Entrepreneurship: A Driving Force!

Jameisha Shelton is another success story for GST MI Works! WIOA program. Jameisha was a young adult and single parent surviving on her meager wages, working diligently full-time as a Direct Care professional. She tried over the years to advance in business operations and complete the Business Management program at Baker College. However, because of her minimal earnings and the responsibility of caring for her young child, Jameisha was not able to finish the courses.

Jameisha came to GSTMW to inquire about short-term, high demand training that wouldn’t detain her by long classroom hours or take her away from her full-time employment; not to mention the cost of childcare she would have to come up with. After several meetings with her Career Coach, Danita Horcha, she concluded that she would pursue training in CDL-A Truck Driving. This wasn’t a natural choice, but it was the logical one for her. She came from a family that has several truck drivers who made careers out of this profession. She knew what it entailed, and that the financial reward was something she could raise her family on. Jameisha knew that if she completed training, she would start a business with her own truck one day.

The journey was hard, and Jameisha needed a helping hand to make it over the finish line. That’s where GST Michigan Works! was able to help her get out of the poverty many single parents face today. Not only was Jameisha’s tuition paid for by the WIOA grant, but she was also awarded support assistance that provided enough to get her to a successful completion. Jamiesha passed CDL-A training, obtained employment, and was awarded tools, including: a truck driver’s GPS, headphone set, winter gear, as well as vehicle repairs and mileage reimbursement.

Jamiesha started at the bottom, accepting employment with a landscaping company in the community. However, she didn’t stay there long. Jameisha worked hard, and her journey took her to exactly where she wanted to be – a business owner! Today, Jameisha is the owner of MT3 Logistics, she is making upwards of $5,000/week and continues to work hard.

Jamiesha graduated CDL-A training in November 2021 and by October 2022, she had started her own business, is a proud owner of her semi and has goals of buying many more. Now, Jameisha is giving back and accepts resumes of other newly graduated CDL-A drivers. Jameisha Shelton has self-determination that is second to none!