Student Success Story: Ms. Tavia Ball

September 15, 2021

Seeking a fresh start, Ms. Tavia Ball moved from Tampa, FL, to Atlanta, GA, in 2018 in order to be closer to her young children.  After working in a warehouse, Ms. Ball found a desire to get into the trucking industry, developing an interest in starting her own transportation company.  She felt she needed to alter her current course and decided that now was the time to make a change for the better in her life and the lives of her three children.

While working a number of jobs to make ends meet, Ms. Ball was introduced to the Atlanta Urban League and its large support system.  The Urban League introduced her to the Industrial and Transportation Technologies Division here at Atlanta Technical College (ATC) and paid for her coursework, licenses, and books while she pursued her education.

Ms. Ball feels that Atlanta Technical College prepared her not just for her current role but also for all the work she will eventually need to do to further her career.  “I was the only one on graduation day to get my license out of a class of 8 people.  Atlanta Tech more than prepared me; I went on the road with trucks, did hands-on training courses, and much more that got me ready.  Your situation does not dictate your future, and Atlanta Tech helped me get to this point.”

When asked what advice she would give to other young women seeking to enter this field, Ms. Ball kept her advice simple: “Never give up.  Stay focused.  Always keep your mind focused despite the obstacles.  I knew I had to succeed for myself and my kids.”

Ms. Ball will begin her next step working in the dispatching and logistics department for Saia transportation company, where her starting salary will be over $70,000.  “They saw my determination and work ethic, and with my education and resume, I knew I was a strong candidate.”

Tavia Ball
Tavia Ball recent photo
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