The Evolving Landscape of Women in Automotive and Manufacturing

Much has changed since the women of Gen X, like me, entered the workforce.

Following in the footsteps of the Boomer Generation that paved the way for women to hold positions outside of the traditional support roles, Gen X women branched out to pursue degrees in business, engineering and computer science. Today we see many more women in leadership roles than we did in the 1990s, when there was a tacit understanding that women could rise to the executive level, but usually, we could occupy just one seat at the table.

Today, more than ever, women who put their careers on hold to raise families want to rejoin the workforce. In light of the current labor shortage, the resume gap is no longer viewed by employers as a red flag or barrier to employment. This opens doors that were previously closed to women reentering the workforce. Some may prefer a part-time role, and others may be ready to jump in with both feet. Both options benefit companies seeking talented individuals who can immediately bring value to an organization. I was fortunate to have a woman CEO provide an opportunity to return to the workforce after pausing my career to focus on raising my small children. She recognized the experience I could immediately bring to the table and didn’t see the gap in my resume as a negative. I believe there is a lot of untapped potential in women that want to return to the workforce, and we should support their boomerang career aspirations.

There is a lot of untapped potential in women that want to return to the workforce, and we should support their boomerang career aspirations.

Melissa Floyd

When I began my career 25 years ago, women were in the minority in the manufacturing and automotive industry.

During meetings, I was often the only woman in the room. That dynamic has dramatically changed, with increasing numbers of women pursuing careers in the automotive and manufacturing industry. Team structures are changing today, and more experienced and qualified women are rising to leadership positions.
In my experience, women may not readily recognize that the skills and competencies we have demonstrated in one role can be transferable to other areas of the business. However, a good manager or leader will see potential in individuals regardless of their gender, race or ethnicity. Throughout my career, I have been given opportunities to take on tough projects and to fix pain points in areas of the business where I didn’t think I had the experience and skills to be successful. I embraced the challenges, and as a result, I have found that solving problems and bringing innovation to processes are some of my most valuable strengths. My advice to women in any field of business is to take on challenges when they come your way. Even when you doubt yourself, have the confidence and trust that you have what it takes to be successful. 

Even when you doubt yourself, have the confidence and trust that you have what it takes to be successful.

Jully Sieglaff

Take part in shaping the future of female leaders

Women in Auto Care

One way to continue the advancement of women in our industry is to join and support the Women in Auto Care community! This community of the Auto Care Association is is dedicated to its mission of connecting, empowering and mentoring women within the auto care industry. Women in Auto Care provides opportunities, education and career leadership to women in the auto care industry through conferences, networking, scholarships, education, data, awards and more. Learn more