At PDA, we are a non-profit organization devoted to providing comprehensive support to individuals in need. Our mission centers on research and innovative solutions to help new immigrants and underserved communities navigate and overcome the challenges they face as they strive for a better life.

 

 Our Mission

​

Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and become active, engaged members of society. We strive to foster a culture of equality and inclusion in all that we do, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.

​

Current Research Topics

​

Topic 1: Addressing Systemic Challenges in the Trucking Industry

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders—disproportionately immigrants and minority workers—face compounding barriers that threaten their health, financial stability, and professional mobility. Our research investigates these challenges and develops evidence-based solutions to promote driver welfare and industry equity.

 

• Health and Safety Disparities

  • Research Focus: Quantifying the impact of long-haul driving on physical/mental health (e.g., sleep deprivation, chronic stress, metabolic disorders).

  • Innovation: Pilot interventions for remote mental health support and ergonomic cab designs.

  • Outputs: TruckTalk Pro App.

• Policy and Economic Inequities

  • Research Focus: Analyzing how state-level CDL regulations and wage structures disproportionately affect marginalized drivers.

  • Advocacy: Policy briefs urging standardized training/fair pay (cited in USDOT 2025 hearings).

  • Outputs: NY CDL Permit - ABC App (Apple Store)

• Community Building and Support Systems

  • Research Focus: Addressing isolation through digital peer networks and multilingual resource hubs.

  • Tools Developed: " National survey dataset on newly CDL driver wages. (Partner with J&S Reliance Driving School)

 

  PDA is committed to promoting justice, dignity, and holistic support for CDL drivers. Through targeted programs and partnerships, we aim to enhance their well-being and address the systemic issues they face.

 

Topic 2: Comparative Legal Frameworks for Immigrant Driver Protections

This research examines how different jurisdictions regulate immigrant commercial drivers’ rights, with a focus on identifying gaps and proposing actionable legal solutions.

 

• Goal: Analyzing Cross-Border Labor Laws to Strengthen Advocacy and Policy Reform.

• Methods: Comparative case studies of CDL licensing, wage laws, and workplace protections across U.S. states, Chinese, and India.

• Partners/Funders: J&S Reliance Driving School.

• Recent Output: Multilingual "Know Your Rights" guides for drivers. 

 

See Our Work: More

​

  Our Commitment

​

  At PDA, we believe in the potential of individuals and communities to create meaningful change. Our programs are designed to unlock that potential and build stronger, more resilient support networks. By collaborating with other organizations and non-profits, we amplify our impact and help shape a brighter, more equitable future.

 

 

  Our Services

​

  PDA offers a wide range of services to empower individuals and foster lasting change:

• Educational Opportunities: Access to learning programs that build knowledge and skills.

• Skills Training: Workforce development to enhance employability.

• Legal Aid: Assistance with legal issues to protect individual rights.

• Resource Access: Guidance to access essential services and tools.

• Healthcare Solutions: Advocacy and support for improved health and well-being.

• Psychological Counseling: Services to address mental health challenges.

• Community-Building Programs: Initiatives that foster connection and inclusivity.