Noemi Trucking, named in honor of their mother, for two years.

“The unique part of my job is not everyone can do what we do,” said Leiva. “Hauling crude oil is definitely a tough job and it requires a lot of training and knowledge of your truck and trailer.”

Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17 percent of its members are men who support the mission.

“As women, we are taught at a young age to be nurtures, but times have changed,” said Leiva. “We are strong, smart, adaptive, and intuitive. My daughter just turned six and I hope one day I make her as proud as I am to be my mother’s daughter. My mom always told me to take the job that no one wants, and you will always be on top of the list to get the call first!”