As we close in on our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will continue to feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Kaori Tsukada!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: KAORI TSUKADA, SALES CONSULTANT, NICOLE GROUP (JAPAN)

“Once you are interested in something, don’t be afraid to try new things.”

What attracted you to the automotive industry? I was buying a car and wondered how I could make the experience more exciting. To do so, I first had to learn more about cars and how to serve customers at a dealership. So, I applied at a dealership and that’s how my automotive journey started.

What was your first job in the automotive industry? My first job was in the used car department. Initially, I welcomed customers and worked in sales administration.

What is your proudest professional achievement? My proudest achievement was receiving the “Personalization Performance of the Year” prize from Ferrari Japan this year. The prize is awarded to the sales consultant with the highest amount of individualization (options, tailor made) per vehicle in Japan.

What motivates you every morning? Personally, I’m motivated to be more active by playing sports and hitting the gym. And professionally, being able to measure my own performance across various KPIs is my motivation. With that, challenging past performances, striving for overachievement is another continuous driver of my motivation.

How have you overcome challenges in your career? By striving to become an industry expert.  To learn as much as a can about our brand of vehicles and to develop my own style of sales techniques.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women? A decade ago, when applying for a job in automotive, it was mostly male dominated. Today, it is still a mostly male dominated industry in Japan, but the opportunity for new female team members is continuously increasing.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry? Once you are interested in something, Don’t be afraid to try new things.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy muscle training at the gym, visiting cafes and meeting up with my friends.

As we close in on our Women in the Driver’s Seat series we will continue to feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Priscila Fix!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: PRISCILA FIX, SALES MANAGER, CENTRAL FLORIDA TOYOTA.

“Your Destiny Is Determined By Your Decisions!”

What attracted you to the automotive industry? The high earnings potential, a path to fulfilling my dreams and the ability to grow professionally and set myself apart in the industry.

What was your first job in the automotive industry? My first job in the automotive industry was as a sales rep for new vehicles at a Toyota dealership in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What part of your job do you find most satisfying? The most satisfying part of my job is leading others and helping them to achieve their goals and dreams.

What motivates you every morning? Bringing my best self to work, my positive energy and being able to provide for my family.

How have you overcome challenges in your career? With resilience and patience.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?  I have seen the automotive industry provide more leadership opportunities to women, whom I believe can be more sensible and bring at the same time strength, determination, and dedication.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry? Give your best, the sky is the limit and never forget to have fun.

What hobbies do you enjoy? Lifting weights, going to the beach, horse riding, boating and being with my family.

Throughout the next month our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Yamile Woods!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER:YAMILE WOODS, GENERAL SALES MANAGER FOR ROUND ROCK HONDA.

“YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT; DON’T BE SCARED TO DRIVE!”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

I have always loved cars. At 16 years old I was changing the oil in my ‘98 Isuzu Trooper.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

I helped manage a custom body shop in Houston, Texas.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

I am very proud of the balance I have found – it’s not easy. I have a team to make proud and to influence, and little eyes watching my every move at home. So, being able to get to where I am today and working to become the best version of myself while raising a family.

What motivates you every morning?

My family, my team, and seeing positive results. I love to win!  I am very competitive.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

It’s easy to get discouraged by individual events or actions, or even personal performance. I am hard on myself sometimes, but I focus on the business and the people. By keeping the big picture in mind, that usually grounds me and gives me the motivation I need to overcome whatever I am going through.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

Women have definitely made not only an entrance but a positive impact within the industry. The automotive industry is a people business, and we have a great ability to cultivate, lead and influence people. There are a lot more female leaders in the organization and more female technicians – it’s truly inspiring.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Do it! Stop thinking about it and just go for it. Give it all you got, be honest, work hard and watch: this industry will change your life! You will find a version of you that you didn’t even know existed.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love to work out (weight lift), and I love to be outdoors with my family.  I’m also love a chill night at home, watching movies with my husband and kids. I have an 8-year-old daughter named Eileen and a 7-year-old boy named Dalton.  I have been married to my husband for 12 years; we were high school sweethearts, we have been together for 15 years.

 

 

 

 

Last week, Penske Automotive Group celebrated their second annual Women’s Wellness Week at their headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

This year’s theme, “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” aimed to uplift the women in the office and encourage them on their individual journeys. Participants attended a series of activities and workshops focused on health, nutrition, fitness, as well as personal and professional growth.

Below are highlights from some of the featured activities and workshops.

The week began with an Auto Maintenance Workshop, presented by BMW of Bloomfield Hills.  The team learned about the importance of basic vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, and how to check tire pressure and fluids, and how to use jumper cables.

 

A Charcuterie Board Demonstration was presented by a local specialty market, Plum Market. The attendees enjoyed an interactive demonstration, including how to properly plate and arrange their very own charcuterie boards.

 

Creativity flowed with a mini vision board activity, where attendees assembled vision boards to keep at their desk or take home for inspiration.

 

The week wrapped with a team walk through Johnson’s Nature Center, a local nature preserve.

 

During the closing events, Tracy Cassady, EVP of Marketing, was the keynote speaker for the Leadership Discussion. Tracy discussed her career journey with PAG, shared details from her mini vision board and took questions from the audience.

 

Attendees enjoyed strolling desserts, a charcuterie table, and a gift basket drawing.

