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Women are no strangers to breaking barriers and sparking change. The automotive industry is just one example of how the professional strides of women in male-dominated fields continue to make a tremendous impact on the world.
What does this mean specifically for Toyota? Simply put, it creates an environment where innovative ideas, diverse perspectives and unique outlooks help propel the automaker toward becoming a mobility company, with a commitment of providing happiness for all. In this era of profound transformation, it’s imperative to have forward-thinkers with different backgrounds and experiences to be the driving force behind the technical shift.
Are there more advances that need to be made? Certainly. Fully closing the gender gap within the automotive industry is a goal that won’t happen overnight, but exceptional progress has been made and will continue. Business Partnering Groups (BPGs), including Toyota’s Women Influencing & Impacting Toyota (WIIT), helps promote and inspire career development while encouraging equity. The goal is that when more women feel strong and confident in their roles, more young girls and teens will also feel empowered to pursue careers in the industry.
In honor of International Women’s Day, see below for a few of Toyota’s phenomenal female employees, sharing why they love working in the automotive industry.
To see more amazing responses from Toyota team members, click through the slideshows below.
Research & Development
Kristen Tabar
Group Vice President, Vehicle Development and Engineering,
Toyota Motor North America
I love to solve problems. The automotive industry gives me the unique opportunity to solve problems and create new things that are used by millions of people every day.
Amy Ryan
Fuel Cell Vehicle Department, Powertrain
Toyota Research & Development
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because it involves all the disciplines that I love – fashion, music, psychology, law, and of course, engineering.
Lauren Denomme
Fuel Cell Development, Powertrain
Toyota Research & Development
There are many different, fulfilling career paths within automotive. Sometimes all it takes is being willing to learn something new to discover dynamic and fun work!
Becky Ward
Vehicle Performance Development II, Engineering
Toyota Research & Development
Since the automotive industry is so vast and encompasses many different fields, there is always an opportunity to grow, learn new skills and be challenged.
Crystal Mink
Vehicle Performance Development, Engineering
Toyota Research & Development
You can ask questions that maybe no one knows the answer to while also giving you the opportunity to build collaborative relationships as you put pieces of the puzzle together.
Audrey Lama
Powertrain Design, Engineering
Toyota Research & Development
I love working in the automotive industry because I enjoy working with cars and the technology that makes even non-car enthusiasts appreciate what modern cars have to offer.
Lisa DiMaggio
Electrified Vehicle Control Department, Engineering
Toyota Research & Development
Nothing is more exciting than starting with an idea, developing the design and then seeing your system in vehicles on the road.
Sharay Lawson
Purchasing Supplier Development
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
The rich history in how transportation has and continues to transform people’s lives and the environment through mobility and electrification is what makes this industry enjoyable.
Manufacturing Operations
Kristen Woolums
Safety, Ergonomics
Toyota Kentucky
I enjoy the fast-paced environment of TMMK, as well as getting to impact our TMs and help them have the best process and experience possible.
Erica Haugen
Product Engineering Planning, Body
Toyota Motor North America
I enjoy seeing a design go from the digital screen to real-life application. Driving or seeing a vehicle I worked on driving on the road makes me proud.
Samantha Barber
Vehicle Planning & Engineering
Toyota Motor North America
Witnessing the whole process, from the design concepts to the cars rolling off the line, and then seeing customers posting on social media about their love for their vehicles, is like no other experience.
Michele Arenas
Production Control
Toyota Guanajuato
I love challenging the status quo and showing how women, not only contribute with knowledge and hard work; but we take it to the next level and ROCK the automotive industry!
Brenda Mitchell-Coleman
Quality, Engineering
Toyota Mississippi
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because I love the team atmosphere. Working for a company like Toyota gives me the opportunity to grow and develop people every day.
Crystal Norman
Accounting and Finance
Toyota Mississippi
Working at Toyota I’ve learned true teamwork, leadership and personal growth. Any area I limited myself in, this company has pushed me through the barrier.
Esperanza Lopez
Purchasing
Toyota Guanajuato
Working in the automotive industry fills me with challenges. It broadens my outlook and although it’s male-dominated, it helps me realize that I have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Fenella Smith
Human Resources, Team Member Relations & Investigations
Toyota Mississippi
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because it gives me an opportunity to learn, grow and develop.
