The British Columbia-focused Automotive Retailers Association is hosting the Women in the Automotive and Powersports Industry event on June 27 in Vancouver, B.C.

Women make up 51 percent of the population but only 6.4 percent of trade workers. In a time when recruitment is one of the main challenges being faced by the automotive industry, it’s time to start investing in women, says the ARA.

To celebrate women already in the industry and those looking to pursue a career in automotive, the ARA is hosting the Women in the Automotive and Powersports Industry event on June 27. This event will give participants the opportunity to hear from successful women in the industry—from shop owners and mechanics to automotive instructors and executives.

Speakers will include Amada Koehler, a BCIT instructor and red seal motorcycle technician, Leah Gillanders, a red seal certified automotive technician and shop owner, and Barb Eves, service manager for Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. With role models like these, the hope is to inspire and encourage women interested in automotive and powersports to pursue a career in this industry.

In fact, women are already taking the industry by storm. General Motors recently announced that, in addition to being the first ever automaker to be led by a female CEO, it has a female majority on its board of directors.

“Diversity is all about the pipeline. And it’s not just about gender, but about all forms of diversity,” said Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO, in a recent press release. “At GM, when we search for executive candidates, we require a diverse slate. If we find that a position has no diverse candidate, I ask the question, ‘What are we doing so that three years from now there will be a diverse candidate to consider?’”

GM has proven to be a leader in gender equality, generating inclusive thinking from the top down, and eliminating the gender pay gap. Many employers are following in their footsteps and promoting equality in the workplace. It has never been a better time for women to get involved in the exciting worlds of automotive and powersports!

To learn more about the Women in the Automotive and Powersports Industry event, click here.