Inaugural Summit · September 17, 2026

Partner with AAWTA.
Shape the Future Workforce.

A powerful one-day summit convening education, employers, workforce agencies, higher education, and community leaders to build the transportation, logistics, and supply chain workforce of tomorrow.

September 17, 2026·8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stone Mountain, GA
175+
Regional Leaders
8
Sectors Represented
1
Regional Movement
AAWTA Education & Industry Workforce Collaborative — Event Flyer
Building Pathways · Creating Opportunities
Countdown to Summit

The Workforce Summit Begins In

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 8:00 AM Eastern Time
10
Days
:
05
Hours
:
44
Minutes
:
25
Seconds
About the Collaborative

A regional convener for the future workforce.

AAWTA created the Education & Industry Workforce Collaborative because the region's workforce challenges cannot be solved by any single sector alone. Employers need talent. Educators need clear industry signals. Communities need access to careers with real economic mobility.

We convene the leaders who can move the system — and translate the conversation into commitments, hires, internships, and lasting pathways.

Our Mission

To advance education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and leadership across transportation, logistics, and supply chain — creating opportunity where it is most needed.

Our Vision

A region where every learner and worker has a clear, connected pathway from classroom to career to leadership — powered by aligned employers, educators, and community.

Long-Term Goals

Convene an annual regional collaborative that builds durable partnerships, seeds new career pathways, and produces a measurable increase in economic mobility year after year.

See the Vision

See the Vision Behind the Collaborative

See how AAWTA's Education & Industry Workforce Collaborative is bringing education, industry, workforce development, and community leaders together to build stronger career pathways, create opportunities, and prepare the next generation of talent.

Summit Overview

One Day. Every Sector. One Shared Goal.

Join leaders from education, transportation, logistics, supply chain, workforce development, government, and community organizations for an action-focused summit designed to strengthen career pathways, connect talent with opportunity, and turn collaboration into measurable progress.

Morning

Breakfast, opening keynote and two leadership panels.

Afternoon

Partner spotlight, lunch, breakout sessions and roundtables.

Closing

Keynote, exhibitor networking and optional VIP reception.

Full Agenda · September 17, 2026

A working day designed to move the workforce forward.

From opening keynote to closing commitments — every session is engineered to translate insight into action.

  1. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AMArrival

    Registration, Breakfast & Networking

  2. 9:00 AM – 9:30 AMOpening

    Welcome

    Official Host Johnique Taylor and Co-Host Nicole Ward, President of AAWTA

  3. 9:30 AM – 9:45 AMKeynote

    Opening Keynote

    Dr. Kim Estep, Western Governors University

  4. 9:45 AM – 10:00 AMRaffle

    Raffle Time — Prize Drawing #1

  5. 10:00 AM – 10:45 AMPanel

    Education & Industry Panel 1

  6. 10:45 AM – 11:00 AMBreak

    Break

  7. 11:00 AM – 11:45 AMPanel

    Workforce Development Panel 2

    Includes Blue Tiger USA Audience Giveaway

  8. 11:45 AM – 12:30 PMShowcase

    Partner & Program Spotlight

  9. 12:30 PM – 1:30 PMNetworking

    Networking Lunch

  10. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PMWorking Session

    Breakout Sessions

  11. 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMWorking Session

    Roundtables

  12. 3:00 PM – 3:10 PMRaffle

    Raffle Time — Prize Drawing #2

  13. 3:10 PM – 3:20 PMKeynote

    Closing Keynote

    Kristin Hall, BedRock Consulting Services

  14. 3:20 PM – 3:30 PMClosing

    Closing Remarks

  15. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PMNetworking

    Ballroom Open — Exhibitors

    Concurrent with the VIP Reception below

    Concurrent activity
  16. 3:30 PM – 5:00 PMReception

    Exclusive VIP Reception — Optional

    Concurrent with the Ballroom Open above

    Concurrent activity
Full agenda subject to minor refinements.

Session details, speakers, and breakout topics will be published as they are confirmed.

Speakers

Meet Our Speakers

Discover the leaders, educators, employers, innovators, and workforce professionals helping shape the future of trucking, transportation, logistics, and supply chain.

