International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion
At OpenRoad Group, we believe in the power of possibilities of a limitless future. On International Women’s Day, we applaud the strength, intelligence, and creativity of our female colleagues, acknowledging their role in driving progress and innovation in the workplace. Today, we recommit ourselves to advancing diversity and empowering our team to reach for their goals and flourish in an open, safe, and inclusive environment.
We spoke with five amazing team members about International Women’s Day, and its 2024 theme, #InspireInclusion.
Anke Minty
Fixed Operations Manager, OpenRoad Lexus Richmond
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
I am the fixed operations manager for OpenRoad Lexus Richmond. I’ve been in the automotive industry for more than 40 years.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
I had just graduated from high school and was enrolled in Kwantlen College and was just looking for a job in Richmond. While taking a bus to Richmond from South Delta, I ran into a friend. She had just been promoted at her work, from part-time receptionist at Richmond Toyota to the business office. She recommended I apply for her former job, and I was hired on the spot.
I worked part-time as a receptionist in the service department and business office for about a year or so. Later on, Al Rensen promoted me to full-time service receptionist. As the business grew, I kept moving with it – from service advisor to assistant service manager.
About a year after Lexus, I was asked to help set-up Lexus the same way as Toyota and never looked back.
What progress do you think has been made within the automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
I have been lucky and have always felt equal to all associates, despite their gender. I feel a lot of women may not consider the auto business as a career early on. However, we’re all in the “customer relations” business and it just happens to involve cars.
I have always had the support and encouragement from management during my entire career and have enjoyed working with so many people. I love to support them and encourage them to branch out to go for it!
Karen Mok
Product Developer, OpenRoad Group
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
I’m a Product Developer at OpenRoad Group, and I’ve been with the company for two years.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
My journey into the automotive industry began with a fascination for cars. Joining OpenRoad allowed me to blend my passion for development with my interest in the dynamic automotive sector.
What progress do you think has been made within the automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
The automotive industry has seen advancements in gender equality, with increasing recognition of the importance of diversity. To “inspire inclusion” further, initiatives like mentorship programs and celebrating women’s achievements are crucial for fostering diversity and inclusivity.
What is one thing that’s fun about working here in the automotive industry and/or here at OpenRoad?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of working in the automotive industry, particularly at OpenRoad, is the opportunity to witness and contribute to the convergence of technology and mobility. Developing innovative solutions that streamline processes is fulfilling. Moreover, being part of a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration fosters a vibrant work environment, making every day engaging and rewarding.
Shea Studler (she/her)
ESG Manager, OpenRoad Group
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
I am the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Manager for OpenRoad Group, as well as the Manager of our philanthropic arm, OpenRoad Foundation. Both areas are firmly anchored in social responsibility, with the common goal of advancing constructive social change in the communities where we live and work.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
With my ESG experience, I was fortunate to land my dream position in the automotive industry. My role at OpenRoad Group brought together all of my passions, which include serving the community, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sustainability. Our team is driven to create positive changes in the automotive sector and explore opportunities to build sustainable and innovative solutions to some of the biggest problems our planet is facing today.
What progress do you think has been made within the automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
The most significant aspect of our DEI journey has been to continue to encourage a sense of inclusiveness and belonging amongst our Associates. As well, we ensure to extend those same concepts to our customers and the broader community. In terms of gender equality, I believe great strides have been made at OpenRoad with many women in a range of roles, with increasing opportunities ahead. I feel inspired by the powerful women that I have the privilege of working with every day.
What is one thing that’s fun about working here in the automotive industry and/or here at OpenRoad?
The automobile industry is always evolving, with new and exciting opportunities on the horizon. Our ESG initiatives and commitments at OpenRoad are fueled by highly innovative projects that we have the opportunity to work on. Most recently, we have explored nature-based solutions and are working on building a community apiary program at our BMW Langley location.
