After incarceration, Nicole “BP” made a promise to herself: build a better future. With determination and support from American Indian OIC, she earned her Class A CDL and is now driving toward bigger opportunities for herself and her family.
At 44 years old, Nicole — known as BP — is confidently driving toward the future she envisioned for herself.
After being incarcerated, BP made a decision: she was going to build a stable, successful life for herself and her family. She earned her Class B Commercial Driver’s License and spent the next five years working and gaining experience in the trucking industry. But she knew she was capable of more.
“I wanted my Class A,” she says. “That’s where the bigger opportunities are.”
For BP, earning her Class A CDL wasn’t just about driving larger trucks — it was about expanding her opportunities, increasing her earning potential, and proving to herself that there were no limits to what she could achieve.
A friend told her about American Indian OIC, and she attended an information session ready to take the next step. From day one, she felt supported. The process was clear and structured. She was connected with a career counselor, guided through each requirement, and supported with transportation assistance so she could stay focused on her goal.
Most importantly, American Indian OIC paid the full amount of her Class A CDL training, removing the financial barrier that had previously kept her from advancing.
“They believed in me,” BP says. “They told me what to do, and everything happened just like they said.”
In just two months, she earned her Class A CDL. Shortly after graduating, she secured a job in the trucking industry and stepped into a new level of confidence and independence.
Now, when people see her step out of a full-size semi-truck, they’re often surprised.
“I love that,” she says with a smile. “I can do anything.”
As a mother of five and a proud grandmother, BP is building more than a career , she’s building a legacy. She wants her children and granddaughter to see what determination looks like. She wants them to know that growth is always possible.
Her long-term goal is to become an owner-operator and purchase her own truck.
“When I get my own rig,” she says, “I’ll never forget who helped me get there.”
For BP, American Indian OIC wasn’t just training. It was an investment in her potential and today, she’s driving that investment forward every single day.
After losing her son, Christine turned her grief into advocacy and worked to create change for others. With support from American Indian OIC, she rebuilt her confidence, found meaningful work, and continues to make a difference by helping others through difficult times.
This month, we proudly celebrate Dr. Joe Hobot, President and CEO of American Indian OIC, as he marks 20 years of dedicated service to our organization and community. From his beginnings as a classroom teacher to leading AIOIC’s continued growth, Joe has helped expand educational opportunities, strengthen our organization, and advance our mission of serving the urban Indigenous community.
Kyla’s journey is shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for helping others. As a Youth Career Counselor at American Indian OIC, she is dedicated to empowering participants and connecting them with opportunities to achieve their goals.