Nicole Ward

Founder & President · African American Women Trucking Assn.
"Removing Barriers. Creating Opportunity."
Panel 2: Workforce Development Panel
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Nicole Ward is the President and Co-Founder of the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing workforce development, education, and leadership opportunities in trucking, trans…

Johnique Taylor

Official Host of the Summit · Queen of Trucking LLC
Connecting the Workforce Ecosystem

Johnique Taylor is a Trucking Expert Mentor and Coach with 25+ years of experience in the Trucking Industry. She has a Wealth of Knowledge and Experience on all ends of the Trucking Industry as well as she is a former…

Kimberly K Estep

Regional Vice President V · Western Governors University
WGU's Partnership with AAWTA
Opening Keynote

Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, nonprofit online university offering flexible, competency-based education that helps students advance by demonstrating their skills and knowledge.

Malcolm Smith

CEO · National Dump Trucking Association
"Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Education Meets Industry"
Panel I : Education & Industry Panel
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

The National Dump Trucking Association (NDTA) is a national industry organization focused on strengthening the business, operational, compliance, and insurance readiness of dump truck companies and professional haulers.…

Justin Roberson

Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator · Decide DeKalb Development Authority
Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Education Meets Industry
Panel I: Education & Industry
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. EST

Decide DeKalb is a leading authority in economic development known for attracting and retaining regional, national, and international companies to DeKalb County. We are committed to helping businesses maximize their pote…

Jerry DeVivo

Enterprise Sales Manager · 160 Driving Academy
Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Education Meets Industry
Panel I: Education & Industry | Breakout Session | Round Table Facilitator_ Table 2
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | 1:30–2:30 PM |2:30–3:15 PM

We are a CDL Training and Driver Placement Provider with 90 CDL schools across 32 States. We train and graduate roughly 15000 CDL drivers annually.

Kim Claytor

Compliance Director/Sales Manager · FleetSafe Solutions
The Future of Managing FMCSA Compliance
Round Table Facilitator | Table 6
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

At FleetSafe Solutions, we do more than help you meet DOT requirements for fleets of buses and trucks —we become an extension of your team. Our experienced compliance professionals provide personalized service, proactive…

Nichole Tanner

Workforce Industry Professional
Opening the On-Ramp: Expanding Access to Logistics Careers as a Driver of Economic Development
Round Table Facilitator | Table No. 4
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Deportment of community supervision; state agency that supervises those on probation and payroll.

Yanta Haynes

Asst State Veteran JVSG Program Manager · Worksource Georgia
"Removing Barriers. Creating Opportunity."
Panel II: Workforce Development Panel
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

The Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (USDOL-VETS) and operated in Georgia through the Technical College System of Georgi…

Dr. Heathers Ross

Founder & CEO · Solutionists International Consulting
"Removing Barriers. Creating Opportunity."
Pannel II | Workforce Development Panel
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Solutionists International Consulting helps organizations develop the people responsible for their success. We work with emerging and established leaders to strengthen the clarity, leadership capacity, communication, and…

Dr Sheila Volante ·

Chief Strategist · CollectiveLogik
AI Change Management
Round Table Facilitator | Table 8
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

CollectiveLogik is a strategic change management and business consulting firm that helps organizations navigate complex challenges, align teams, and accelerate performance through people, process, purpose and technology…

Jessica Gates

Founder & Chief Executive Officer · Supply Line 360
Beyond the Truck: Building a Sustainable Transportation Business | Building Sustainable Workforce and Business Pipelines in Transportation
Break Out Session & Round Table Facilitator | Table 5
1:30–2:30 PM & 2:30–3:15 PM

Jessica A. Gates is the Founder and CEO of Supply Line 360, a workforce development and business strategy firm supporting transportation professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers. Jessica A. Gates is the Founder and CE…

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with AAWTA. Shape the future workforce.

Every sponsorship level fuels workforce development, education, and economic mobility in our region — and comes with founding-year recognition you won’t get twice.

Most Impact

Presenting Partner

$20,000
Exclusive

The signature investment. Named recognition across every touchpoint.

  • Founding Partner recognition
  • Premier logo placement (website, program, signage)
  • Opening remarks speaking opportunity
  • Premium exhibit booth
  • 10 complimentary registrations
  • VIP Leadership Reception access
  • Full-page ad in event program
  • Recognition at Power to Drive Change Gala

Workforce Champion

$10,000
2 available

A leadership seat for organizations shaping the future workforce.