Katy Carnes
Quality Engineering
Toyota Kentucky
Working at Toyota has solidified my belief that manufacturing can provide a supportive environment because it uses diversity and inclusion as a competitive advantage, not just a metric.
Logan Cates
Production, Body Weld
Toyota Mississippi
I want to share my experiences and the positive impact that I’ve had on other women to push them to be the best they can be, while also making them feel important and valued.
Donna Orf
Manufacturing Operations
Toyota Missouri
The automotive industry has given me diverse opportunities, all with one employer, while providing the support system to learn and grow.
Emily Lauder
Vice President, Administration
Toyota Mississippi
When I began my automotive career, I had no idea I would someday be the vice president of a vehicle manufacturing plant. Through strong mentorship and sponsorship, I am achieving my impossible.
Esther Mahinay Parker
Production, Body Weld
Toyota Texas
I love knowing that being a woman and working in this field shows that anyone with enough determination and willpower can achieve any goal that they set.
Jennifer Ann Moore
Production, Machining
Toyota Alabama
Working in the automotive industry has many benefits. Each department offers a wide variety of advancement opportunities, especially for women.
Kelly Penewit
Manufacturing Systems
Toyota Kentucky
Seeing the trucks roll down the interstate carrying our vehicles gives me a sense of pride. I’m truly grateful to be a part of the automotive industry, but even more so, Toyota.
Amanda Shannon
Indirect Procurement
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
No two days are exactly the same when working in the automotive industry. Watching the first vehicle roll off the assembly line, knowing I played an important role, is extremely rewarding.
Brandi N. Hosack
Production, Paint
Toyota Indiana
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because you see more and more women emerging into leadership roles and it is inspiring.
Caleisha Collins
Budget and Forecast
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
I love working in this industry because it provides endless opportunities for growth through promotion and education.
Chandra (Nicole) Ingler
Production
Toyota Indiana
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because of the many career opportunities, the financial stability, and the personal growth I’ve attained.
Ellen (P.) Conway
Human Resources
Toyota Indiana
The thing I love about working in the automotive industry is the evolving state it is in right now. Exciting things are in the future and I love being a part of it.
Erin (L.) Davis
Production, Paint
Toyota Indiana
Working in the automotive industry provides new relationships, learning interactions and personal development opportunities each day.
Farevesa Temple
Production, Paint
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
Not only have I built high-quality vehicles, but I have learned skills I never knew I had and have also had the opportunity to grow within the company.
Jennifer Clinkenbeard
Production
Toyota Indiana
Toyota offers women the same advancement opportunities as men. The work environment offers long term job security and great benefits.
Jennifer Rivara
Production, Paint
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
Helping others find what they are good at and supporting them to reach their goals is at the top of my list of reasons I enjoy working in the automotive industry.
Katherine Evans
Human Resources
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
I love working in automotive because of the opportunity to learn every day. My career in automotive has not only given me the chance to grow, but also the opportunity to coach others.
Lydia Irby
Human Resources
Toyota Kentucky
Change in the automotive industry means that every year, my job is different. What a wonderful time to be part of the drive toward mobility and connected technology.
Maura Smith
Production Assembly
Toyota Kentucky
In the automotive industry, I was drawn to the hands-on, challenging work where I could have a direct impact on how we produce quality products and bring smiles to customers' faces.
Stephanie (K.) Calhoun
Quality, Engineering
Toyota Indiana
Working in the automotive industry gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment, the opportunity to challenge myself, and provide a better life for my family.
Tracey Martin
Production
Toyota Manufacturing Canada
I enjoy working with my team members and facilitating their endeavors to achieve more. It brings me joy to help them realize their potential and be an ally in their growth and development.
Tressy Hart
Production Control
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
I love that this industry is never boring. Each day is a new challenge with a new set of opportunities for all.
Carla Wright
General Manager, Production Control & Administration
Toyota Texas
Working at TMMTX, I have the opportunity to engage with our local community and see the value of my personal contributions and the impact it has on our customers.
Edelmira Valenciana
Production, Stamping
Toyota Texas
As a skilled team member in the stamping department, I get to watch the transformation of sheets of metal turn into all kinds of parts for our Tundra. Being able to take part in the process brings me joy because I know that my input has helped build every single truck that leaves our line.
