Seize the Wheel: Empowering Women in Transportation

At Geotab, we were thrilled to partner with NAFA for the 100 Best Fleets series to support the “Women of the 100 Best Fleets” webinar that launched recently, sharing the unique journeys and powerful stories of women in various stages of their career in the transportation industry. But why is it so crucial to involve more women in the transportation industry? Let's explore.

Evolution of the Industry

The transportation industry has seen significant changes over the years, and our interviewees have witnessed these transformations firsthand: “More organizations are investing in women in fleet, the demographic is changing but gender diversification is changing as well so that’s refreshing in terms of different perspectives,” shared Sabina Martin, Vice President Product Management at Geotab.

Breaking into Fleet Management

Breaking into a non-traditional field is not without its challenges. Many of our interviewees faced the daunting reality of being the only woman in the room. However, these challenges were often seen as opportunities to prove their capabilities and stand out.

“At the beginning of my career, there were many rooms where I was the only woman in the room or the only woman in a room that was also presenting or on a panel,” said Megan Allen. Trisha Ramlogan, Program Manager at Geotab added that “it’s been really nice seeing the industry grow, and having women in positions of management.”

Looking to the Future

Our interviewees have a clear vision for the future of fleet management. They see a future where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, with innovations such as electric vehicles and advanced telematics leading the way. This is enabled by the sense of teamwork and community that women in the industry have helped to build.

“In my time, I’ve seen a lot more women take leadership roles and join the team which is great to see. Especially in solutions engineering, it's definitely a male-dominated department and industry, so it’s great to have more women join the team and create a sense of community,” said Claire Baker-Sharp, Solutions Engineer at Geotab.

Personal Connections and Advice

On a more personal note, the inspiration and rewards of working in this industry are deeply felt by the interviewees. For many, there is the opportunity to learn and grow in their roles in fleet management. “It really inspires me that women can be management, they can be upper level,” shared Trisha Ramlogan.

The highlights shared are a small part of the powerful narratives that highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the transportation industry. We hope this video inspires every woman who watches it to feel moved, inspired, and powerful—capable of achieving anything in their chosen careers.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire a new generation of women to seize the wheel and drive change in the transportation industry.

-Lori Olson, Signature Advisor for Data-Driven Decision Making at Geotab