Every journey is different. Every story has the power to inspire.
One of the greatest strengths of the automotive industry isn’t found in the workshops, dealerships or offices – it’s found in the people behind them.
Over the past year, Auto Women has had the privilege of sharing the stories of incredible women from across the industry through our Behind the Wheel series. From business owners, technicians, leaders and motorsport professionals, each story has offered a unique perspective on what it means to build a career in automotive.
While every journey is different, there are common threads that connect them all: resilience, passion, determination and the willingness to support those coming next.
In this edition, we’ve brought together a collection of messages from our members – words of encouragement, lessons they’ve learnt and advice they’d share with other women, whether you’re just beginning your career or have spent decades in the industry.
We hope their stories remind you that you’re never alone on your journey, and that there is an incredible community of women ready to encourage, support and celebrate one another.
Messages from our Members
Abbey McDonald, Dragster Driver & Business Owner
“If you have talent and discipline, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re male or female. I don’t want to be known as a successful female driver. As a fast female driver. I want to be known as a successful driver. As a fast driver.”
Joanne Ciconte, F1 Academy Driver
“Motorsports is one of the only sports out there where gender doesn’t define talent, and the girls can be as strong and show their talent out on the track.”
Priscilla Robb, Head of Strategy & Customer Engagement, Penrite Oil
“Women can bring so much wealth with our skillsets into the industry, and I think that’s something that’s really recognised now.”
Carolyn Rimmer, Company Culture Coordinator, DMH Group
“Networking is the greatest tool you can ever learn in life. It is where you meet people, where you grow, and where you learn so much.”
Anne McClure, Owner, McClure Refinishing, Founder, Vesta Workwear
“If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say just take the chance. Just do it. Take those risks, because you’re never going to learn if you stay within your comfort zone. You need to push those boundaries to grow, and you never know what you might find and what you might enjoy doing.”