  • Founding Partner recognition
  • Premium logo placement
  • Panel speaking opportunity
  • Premium exhibit booth
  • 8 complimentary registrations
  • VIP Leadership Reception access
  • Full-page ad in event program
  • Gala recognition

Innovation Partner

$5,000
4 available

Fuel new pathways in logistics, education, and workforce technology.

  • Founding Partner recognition
  • Prominent logo placement
  • Exhibit booth
  • 6 complimentary registrations
  • VIP Leadership Reception access
  • Half-page ad in event program
  • Post-event impact report recognition

Education Partner

$2,500
8 available

Invest directly in students, educators, and career pathways.

  • Founding Partner recognition
  • Standard logo placement
  • Exhibit table
  • 4 complimentary registrations
  • Quarter-page ad in event program
  • Social media & newsletter recognition

Community Partner

$1,000
Unlimited

Stand with community organizations driving local impact.

  • Founding Partner recognition
  • Standard logo placement
  • Shared exhibit table
  • 2 complimentary registrations
  • Name listing in event program
  • Social media & newsletter recognition

Interested in vendor booths or exhibits?

Reserve exhibit space and connect directly with regional leaders and attendees.

Exhibitor Directory

Meet the Organizations on the Exhibit Floor

Explore the companies, education providers, workforce organizations, technology innovators, and community partners participating in the Future Workforce Summit.

CDL LIFE | Official Media Partner
QR code

CDL LIFE | Official Media Partner

Digital Publication

CDL LIFE is a leading digital media platform connecting and informing the professional trucking community through industry news, driver-focused content, and powerful social media r…

Booth 001
African American Women Trucking Association "AAWTA"
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African American Women Trucking Association "AAWTA"

Trucking Association

African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA) | Event Host — A national nonprofit advancing workforce development, education, entrepreneurship, and career pathways across tru…

Booth 002
Georgia United Credit Union
QR code

Georgia United Credit Union

Financial Institution

Georgia United Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that has served Georgia since 1958. With more than 150,000 members, it offers innovative digital banking, full-s…

Booth 003
FleetSafe Solutions
QR code

FleetSafe Solutions

Compliance

At FleetSafe Solutions, we do more than help you meet DOT requirements for fleets of buses and trucks —we become an extension of your team. Our experienced compliance professionals…

Booth 004
Reserve Your Booth Today! (N/A) Exhibitor TBA
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (N/A) Exhibitor TBA

Exhibitor

Showcase your organization at the AAWTA Workforce Summit and connect directly with industry leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Your booth inc…

Booth 005
The National Dump Trucking Association
QR code

The National Dump Trucking Association

Trucking, Transportation & Infrastructure

The National Dump Trucking Association (NDTA) is a national industry organization focused on strengthening the business, operational, compliance, and insurance readiness of dump tr…

Booth 006
Supply Line 360
QR code

Supply Line 360

Transportation Business Services

Supply Line 360, a workforce development and business strategy firm supporting transportation professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers. Through staffing solutions, strategic con…

Booth 007
160 Driving Academy | Official Education Partner
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160 Driving Academy | Official Education Partner

CDL Driving Academy

A leading CDL training provider preparing aspiring professional drivers for trucking careers through hands-on training, industry-focused education, and career opportunities.

Booth 008
Western Governors University "WGU" | Official Education Partner
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Western Governors University "WGU" | Official Education Partner

Higher Education | Workforce Development | Online Education

Official "Behind the Desk" Education Partner — Western Governors University is an accredited, online university providing flexible, career-focused degree and certificate pathways d…

Booth 009
Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)

Exhibitor

Showcase your organization at the AAWTA Workforce Summit and connect directly with industry leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Your booth inc…

Booth 010
RueData AI
QR code

RueData AI

Transportation Technology (Transportation Tech)

RueData AI is a B2B predictive tire intelligence platform helping commercial fleets across the U.S. and Latin America reduce downtime, improve safety, and protect their CSA scores…

Booth 011
Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)

Exhibitor

Your booth includes: Designated exhibit space Table and chairs Admission for approved booth representatives Organization listing in the Workforce Command Center Opportunities to d…

Booth 0012
Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)

Exhibitor

Showcase your organization at the AAWTA Workforce Summit and connect directly with industry leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Your booth inc…

Booth 013
AT&T | Official Wireless Partner

AT&T | Official Wireless Partner

Telecommunications | Wireless Technology | Business Connectivity

AT&T provides wireless, connectivity, and technology solutions that help individuals and businesses stay connected, productive, and prepared for an increasingly digital workforce.