Der Xiong
Service Advisor, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Seattle
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
I am an Automotive Service Advisor for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Seattle. I’ve been with OpenRoad for 6 months, but have been in the automotive industry for about 8 years.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
I’ve been a big fan of the automotive import world since I was a little girl. I’m the youngest of 6 kids, and 4 of my siblings are brothers. I grew up reading Import Tuner Magazine, playing racing console games, collecting hot wheels, and much more. After graduating high school, I saw my local Nissan dealership was hiring for porters and just genuinely wanted to drive the Z’s and GTRs that came rolling through. I remembered the Service Manager looking at me and asking, “Are you sure you just want to drive cars around?” I then worked from being a porter to a greeter, an express advisor, an internal sales advisor, BDC, photographer, and a main shop advisor.
What progress do you think has been made within the automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
The automotive industry has been a male-dominated field for a very long time. Aside from our Reception Associate and Admin Office Associates, I was the only female employee within the sales and service departments. Truthfully, it was intimidating. But after a short 8+ years of working for the auto industry, I’ve seen the industry evolve. We now have female advisors, technicians, salespeople, and of course, females in management positions. It’s amazing to see the confidence in women to push past that uncomfortableness and press onwards. If I can give any sort of advice, it’d be to believe and have confidence in the capabilities you know you have. You got this!
What is one thing that’s fun about working here in the automotive industry and/or here at OpenRoad?
The automotive Industry can be quite fun! There are so many things you can learn about when it comes to the brand, vehicles, and people. I have met many colleagues and customers who eventually became good friends of mine.
Jessica Limoanco
Creative Strategist, OpenRoad Group
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
I work as a Creative Strategist for OpenRoad and will be reaching four years as of August this year.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
My journey in the automotive industry started from my now fiance’s interest in cars and auto sports. We have both been participating in autocross and track for almost 11 years. Although I am mostly a spectator, it has allowed me to network with people within car groups and clubs. It came with no surprise that many of the passionate individuals whom I’ve met over years have worked or still work at OpenRoad.
What the progress do you think has been made within automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
Although this industry is known to be lacking in gender equality, it is amazing to see how resilient and hardworking the women are in this industry. I have seen more women taking on leadership roles, from female engineers, mechanics, to entrepreneurs. My role as creative strategist allows me to visually represent the dealers and brands I work with. With my role at OpenRoad, I can communicate and bring people together, especially those who are new to the world of automotive.
What is one thing that’s fun about working here in the automotive industry and/or here at OpenRoad?
The automotive industry is constantly changing and evolving. I believe a lot of the changes and evolution in the industry was created by women in the industry. It has been exciting to watch and be a small part in that change. This industry has taken me to so many places and connected me to various people who have helped (and continue to help) me with my career. Some of those connections have brought me to work at OpenRoad. What has been enjoying at OpenRoad is the constant challenges, support, and connections I have built over the years. I can say from working at the company for almost four years, I have made long lasting friendships that transcends outside the workplace.
Evelyn Zhang
Product Advisor, OpenRoad Toyota Peace Arch
What is your role at OpenRoad, and how long have you been with the company (or automotive industry)?
My name is Evelyn. I am a product advisor at Open Road Peace Arch Toyota and have been with the company for five years. Before working with this company, I have been with the industry since 2011, working with other dealerships, such as in sales for Acura and Audi.
Tell us about your journey that led you into the automotive industry.
The way I got into the automotive industry isn’t anything spectacular. I was purchasing a car and the product advisor who was selling me the car told me would be a great for the role due to my personality and character traits. I gave it a shot, and the rest is history.
What the progress do you think has been made within automotive industry concerning gender equality, and what are some things you think can #InspireInclusion?
Although there are very few women in this industry, they have always been respected. In my experience, women may not always be as familiar or interested in cars as men, but the most important thing for sales is the trust of customers. I hope more and more women will enter the industry. It’s lots of fun!
What is one thing that’s fun about working here in the automotive industry and/or here at OpenRoad?
It is hard to point out one fun thing. Working with OpenRoad, I can think of many things, but if I had to choose, it would be working alongside a great team of coworkers and seeing the smiles of my guests’ face when they see their new car.