 

Women’s Wellness Week has also been celebrated in other regions throughout Penske Automotive Group with the purpose to encourage, inspire and collectively bring women together in the office.

We look forward to sharing highlights on the success of these initiatives for years to come.

 

Throughout the next month our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Jenna Thompson!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: JENNA THOMPSON, SERVICE MANAGER FOR PENSKE HONDA

 “LEAD BY EXAMPLE”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

I originally applied for a receptionist position, but on the second interview was offered a spot in the service department.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Quick Service Supervisor.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Being promoted to Service Manager.

What motivates you every morning?

Knowing that I get to manage the best service department in the area, and face new challenges with my awesome team.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

By working hard and putting in extra time to make sure everything gets done.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

I may be the exception, but I have always worked with other females throughout the dealership. I am very proud of all the women working in a predominantly male industry.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Be open to it, there are truly endless opportunities.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Spending time with family and friends, home improvement projects, and traveling to new places.

 

Throughout the next few months our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Rebecca Ravida!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: REBECCA RAVIDA, FINANCE MANAGER AT AUDI BEDFORD.

“Actions speak louder than words”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

It was uncharted territory for me. I had little knowledge of the auto industry and was looking for something to challenge myself. I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Sales Consultant/ Audi Brand specialist

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My transition from Sales to Finance. Within my first year of being on the sales floor I knew that the Finance Department was the next step for me. After training, I was able to excel in the position and become a top performer in our market.

What motivates you every morning?

My daughter is my motivation. My husband Anthony and I think it is very important that she has an example of a strong female leader in her life. Growing up, I watched my mom and dad work very hard every day to support our family. They instilled a strong work ethic in me. Anthony and I want to do the same for our daughter.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

I take each challenge day by day. With the amazing team here at Audi Bedford there is no challenge we can’t overcome.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

Over the last seven years I have seen a changing of the guard, so to speak. A lot of people have retired, and the industry has ushered in a new era of professionals. With the auto industry becoming more digitized and the e-commerce era really starting to take off, there is a massive opportunity for women who are savvy with technology and attention to detail/personal touch to thrive as leaders. It can be intimidating to be the only female on a team, but it is also empowering. Embrace it. Know that you can be very successful if you are willing to work hard.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

You should go for it! There are a lot of great opportunities here for women to thrive under the Penske umbrella. I am grateful that I now work for a company that provides an environment that women can thrive in. Penske Automotive is very encouraging of women leaders and is taking action to transform the automotive industry to be more diverse.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my family. We like to go on walks and take our daughter to the park in our spare time. I also enjoy trying new restaurants with my husband and friends.

Throughout the next few months our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Giovanna Marago!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: GIOVANNA MARAGO, BMW BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGER /  COMPLIANCE OFFICER. 

“Don’t worry about failing. Be worried if you don’t try it.”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

First, I have always been strongly attracted by environments that are predominantly male and in Italy, the automotive industry was, and still is, one of those industries. It’s always been challenging and very stimulating for me to step into an organization where often females are not as present. Besides, I always have had a soft spot for luxury cars, especially for the BMW brand and at the end of my studies in Milan I had the opportunity to get connected with BMW Italy. It has been a dream come true.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Back-office dealer training at BMW Italy.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

To be successful in gaining, in a short time, the trust and respect of my colleagues wherever I have worked.

What motivates you every morning?

The possibility to improve my know-how and to always learn something new as well as the possibility to be helpful for many of my colleagues in managing their daily business.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

By focusing on teamwork, not comparing myself with my colleagues, and trying to always keep a positive environment. Besides when you face a professional challenge it’s important to see the challenge as an opportunity and not as an obstacle. That’s what I have always done.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

In recent years, women have increased their presence in the automotive industry and it’s clear that they positively contribute to changing an industry where the gender gap is still wide, especially in management roles, and an industry that is still typically managed with a male perspective. Diversity is a precious resource within a company and female enhancement contributes to the competitiveness and success of the organization; female knowledge, creativeness and soft skills can really add value within every working group.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Don’t be afraid to choose challenging routes that are almost always considered exclusive for men. All you need is a healthy dose of humbleness followed by courage and stubbornness.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I really like traveling everywhere, sea destinations are my favorite. I also love to relax by taking a walk through the hills with my partner. Last but not the least reading and playing sports make me feel really good.

Throughout the next few months our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Amy DiJenno!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: AMY DIJENNO, AREA CONTROLLER, CARSHOP.

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known” 

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

It was really an accident. I had graduated from college and needed to find a job. I saw a sales position available at a dealership not far from my house and applied. I thought that I would be able to use my people skills and help make a difference for customers as they made the big decision of purchasing a vehicle. I fell in love with the pace and the people, and never looked back.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

I started as a delivery coordinator/sales assistant.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Being promoted to the area controller position.

What motivates you every morning?

Every day is a new day, a fresh start, a new opportunity.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

By staying positive and trusting the timing of my life. It is hard sometimes to see the positive side when in the middle of a challenge but often hindsight shows us that everything works out exactly as it should.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

When I started there were very few women in the company, and they were mostly in the administrative positions. I’m proud to say I have been here to see us hire and promote female associates and managers in all departments. We have more women working across the company than ever before.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Go for it! It is an amazing business to work in and there are so many opportunities available if you put yourself out there.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love being outside, working in the garden, going for a walk, or run, or reading a book on the porch.