This International Women's Day Government Fleet is highlighting stories about the achievements and contributions of women in their various fleet roles.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The order, secured through Pierce dealer MacQueen, marks the department’s move from commercial chassis pumpers to Pierce custom fire apparatus designed to meet the operational demands of Minnesota’s largest city.
As public fleets navigate rapid change through AI, telematics, and increasing operational pressures, Larry Campbell believes the fundamentals of leadership matter more than ever. The longtime fleet leader reflects on accountability, integrity, and why earning trust remains the foundation of a successful fleet operation.
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Through the RoadFlex mobile app, drivers can access their assigned cards, view recent transaction activity, and upload receipts directly from their mobile devices.
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
The new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features.
At look at where to find good talent, what fleets are doing to incentivize those techs to stay within the fleet, and what promotion looks like for a technician within the public sector.
Samsara introduced three AI-powered public sector solutions focused on road condition monitoring, waste service verification, and student ridership management for government agencies and school districts.
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This whitepaper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
