06.04.2021, 11:50
From Sisters to Small Entrepreneurs
Amazon is sharing the stories of four dynamic women who are leading middle and last mile logistics teams serving its U.S. delivery stations.
Ebony McKinley
When asked what inspired her to leave her corporate job and start a small trucking business, Ebony McKinley credits her mother. McKinley, who runs Arizona-based Seven Strong Trucking, recollects accompanying her mother to work as a child and watching her confidently lead sales meetings in a room full of men.
“My mom was bold with an entrepreneurial spirit, and that made me comfortable joining an industry that I might not have without her,” she says.
Named for McKinley’s family of seven (which includes her husband, four children and the family dog), Seven Strong Trucking has grown from two to 40 employees since partnering with Amazon in 2020.
McKinley and her business-partner husband say they regard employees as members of an extended family, and pride themselves on creating a safe space to work and a loving environment with unwavering support.
She admits starting her own business presented a daunting challenge but also says her fellow entrepreneurs provide supportive advice, and adds: “You’d be surprised once you get started how doors will open for you. But you have to take a chance on yourself and take that first step.”
Jacqueline Nelson
Jacqueline Nelson who owns NW Premiere Logistics has been serving on the front lines her entire adult life. The Air Force veteran spent 30 years as a nurse in and around Detroit before “retiring” to her latest career as a small business owner.
At 67, the grandmother now supports last mile deliveries at Amazon’s delivery station in Pontiac, Michigan. Nelson—or Miss Jackie, as she’s called by most of her employees—has dreams of creating a family legacy through her business, which is an Amazon Delivery Service Partner.
Her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and six grandchildren are among those working with her to deliver packages to Amazon customers seven days a week. They’ve been doing so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We wanted to do something together, that would grow and become a legacy for our family, while working with young people,” explains Nelson. “My husband and I have been essential employees our whole lives, but through the pandemic, I’ve learned the real meaning of that.”
Shemere and Shemia Jones
Identical twins and process assistants Shemere and Shemia Jones have built their careers working together at Amazon’s Atlanta delivery station.
The sisters simultaneously received degrees in counseling and therapy. They also joined the workforce together. They credit their ability to seamlessly work together for their growth and success. But their primary goals are to maintain positive attitudes and inspire their teammates to do and be their best.
Shemia says., “As sisters and teammates, we share one common goal and that’s to connect with others and set them up for success”.
Shemere adds, “We’ve grown in the company by showing our leaders who we are”.
Learn more about job opportunities at Amazon and how the company is inspiring women to lead and empower its teams and those at partner organizations.
