Black Women in the Automotive Industry

What's not to love about the automotive industry? Beautiful designs, luxury, and of course...an everyday need: transportation. I love to attend the auto show to check out the latest innovations, the artistry, and the creative concepts. Since the late 90's, I've walked the Metro Toronto Convention Centre floors annually to take a look at "what's new" and "what's hot" on the car scene. I've even purchased a specific car model that I first lay eyes on at the show, and always appreciate the opportunity to get the up-close look at the interior and variations as well.

I enjoy attending the event, even moreso now that I can participate in the Media Day, and share perspectives such as these. Beyond my lens as an amateur car enthusiast, I still walk away from each event wondering: where are all the Black folks in this industry? There was definitely diversity evident yesterday: I noticed a good amount of Asian, South Asian, and Caucasian folks present. Not many of "us." Mainly white men, overall, however. Yes, it was a specific event on a specific day, during a specific window of time (during a quick, dramatic snow dump in the city), but I imagine that this sample was reflective of the industry-at-large. And yes...I always do a racial head count--it's automatic, in most spaces. On most days.

Black women: 4. Including me.

Having sat in rooms with industry executives and journalists (through a fantastic grad school internship with Automotive News in Detroit), I realized that "we" were few and far between in certain segments of the automotive world.

Pictured Here: Yolanda Biswah, Senior vice-president, general manager, Canadian Black Book (via Auto News Canada)

Auto News is also home to the Leading Women Network, "a community of automotive professionals, across all disciplines, working to educate, mentor and empower women currently in the auto industry, and promoting automotive careers as a rewarding option for a new generation of women business leaders."

The network hosts an annual conference that "draws hundreds of business leaders who are committed to advancing the role of women in automotive."

In addition to being Auto Show month, it's also Black History Month in Canada, so I'd be remiss to not mention--or at least explore--the individuals, organizations, initiatives, and other processes in place to ensure that the future of the industry is reflective of the individuals who purchase, enjoy, and contribute to the continued existence of these vehicles.

Pictured: Jenell Ross - President of Bob Ross Auto Group and one of the few African American women in history to own a car dealership.

Here are some resources and references that can help to inform and inspire the current/next generation of car enthusiasts and innovators. Diversity is always a good thing, for the sake of creativity, perspective, and just overall development. In all sectors, during every month, and in a manner that reflects the community proportionately.

Accelerating Change for Black Women in Auto

Celebrating 7 African American Women in Automotive (Past and Present)

Accelerate Auto's new mentorship program designed to attract Black talent to auto

Meet four Black women executives shaping the US automotive manufacturing industry

5 Black Women in the Automotive Industry Empowering Confidence

Notable African American Women in the Auto Industry

Women of Color Auto Network - Founders

Driving Diversity: A Team Of Black Women Are Helping Lead Nissan For The First Time In The Automaker’s History

Demographic Diversity in U.S. Automotive Manufacturing

[Canadian] Auto industry experts meet to champion diversity and inclusion

PART ONE: "African American Women in the Auto Industry" (via MotorCities NHA)

PART TWO: "African American Women in the Auto Industry" (via MotorCities NHA)

The Canadian International Auto Show, presented by the Toronto Star, is the largest of its kind in Canada and featured 45 brands this year, with 30+ vehicles seen for the first time in the country (some, for the first time in North America). It's also the biggest consumer trade show in Canada. The special features for 2024 include: the Barbie Corvette, which is sure to be a hit for photo-ops, and also displays from Hot Wheels and Lego. Camp Jeep features a cool obstacle-course-like interactive driving experience, and there are also exhibits like the Red Bull Fan Zone, Outdoor Test Drives, and the Auto Exotica Luxury Boutique.  

Car of the Year was awarded to the Toyota Prius, voted on by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

Here are a few of our favourite pics from yesterday's Media Day: 

If you have any particular stories or individuals you'd like to share, working to ensure Black representation in the automotive industry is advancing, please send us a message and let us know so we can help circulate the good stories and inspiration!

~ Stacey Robinson