Booth 014
Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)

Your booth includes: Designated exhibit space Table and chairs Admission for approved booth representatives Organization listing in the Workforce Command Center Opportunities to d…

Booth 015
BedRock Consulting Services
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BedRock Consulting Services

Consulting

BedRock Consulting Services provides professional consulting and workforce development services focused on helping individuals and organizations overcome barriers to employment and…

Booth 016
Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! (25% off)

Exhibitor

Showcase your organization at the AAWTA Workforce Summit and connect directly with industry leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Your booth inc…

Booth 017
Functional Lifestyle
QR code

Functional Lifestyle

Health Wellness | Work source Soultions

The next generation of preventive care management for employee populations, built to solve the two problems every health program runs into: funding and engagement. Kimberly K Estep…

Booth 018
Reserve Your Booth Today!  _ (N/A) Exhibitor TBA
QR code

Reserve Your Booth Today! _ (N/A) Exhibitor TBA

Exhibitor

Showcase your organization at the AAWTA Workforce Summit and connect directly with industry leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Your booth inc…

Booth 019
Crunch Fitness
QR code

Crunch Fitness

Health Wellness | Fitness

Crunch Fitness is a rapidly growing gym franchise with 600+ locations across the United States! We meet everyone who walks through our doors where they are, and we offer everyone w…

Booth 020
Media & Press

Meet Our Approved Media

The outlets, journalists, producers, and creators approved to cover the AAWTA Building the Future Workforce Summit. Every profile below reflects an approved Media application — apply for credentials to be featured here.

CDLLife
CDLLife
Jeremy Ray · Marketing Manager
Digital PublicationPress Pass

Coverage of event via our digital and social. Photos, videos, highlights, etc.

Visit
Why This Matters

The workforce challenge is real. So is the opportunity.

Transportation, logistics, and supply chain drive our economy — and they face some of the sharpest workforce gaps in the country. The Collaborative exists to translate that reality into pathways, partnerships, and progress.

Transportation
80,000+

Truck driver shortage projected in the U.S. by 2030

Logistics
$1.6T

U.S. logistics market size — a growing engine of opportunity

Supply Chain
#1

Georgia’s supply chain infrastructure ranking

Workforce
1 in 12

U.S. workers employed in transportation or a related industry

Education
73%

Employers say career pathways are the top workforce priority

Economic Mobility
2x

Faster wage growth for workers on structured career pathways

Regional Impact
Metro Atlanta

A regional hub uniquely positioned to lead the conversation

The Workforce Journey

From classroom to leadership — one connected pathway.

Every stage matters. Our Collaborative aligns educators, employers, and community partners so no learner falls between the cracks — and every worker has a real path to leadership and economic mobility.

  1. 1

    Education

    K-12 & post-secondary preparation

  2. 2

    Training

    Skills & applied learning

  3. 3

    Industry Certifications

    Credentials that count

  4. 4

    Work-Based Learning

    Real environments, real tools

  5. 5

    Internships

    On-ramps into the industry

  6. 6

    Employment

    Stable, family-sustaining jobs

  7. 7

    Leadership

    From frontline to executive

  8. 8

    Economic Mobility

    Generational impact

Who Should Attend

The leaders who can move the system — all in one room.

Change happens when every sector is at the table. Here’s who we’re convening — hover any card to explore.

Volunteer Team

Meet Our 2026 Summit Volunteer Team

The dedicated volunteers making the AAWTA Building the Future Workforce Summit possible.

Dominique Ballard
Dominique Ballard
General Event Support
LL
Ladrena L Weddington-Stewart l
Hospitality
Lastacia Upshur
Lastacia Upshur
Registration and Check-In
Lilian Mwebia
Lilian Mwebia
General Event Support
Michelle Brown
Michelle Brown
Speaker Support
Frequently Asked

Answers, upfront.

Have another question? Reach our team directly — we respond quickly.

Venue & Hotels

Everything you need to plan your visit.

The Summit is hosted at Stone Ridge Event Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia. AAWTA has also secured a preferred Summit hotel rate at DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Northlake for attendees traveling to the event. Additional travel options, including hotels, flights, and rental cars, are available through our travel partner, Engine.

