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This International Women’s Day, the Women Automotive Network brought together industry leaders, Employee Resource Group (ERG) champions, and aspiring professionals to celebrate progress and drive meaningful change. In alignment with the 2025 global theme, #AccelerateAction, the event focused on tangible steps to advance women in the automotive industry through insightful discussions, shared experiences, and actionable takeaways.
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The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote interview featuring Mayra Gonzalez, Divisional Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Nissan Europe. Hosted by Geralyn Gaines, Mayra shared her remarkable journey from selling cars at a dealership to becoming the first female CEO in Mexico’s automotive industry.
A defining moment in her career was when she realised that success wasn’t just about reaching leadership positions but about opening doors for others.
“I don’t want my legacy to be measured by how many cars I sold but by how many leaders I supported and how many doors I opened for women”
Key Leadership Lessons from Mayra Gonzalez:
Take the Elevator: “When the elevator opens, step in. If you don’t, someone else will.”
Define Your Own Success: “Never let society define what success should look like for you.”
Diversity Drives Innovation: “The best talent comes from different backgrounds—age, gender, and experience don’t matter as long as you bring value.”
Resilience is Key: “The higher you climb, the more challenges you face. Stay the course, build confidence, and never stop learning.”
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The panel discussion on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) brought valuable insights from Oxana Grishina (Hyundai Motor UK), Esil Mertoglu (Adient), and Sophia Glandor (Robert Bosch France). Moderated by Berveleen Mashonga, the discussion highlighted how ERGs act as catalysts for workplace transformation, supporting career growth and gender equity.
Best Practices for ERGs:
Start Small, Think Big: ERGs don’t need to be formal initiatives from the start. Many of the most impactful groups began with passionate employees coming together to drive change.
Secure Executive Sponsorship: Having senior leadership support ensures that ERGs have visibility, resources, and influence.
Foster Community & Belonging: Beyond professional development, ERGs create safe spaces where employees can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
Measure Impact: Companies that integrate ERGs into their DEI strategies see tangible improvements in employee satisfaction, retention, and workplace culture.
Mentorship: Building Bridges for the Next Generation
A key highlight of the discussion was the importance of mentorship, both formal and informal. Oxana Grishina, named Mentor of the Year at Women Automotive Network, emphasised that mentorship is not a one-way street.
“I have learned as much from my mentees as they have from me”
Sophia Glandor highlighted Bosch’s structured mentorship programs, which have successfully matched hundreds of mentees with mentors across various regions.
Esil Mertoglu reinforced the idea, stating...
“We are all lifelong mentees”
Ways to Support Women in Automotive
The event also emphasised allyship, with audience members asking how men can better support women in the industry. Panellists suggested:
Actively Sponsor Women: Advocate for women in leadership discussions and ensure they have access to growth opportunities.
Challenge Biases: Be aware of unconscious biases and actively work to break stereotypes.
Create Inclusive Spaces: Encourage diverse voices at the table and listen to different perspectives.
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As the event concluded, the key message was clear: the automotive industry is evolving, but sustained effort is needed to accelerate progress for women. Mayra Gonzalez’s words resonated deeply: “Dreams come true when you work towards them. Success is personal—define it on your own terms and go after it fearlessly.”
The Women Automotive Network continues to lead the charge in fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered automotive industry. Whether through mentorship, ERGs, or leadership initiatives, each of us has a role to play in driving change.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the movement. Be part of the change.
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Our mission is to provide a platform for accelerating diversity discussion and inspiring change. Whilst offering unparalleled networking opportunities and support to achieve your best! Join our 40,000+ Network and get involved in our events, leadership interview series, mentorship program, job opportunities and much more.
For all enquiries, get in touch here
Women Automotive Network Homepage: www.womenautomotivenetwork.com
2025 Events Schedule: https://womenautomotivenetwork.com/pages/events
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This International Women’s Day, the Women Automotive Network brought together...
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