Ashley Leiva’s Journey to Trucking Success
Ashley Leiva always felt a calling to serve her country, inspired by the military experiences around her while growing up in Texas. At 18, she quickly enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school.
“My uncle was an Army veteran and retired merchant marine,” Leiva shared. “My mother encouraged it as well, urging me to leave my small town and pursue something greater. If I liked it, I could stay; if not, I’d at least gain new experiences.”
Her family’s history in trucking significantly influenced her decision to join the industry after retiring from military service in 2021. Leiva’s uncle was a driver for three decades, and her mother owned a trucking company, providing a natural path after her military departure.
Leiva has quickly established herself in the trucking world, recently earning the prestigious Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award at a ceremony hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. She prevailed against 11 finalists nationally, expressing her surprise at the achievement, stating, “When they announced my name, I was in disbelief.”
Each year, Kenworth collaborates with FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to honor the top rookie military veteran who successfully transitioned to the trucking industry. To qualify, veterans must have been hired for a trucking position between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022. Leiva was notably the first driver nominated by an educational institution associated with the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools.
Before embarking on her trucking career, Leiva served in major deployments, including Germany and Iraq, as well as various bases in the U.S. and Hawaii. Her roles included working in food service and serving as a drill sergeant. Leiva was also part of a team focused on engaging local women during her Iraq deployment, fostering vital connections and understanding amidst conflict.
Initially, Leiva planned to remain in the military longer, aiming to retire after 20 years, but her mother’s illness prompted a change. When her mother, Noemi, was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer, Leiva left the service to manage the family business. After her mother’s passing, Leiva and her brother renamed the company Noemi Trucking in tribute to their mother’s legacy. Leiva now aims to expand their operations and provide opportunities for others, reflecting on the life-changing impact her new career has had on her life and those around her.
