Every Thursday for the next few months, we will feature a new female leader from around the globe, highlighting their career achievements, biggest influences, and the advice they would give to other young women considering a career in the automotive industry.
Meet This Week’s Leader: Yvette Rivera, East Region Payroll Controller
“Work hard, learn everything you can about the job/industry you want to pursue a career in. Never say ‘It’s not my job’. Do it, learn It. The more you know, the more valuable you become.”
First Automotive Job: Data Entry Clerk in the Accounting Office
PAG Tenure: 42 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry? I started in a temporary, summer position after graduating high school which turned into a full-time position.
Most satisfying part of your job: At the end of the day, knowing that I have always given my best to complete all my responsibilities. Ensuring all employees are paid in a timely and accurate manner, being able to mentor my team and assisting management with finding new ways to perform our jobs more efficiently and implementing new processes.
Proudest professional achievement: Helping others to excel in their careers.
Who was the biggest influence in your career? The two most important have been my mom, who instilled a great work ethic in myself and my sisters, and Lee Bobowicz, my first manager and one of very few female managers at the time. She took me under her wing, trained me and provided me with opportunities to work in every area of the business.
Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women? When I started working in the industry, it was a different world. Women mainly held the accounting (clerical) positions while men held other departments and management positions. Today, women hold many key management positions in the corporate offices and dealerships.
How do you spend your free time? I spend most of my free time with my grandchildren and I devote a lot of time to assisting my husband who is the senior pastor of a church.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I see myself dedicating more time to develop and mentor my team to prepare the next generation of leaders in our department.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the automotive industry? My advice would be to ‘Go for it!’ It’s a fast-paced, ever changing and, at times, challenging but extremely rewarding career.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received? Work hard, learn everything you can about the job/industry you want to pursue a career in. Never say ‘it’s not my job’, do it, learn it. The more you know, the more valuable you become.
