Think You Don’t Belong in Automotive?

These Women Prove You Absolutely Do.

The automtoive industry can feel intimidating, especially for women wondering it they’ll find their place in a traditionally male-dominated field. But the truth is, women are thriving in every corner of the industry – from sales floors to finance offices – breaking barriers and proving there’s no limit to what’s possible.

Did you know that women make up just 24% of the automotive workforce? While progress is happening, stories like Stephanie’s and Crissy’s show how women are reshaping the industry and creating space for others to follow.

We recently spoke with two inspiring women in automotive – Stephanie Cooney-Mann, General Manager at UAP Inc., and Crissy Burton, Sales and Special Finance Manager at Hubler Chevrolet. Their stories are proof that passion, resilience, and community can turn doubts into confidence and challenges into success. Where you’re new to the field or considering taking the leap, they’re here to remind you: You absolutely belong in automotive.

From Passion to Profession: Why They Chose Automotive

Have you ever wondered if your love for cars could translate into a career? That’s exactly what happened for Stephanie and Crissy, though their love journeys into the industry couldn’t be more different.

For Stephanie, the connection was clear from the beginning. Growing up, she was passionate about cars – whether it was driving, customizing, or learning about them. “Naturally, I wanted to tie my love of automotive to my career,” she says. “Starting in marketing, Stephanie transitioned into sales and leadership roles, where she found her niche. “It’s all about building relationships and finding creative solutions,” she explains.

Crissy’s path was less conventional but equally inspiring. After struggling with credit challenges during her own car-buying experience, she knew she wanted to help others overcome similar obstacles. “I created a referral system with my salesperson, and three months later, he hired me,” Crissy recalls. Starting as a BDC assistant, she quickly moved into sales, earning her nickname “The Car Fairy” for her ability to solve complex problems for her customers.

Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Breaking into the automotive industry can feel daunting, especially for women entering a traditionally male-dominated space. Stephanie and Crissy don’t sugarcoat the challenges – but they’ve developed strategies to thrive.

Stephanie, like many others, has encountered skepticism simply because of her gender. “There’s a mentality that this is a man’s industry,” she says. Her advice? Preparation is key. “Always be informed about the industry, products, and programs. When you show up prepared you prove you belong. And remember – it’s their bias, not your ability.”

"You deserve to be in that chair" - Stephanie

Crissy, too, has faced resistance from male colleagues and a lack of support. “At times I felt like I worked alone due to lack of support from sales teams and management,” she admits. But instead of backing down, she built her business from scratch, generating her own leads and earning a reputation as someone who delivers results. Her resilience is a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off.

Seeing Progress: How the Industry is Evolving.

Here’s the good news: The automotive industry is changing, and women are a growing force within it. Stephanie and Crissy have both seen progress during their careers, though there’s still work to be done.

“When I first started, I was often the only woman in the room,” Stephanie remembers. “But now I’m seeing more women in leadership roles, closing major deals, and making their mark. It’s inspiring to see that change in action.”

“Customers are more likely to trust female salespeople, and that’s playing a big role in dealership success.” – Crissy

Wondering If Automotive is Right for You?

If you’re new to the automotive industry—or unsure if you belong—remember this: many skills are transferable. Strong communication, problem-solving, creativity, and customer service experience are all assets. Whether you’re coming from a different field or starting fresh, the key is being open to learning and growth.

What Does It Take to Succeed?

If you’re considering a career in automotive, here’s Stephanie and Crissy’s advice:

Confidence Is Key: “Be bold, be brave, and own your space,” Stephanie advises.
Never Stop Learning: “Prioritize growth,” Stephanie adds. “Whether it’s a podcast, a course, or reading up on industry trends, make time to keep learning – it sets you apart.”
Leverage Social Media: Crissy highlights the power of platforms like TikTok and Instagram for building your brand and connecting with customers.
Find a Mentor: Both women emphasize mentorship as a game-changer. “A mentor helps you push past your limits and realize your potential,” Chrissy shares.

“You bring value to the table, so don’t doubt yourself.” – Stephanie

Building a Supportive Network

Success in any industry doesn’t happen alone. Stephanie and Crissy both stress the importance of mentorship and networking in advancing your career.

Stephanie offers practical advice: “Build real relationships. Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating – remember personal details about people, like their birthdays or interests. It shows you care and makes networking more natural.

Crissy adds, “Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be formal. Reach out to someone you admire in the industry – maybe a manager or a connection on LinkedIn – and ask them for a quick chat. Most people love sharing their stories.”

“Women supporting women is how we continue to break barriers and create lasting change.” – Stephanie

The Road Ahead

Stephanie and Crissy have shown that success in automotive isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold – it’s about creating your own. The future of the automotive industry is bright, thanks to women who are proving they belong at every level, from entry-level roles to leadership.

What’s holding you back? Join Women In Automotive today to connect with mentors, grow your network, and start your career journey. Together, we’ll break barriers and create lasting change.

Let’s make it happen!

Think You Don’t Belong in Automotive?

These Women Prove You Absolutely Do.

Stephanie Cooney-Mann

Crissy Burton