062425...R YOUTH CAREER 1....Liberty...06-24-25...Isabella Pauley, 10, of Liberty, drives a big-rig on a CDL driving simulator as instructor Jenny Fall of Findley, Ohio, keeps watch during AIM Career Day...by R. Michael Semple

GIRARD — A trucking company spotlighted career paths in the industry for local children, with a special focus on empowering young girls to explore opportunities in this field.

Aim Transportation Solutions hosted the event Tuesday at its Trumbull Avenue headquarters. It was organized in partnership with Women in Trucking, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting women in the field, and aimed to spark interest in trade-based careers through interactive experiences and educational displays.

The centerpiece of the event was a mobile trailer exhibit featuring safety videos, stories of women in trucking, career quizzes and a truck driving simulator.

“A lot of them are intimidated, and once they sit down, and if they do well, it’s like seeing them just lift a little bit,” said Jenny Fall, Director of Driver Engagement and Women in Trucking. “It gives them a better perspective about trucks on the road, and I’ve seen some girls decide, ‘Hey, I can do this.'”

The event, initially designed as a Girl Scout activity, expanded to include children of Aim employees and other local children between 8 and 10 years old.

Trisha Mossor, Business Development Manager at Aim, hopes events like this encourage more women in trucking.

“A lot of girls just aren’t exposed to it,” Mossor said. “The more we expose them, the more they know this is a viable option.”

With women making up less than 15% of the trucking workforce, according to industry data, the event highlighted the need for greater diversity.

Jessica Bochy-Deane, an Aim representative, noted the industry’s critical role in the nation’s supply chain.

“Everything we consume gets there on a truck,” she said. “There’s incredible pride in being part of that.”

Amanda Demartinis, Assistant Safety Director at Aim and a former truck driver, shared her journey from retail to earning her commercial driver’s license (CDL).

“I loved it,” she said, recalling scenic drives through vineyards and cities. Now in a safety role, she coaches drivers using AI-driven truck cameras to enhance accountability and safety.

Aim, a major employer with more than 1,000 workers nationwide and its headquarters in Girard, is actively hiring CDL drivers and diesel technicians.

Bochy-Deane talked about the stability of trade careers, noting that jobs like trucking are less likely to be disrupted by automation compared to other fields.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, offering hands-on experiences to demystify trucking and inspire the next generation.

“It’s really cool to see these kids have fun and learn,” Demartinis said, hopeful that the exposure would generate a greater understanding and interest in the industry.

For those interested in career opportunities, Aim encourages applications at jobs@aim.com.