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From technicians to fleet managers to engineers and more, women continue to make an impact on the fleet industry. Within the public sector, women have been breaking the mold and taking the lead within their workforce to bring fleets into the future.
This International Women's Day Government Fleet is highlighting articles that tell the stories of women in the fleet industry who are making a difference within their organization. Despite the challenges many have faced, these women have not only persevered but continued to make progress. Here are several stories of those female leaders in fleet.
Women in Public Fleet Management: The State of the Industry
Women in public fleet management face unique challenges — whether that’s establishing respect with vendors, getting buy-in with technical staff, or often being the only woman in the room. During GFX, four women in fleet discussed these topics.
![Jenoptik’s LPR systems incorporate the company’s proprietary optical character reader engine, which is enhanced by artificial intelligence. (Photo: jenoptik)[|CREDIT|]](https://assets.bobitstudios.com/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,c_limit,w_684/pm.jenoptik_vector-2_1759887324709_ecu9qy.jpg)
PepsiCo Nor Cal POD Fleet Manager Makela Owens, Agile Fleet Senior Client Success Manager Kathy Wellik, CAFM, Sara Burnam, MSL, CAFM, fleet management director for Palm Beach County, and Alison Kerstetter, the Fleet Manager for the city of Sacramento.
Empowering Women in Fleet with Diesel Mechanic Missy Albin
Missy “Diesel Girl” Albin discusses her unique path to becoming a diesel tech and shares her thoughts on the industry, how the industry is changing, and what fleets can do to be more inclusive for new workers.
Driving Change: Women Leading the Way in Fleet Management Careers
Dive into the experiences of two women in fleet management. From handling solid waste collections to tackling industry challenges, these trailblazers share their insights from the heart of Texas.
Solid Waste Department Deputy Director Josephine Valencia with a San Antonio refuse truck.
The Cultural Crossroads of Women in the Government Fleet Workforce
As public fleets look to target and recruit female drivers, they have an opportunity to change the narrative around who is fit for what job by understanding the barriers that create the imbalances in the first place.
Highlighting NYC DCAS' New Dep. Chief Fleet Management Officer
Tamika Johnson manages Fleet Acquisitions and Administration for the City fleet and oversees the division’s hiring and human capital efforts.
‘Stay Informed’ Fleet Manager Makela Owens on Building Connections, Industry Transitions
Fleet manager Makela Owens discusses the changes and challenges of the fleet industry as well as the motivation for being the fleet industry. Owens is now the Nor Cal POD fleet manager for PepsiCo.
Heavy Equipment Superintendent Naomi Puente Good Shield gets into a heavy-duty truck.
Managing Recruitment & Maintenance as a New Fleet Manager
Alison Kerstetter, fleet manager of the Sacramento, California, Department of Public Works, shares the latest updates on her fleet and how she started her career in fleet.
Sara Burnam, fleet management director for Palm Beach County, Florida, was named the 2023 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year.
Lessons Learned from 2023 Award Winner, Sara Burnam
Burnam, who was named the 2023 Fleet Manager of the Year, discusses her journey to the public sector, challenges in the industry, and plans for the fleet's future.
