How Female Mentors are Shaping the Next Generation of Automotive Leaders
Sally Lopez
Owner / Partner, OWL Automotive Consulting
In an industry driven by horsepower, the most powerful force for change isn’t found under the hood – it’s found in the connections between ambitious professionals and the mentors who champion their success. For women in automotive, these relationships aren’t just valuable – they’re revolutionary. Through the inspiring journey of Sally Lopez, Owner and Partner at OWL Automotive Consulting, we discover how mentorship is transforming the industry landscape, one relationship at a time.
From Nervous Newcomer to Industry Leader
At just 19 years old, Sally Lopez walked up to what she thought would be a traditional dealership – only to find a construction site and a temporary trailer office. Nervous and unsure, she almost let fear get the best of her. But in that moment, a woman changed everything.
“A woman—who I later learned was the CFO—noticed my anxiety and did something unexpected. She walked up to me and said, ‘Sally, follow me. Let’s get you a glass of water—you look like you’re about to faint!'” Sally recalls. “Her simple act of kindness turned a nerve-wracking moment into the start of something incredible.”
That woman became Sally’s first mentor, guiding her as she blazed a trail from sales receptionist to back-office operations, mastering payroll and, ultimately, conquering the controller position.
Breaking Through Traditional Boundaries with Bold Vision
“Without strong female mentors, who knows how many of us would be where we are today?” Sally reflects. “Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about showing someone that they belong and that their dreams are valid.”
The Ripple Effect: Creating Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Today, Sally isn’t just thriving – she’s transforming the future for women in automotive careers. Her mentorship approach revolves around three powerful principles:
- Think Without Walls “There is always a way to make things happen, no is not an option,” Sally shares – advice that completely shifted her mindset and leadership style. Now, she empowers her team to push past limitations and engineer creative solutions.
- Create Flexible Paths Women in automotive leadership shouldn’t have to choose between career growth and personal priorities. Sally champions work environments where talent thrives without sacrificing balance, proving that success doesn’t require conforming to traditional industry expectations.
- Foster Authentic Connections “Real mentorship isn’t about formal meetings – it’s about building relationships where both people feel empowered to be genuine and vulnerable,” Sally explains. “That is where true transformation happens.”
🚀 Quick Action Guide: Starting Your Mentorship Journey
- Identify 3 professionals who careers inspire you
- Reach out for casual coffee chat
- Join industry groups like WIA
- Attend industry events where potential mentors gather
- Share your own experiences to help others
Success Stories: When Potential Meets Opportunity
Mentorship isn’t just about advice—it’s about creating opportunities. Sally has helped countless professionals discover their strengths and unlock new career paths.
One standout story? A professional who launched her career in an administrative role with no prior automotive experience. With Sally’s guidance, she fearlessly explored different territories—from procurement to IT—before becoming a client success leader.
Another inspiring case? A talented leader destined for a general manager position but hesitant about traditional industry expectations. Through mentorship, she engineered a leadership path honoring her ambitions and personal values.
“We showed her that success doesn’t have to look like it always has,” Sally explains. “Sometimes, it means designing a new blueprint altogether.”
Navigating Common Mentorship Challenges
Even the strongest mentorship relationships face obstacles. Here’s your roadmap to success:
- Challenge: Unclear expectations.
Solution: Create a mentorship agreement outlining goals, meeting frequency, and communication preferences. - Challenge: Time management
Solution: Schedule regular check-ins, even if brief, and use technology for quick updates. - Challenge: Imposter syndrome
Solution: Share stories of overcoming similar doubts and celebrate small wins consistently. - Challenge: Different communication styles
Solution: Establish preferred communication methods early and adjust as needed. - Challenge: Career plateau
Solution: Regularly reassess goals and explore new growth opportunities together.
Building a Revolution of Support
Whether you’re in sales, service, F&I, or operations, there’s a mentor out there who’s walked your path and is ready to help light the way. For organizations looking to cultivate mentorship opportunities, Sally offers these game-changing strategies:
- Look beyond traditional roles to discover hidden talent.
- Create organic networking opportunities for women to connect
- Implement shadowing programs that expose professionals to new possibilities.
- Champion mentorship as a company value, not just a program.
- Foster an inclusive leadership culture that invests in mentorship.
Driving Change Forward
“This industry thrives on innovation,” Sally notes. “And nothing drives innovation like diverse perspectives and experiences. When we support and elevate each other, we’re not just building careers – we’re engineering the future of automotive.”
Your Turn to Take the Wheel
Ready to be part of the transformation? The future of women in automotive leadership isn’t just being shaped—it’s being revolutionized. And it starts with professionals like you.
Looking to grow your career or mentor the next generation of female automotive leaders?
Join Women In Automotive (WIA) today for resources, networking, and mentorship opportunities designed to help you thrive in this industry.