A and G Freight Logistics, co-founded by Paulina Almazan, is a trucking company inspired by a call to service. Witnessing the widespread shortage of essential goods like food, medicine and equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Almazan was motivated to create a business that would play a vital role in keeping the nation moving. “We knew that we could set a higher standard in the trucking industry by embracing the values of hard work and resilience,” she reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the company’s mission to go beyond just logistics to making a difference in the community.
Almazan’s path to becoming a business owner was far from easy. Originally aspiring to become a nurse, her life took a different turn as she was compelled to support her family in the Philippines from a young age. Facing intense financial pressures, she worked tirelessly, taking on any job she could find. Almazan even experienced periods of homelessness in San Francisco, and these struggles profoundly shaped her approach to business. “I’ve seen the hardest of times,” she recalls, noting that these experiences instilled an unshakable determination and a deep empathy for those facing adversity. While entering the male-dominated trucking industry was daunting, Almazan drew strength from her desire to serve others, seeing her role in logistics as a way of fulfilling her caregiving aspirations by ensuring essential goods reached those in need.
A and G Freight Logistics is proof of Almazan’s resilience and a beacon of hope for others who have faced similar struggles. “We want to show them that dedication and perseverance can lead to success, no matter the challenges,” she says. Almazan is committed to setting a new standard in the industry, emphasizing the importance of community service and the significant role of freight logistics in daily life. Despite the uncertainties in the trucking market and the broader economic landscape, Almazan remains steadfast in her vision of making a positive impact.
Almazan’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination within the transgender business community, demonstrating the powerful outcomes that can be achieved with proper support and resources. Her success is a reminder that marginalized individuals can overcome even the most daunting obstacles with the right opportunities. Looking ahead, Almazan hopes to expand A and G Freight Logistics further, seeking support to acquire the equipment necessary to scale her operations, manage costs more effectively and extend her reach to more communities in need.
Almazan’s journey captures the essence of community and strength, reflecting the transformative impact of programs like San Francisco’s Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program—a four-month initiative offering free training, resources and funding to transgender and non-binary business owners. The program provides invaluable support through webinars, mentorship and seed grants, empowering entrepreneurs like Almazan to realize their visions. By uplifting marginalized entrepreneurs, the program helps them transform their dreams into reality—proving that with the proper support, anything is possible. Almazan’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of community-driven initiatives and the incredible potential of individuals when given the chance to succeed.
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This article was originally published on diversitycomm.net.