Venue
Stone Ridge Event Center

1750 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite A · Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Preferred Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Northlake

$119 Summit Rate · September 16–18, 2026 · Book by September 4

Parking
Complimentary on-site

Detailed parking map shared with confirmed registrants.

Directions
Stone Mountain, GA

Easily accessible from I-285, US-78 and Hwy-236 corridors.

Accessibility
Fully ADA accessible

Contact us for specific accommodation requests.

Hotel Block
Preferred $119 Rate

AAWTA attendees can reserve rooms through our official DoubleTree Summit hotel block through September 4, 2026, subject to availability.

Stone Ridge Event Center ballroom interior — Official venue of the 2026 AAWTA Workforce Summit
Official Venue
Stone Ridge Event Center — Official Home of the 2026 Workforce Summit
Preferred Summit Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Northlake

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Northlake exterior at dusk
Hotel Address
4156 LaVista Road
Atlanta, GA 30084
770-938-1026
Summit Rate
$119 / night
Event Dates
Sep 16–18, 2026
1 King Bed — Non-Smoking
Room type available for the Summit block
$119/nt
2 Queen Beds — Non-Smoking
Room type available for the Summit block
$119/nt
Reservation Deadline
Book by September 4, 2026
Approximately 7 miles · 15-minute drive to Summit venue
Additional Travel Options

Need flights, a rental car, or additional travel options?

AAWTA attendees can also search additional travel options through our partner Engine. When you book eligible travel through AAWTA's Engine partner link, your booking helps give back to support our education, workforce development, and career pathway initiatives.

Download Center

AAWTA Education & Industry Workforce Collaborative

Grab the flyer, the finalized agenda, the sponsorship prospectus, exhibitor and speaker guides, and share you're attending — everything you need in one place.

AAWTA Summit event flyer preview
PNG
Event Flyer

Official Summit Flyer

Official Summit flyer — perfect for sharing with your network.

PDF
Full Agenda

2026 Workforce Summit Agenda

View the updated September 17 program, including keynotes, panels, partner spotlights, breakout sessions, roundtables, exhibitor networking, and the VIP reception.

PDF
Corporate Sponsorship Guide

2026 Sponsorship & Investment Prospectus — Full Version

Explore AAWTA's complete 2026 sponsorship and investment opportunities, partnership benefits, brand visibility, workforce impact, exhibitor opportunities, and ways organizations can support the Building the Future Workforce initiative.

PDF
Exhibitor Guide

2026 Exhibitor Guide & Welcome Packet

Everything exhibitors need to prepare for Workforce Summit 2026, including event logistics, booth setup, arrival times, participation requirements, important deadlines, promotional opportunities, marketing resources, and event-day expectations.

PDF
Speaker, Panelist & Session Leader Guide

2026 Speaker, Panelist, Roundtable Facilitator & Breakout Session Guide

Your official preparation guide for participating as a speaker, panelist, moderator, roundtable facilitator, or breakout session leader at Workforce Summit 2026.

Canva
I’m Attending

I’m Attending Workforce Summit 2026 — Canva Template

Attending Workforce Summit 2026? Make it official! Customize our Canva graphic with your photo and share that you'll be joining us for this historic workforce experience.

External
Interactive Pitch Deck

Interactive Pitch Deck

Sponsorship tiers, benefits, and Founding Partner recognition — in an interactive Gamma deck.

JPG
AAWTA Logo

AAWTA Logo

For approved co-marketing use. Please email us for high-resolution assets.

September 17, 2026 · Stone Mountain, GA

Ready to Join Us?

Join transportation, logistics, workforce development, education, government, nonprofit, and industry leaders as we work together to build the future workforce.

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Get in Touch

Let’s build the workforce of the future — together.

Whether you’re exploring sponsorship, attendance, or partnership, our team is ready to talk. Book a meeting, send us an inquiry, or make a gift — every contribution moves the movement forward.

Support the Mission

The Power to Drive Change: Transforming Our Community for a Better Tomorrow!

AAWTA Office

African American Women Trucking Association

5269 Buford Highway
Doraville, GA 30340

Get directions
Phone
(770) 756-6768

Mon – Fri · 9am – 5pm ET

Email
Contact@aawta.org

Sponsorship, media & partnerships

On the Web
www.aawta.org

The African American Women Trucking Association