From technicians and mentors to fleet managers and industry leaders, women in fleet are doing it all. - Photo: Government Fleet

From technicians and mentors to fleet managers and industry leaders, women in fleet are doing it all. 

Photo: Government Fleet

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.

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.  
 -  Photo: Ross Stewart Photography

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. 

Photo: Ross Stewart Photography 

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.   -  Photo: City of San Antonio

Solid Waste Department Deputy Director Josephine Valencia with a San Antonio refuse truck. 

Photo: City of San Antonio

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.   -  Photo: City of San Antonio

Heavy Equipment Superintendent Naomi Puente Good Shield gets into a heavy-duty truck. 

Photo: City of San Antonio

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.   -  Photo: Palm Beach County

Sara Burnam, fleet management director for Palm Beach County, Florida, was named the 2023 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year. 

Photo: Palm Beach County

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.

About the author
Nichole Osinski

Nichole Osinski

Executive Editor

Nichole Osinski is the executive editor of Government Fleet magazine. She oversees editorial content for the magazine and the website, selects educational programming for GFX, and manages the brand's awards programs.

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