2026 Participant Biographies

Alishia Jolean Cole (Ali/AJ) is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in transportation and mechanical expertise. Over the course of her career, she has accumulated more than two years of experience as a CDL-A licensed truck driver, thirteen years as a school bus driver with a CDL-B license, and twenty-one years as a diesel mechanic in public transportation — a field in which she continues to serve today.

On a personal level, Ali has been happily married for over thirty-seven years to her wife, whose love, understanding, and support have been a cornerstone of her life, including throughout her gender transition over the past five years.

Outside of her professional life, Ali has a passion for good food, meaningful conversation, and classic cars — a hobby that reflects the same appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to detail that she brings to her work every day.