Jeanette Cable
Human Resources, Talent Development
Toyota Texas
I enjoy the opportunity the automotive industry provides not only throughout my career, but on an everyday basis. This develops my knowledge and skill, which allows me to pass it on for other future leaders’ development.
Leah Curry
President, Manufacturing Operations
Toyota Indiana
I enjoy working in the automotive industry because we get to work with leading edge technology and create a great customer experience that provides safe mobility to millions of people.
Luisa Espinosa
Production, Body Weld Engineering
Toyota Texas
What I love about the automotive industry is having the opportunity to work with different groups that make all this possible.
Nikki Tanzer
Engineer Operations, Environmental
Toyota Texas
Toyota allows me to believe that we can have a balance in protecting our planet, as well as being a successful company that respects people.
Paula Barnett
Production, Assembly Engineering
Toyota Indiana
I love the fast paced, ever-changing challenges that the automotive industry provides. I enjoy the pride that comes with seeing vehicles out on the roads and knowing the work and care that goes into each one.
Ava Ruppert
Production Engineering, Assembly
Toyota Motor North America
The automotive industry—specifically Toyota—has taught me the importance of diversity, networking, connecting, communication and authenticity.
Altramese Roberts-Tompkins
Environmental Sustainability, Engineering
Toyota Motor North America
In this industry, I enjoy the newness of every day, the people, the innovation, and knowing I am a part of something striving to make the world a better place.
Jenn Martin
Production Engineering
Toyota Kentucky
I enjoy developing genuine connections and building a strong network of talented individuals across Toyota who support and build each other up, while teaching each other things along the way.
Alison Freels
Production Engineering,
Strategic Planning & Communications
Toyota Kentucky
I have gone through several career lives, but my days with the production engineering team have given me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams.
Nausheen Siddiqui
Parts Supply Chain Planning, Business Technology
Toyota Motor North America
A future where every woman feels confident, reaches her potential and will not be judged by her beliefs and looks is possible by cultivating more leadership opportunities for women and the strength of sisterhood.
Libby Perego
Vehicle Planning & Engineering
Toyota Kentucky
I didn't grow up dreaming of designing cars; I dreamed about positively impacting people’s quality of life. Working at Toyota made me realize those two things could be the same dream.
Ryoko Watanabe
General Affairs and Human Resources, Business Planning
Toyota Mississippi
We are not only in this industry to make people mobile through our vehicles, but also through contributions to our communities through donations and partnerships.
Elizabeth Taylor
Quality Assurance
Toyota Mississippi
Automobiles are part of our everyday lives. It’s so rewarding to see a Toyota vehicle on the road and know that I’ve made a positive impact on the people in it.
April Girard
Human Resources, Corporate Services
Toyota Manufacturing Canada
The automotive industry has given me the keys to my future. It’s provided stable employment for 19 years and amazing opportunities and career growth.
Erin Nelson
Engineering
Toyota Missouri
Automobiles give us the personal freedom to go places. At Toyota, I get to support that freedom for others and foster STEM education for women within my community.
Corporate, Financial Services & Technology Support
Katy García
Project Planning Management
Toyota Motor North America
What I enjoy and value about working in the automotive industry is its fast-paced nature and how quickly change happens.
Diana Charbonneau
Internal Audit
Toyota Financial Services
Mobility is evolving and we get to be in the front seat. The future of the automotive industry is ready to be written and I have a pen in hand.
Justine Mehalic
Enterprise Strategy, Business Planning
Toyota Motor North America
What I love most about working in automotive? Taking back the narrative. Women can be the champion of our own stories.
Beth Comenat
Enterprise Transformation
Toyota Financial Services
Despite being a minority woman in a male-dominated industry, I have been free to explore the Toyota landscape in a variety of capacities which has made for a unique and diverse journey.
Laura Martinez
TFS Academy
Toyota Financial Services
Toyota cares about its people, our customers, and we put that care at the forefront of how we approach changing the traditional automotive landscape to deliver 'mobility for all.
Ana Escobar
Human Resources, Talent Development
Toyota Motor North America
Growing up, I always believed working in the automotive industry meant you worked on vehicles, got your hands dirty and knew the ins and outs of an engine. I was not aware that it was an industry with endless career possibilities and opportunities to acquire additional skills from different roles.
Originally published March 8, 2022
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