Highlighting Women in the Fleet Industry

This International Women's Day Government Fleet is highlighting stories about the achievements and contributions of women in their various fleet roles.

Nichole Osinski・Executive Editor

Read Nichole's Posts

March 8, 2024

Highlighting Women in the Fleet Industry — From technicians and mentors to fleet managers and industry leaders, women in fleet are doing it all.
Photo: Government Fleet

2 min to read

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

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

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

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

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.

Topics:Women Drivers Women in Fleet fleet managers women in transportation Operations

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

A GovCast Fro the Show Floor graphic with tim coxwell.

Operations•July 6, 2026

Why Public Fleet Success Depends on More Than the Vehicles | From the Show Floor with Tim Coxwell

Fleet decisions rarely stay inside the garage. From funding pressure to emissions planning, Tim Coxwell explains what it takes to keep a sheriff’s office fleet moving while planning for what comes next.

an horse drawn ambulance and modern ambulance with an American flag overlay and the words Americas Fleet Evolution

Operations•by Jeanny Abraham•July 2, 2026

How Government Fleets Helped Build America

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this look back explores how government fleets evolved from horse-drawn wagons to specialized vehicles that keep communities running today.

A graphic for the Government Fleet cheat sheet.

Operations•July 2, 2026

Fleet History, Long-Term Maintenance, and Fleet Needs | GovCast Cheat Sheet

Public fleet work has changed dramatically, but the core responsibility remains the same: keeping communities moving.

A youtube graphic for the government fleet dispatch.

Recognizing Progress, Leadership in Fleets | The June Dispatch

Catch up on the past month, whether you're interested in GFX news or Government Fleets' go-to articles for your operation.

Promotional graphic for a Utilimarc guide titled Beyond Utilization Rates: How Data-Driven Fleets Are Rethinking Vehicle Replacement, featuring a report cover with fleet vehicles, key benefits, and a call-to-action to download the guide.

Beyond Utilization Rates: Smarter Fleet Replacement Decisions

Vehicle replacement decisions affect every aspect of fleet performance, from operating costs to asset availability. This guide explores how fleet leaders use integrated data, benchmarking, and lifecycle analytics to determine the right fleet size and optimize replacement timing with greater confidence.