Women are no strangers to breaking barriers and sparking change. The automotive industry is just one example of how the professional strides of women in male-dominated fields continue to make a tremendous impact on the world.

What does this mean specifically for Lexus? Simply put, it means an environment where innovative ideas, diverse perspectives and unique outlooks continue to help propel the brand forward. In this era of profound transformation, it’s imperative to have forward-thinkers with different backgrounds and experiences to be the driving force behind the technical shift.

Are there more advances that need to be made? Certainly. Fully closing the gender gap within the automotive industry is a goal that won’t happen overnight, but exceptional progress has been made and will continue. Business Partnering Groups (BPGs), including Women Influencing & Impacting Toyota (WIIT), in which both Toyota and Lexus team members are encouraged to join, help promote and inspire career development while also encouraging equity. The goal is that when more women feel strong and confident in their roles, more young girls and teens will also feel empowered to pursue careers in the industry.

In honor of International Women’s Day, see below for a few of Lexus’ phenomenal female employees, sharing why they love working in the automotive industry.