Women in STEM Transforming the Commercial Transport Sector
By Carole Aeschelmann, Program Manager, Renewable Power, Westhill Innovation Inc.
In recent years, the commercial transport sector has witnessed a significant transformation, one that is being driven by an influx of women from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. In North America, 18 per cent of women work in STEM occupations and represent 34 per cent of STEM workers (National Science Board (NSB) 2024-2025, The Stem Labour Force: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers). But it isn’t just about statistics; diversity of thought is essential for any type of progress, whether that’s societal or career related. The commercial transport industry needs curious, trained STEM brains to tackle problems like the need to decarbonize and will learn even more from insights from different types of people, with different backgrounds and life experience.
The commercial transport industry is now seeing a growing number of women breaking barriers and contributing to technical innovations and advancements. This shift is not only reshaping the sector but also creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce that is critical for tackling the complex challenges of modern commercial transport.
The Changing Landscape of Commercial Transport
The commercial transport sector encompasses a wide range of activities, from logistics and supply chain management to the design and engineering of vehicles, new technologies and infrastructure as well as energy management. Gina Succi, President and Chief Technology Officer at Westhill Innovation, a renewable energy solution provider for the commercial transport industry says “It’s vital for women to know that there is an important place for them in the commercial transport industry – as there should be in every sector – whether it is out front as drivers, engineers and supervisors; or as part of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ team of specialists, such as telematics software engineers and renewable energy development and design engineers.”Traditionally, these areas have been male dominated, with women often facing significant barriers to entry and advancement. However, this landscape is changing rapidly due to several key factors:
- Educational Opportunities: Increased access to education and encouragement for women to pursue STEM fields has been a critical driver of change. Universities and colleges are actively promoting STEM programs to women, providing scholarships, and creating supportive workplace environments that foster women’s participation.
- Corporate Initiatives: Many companies within the commercial transport sector are implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. These programs are designed to attract, retain, and promote women in STEM roles, recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring to problem-solving and innovation.
- Role Models and Mentorship: The visibility of successful women in STEM roles within the transport sector serves as an inspiration for the next generation. Mentorship programs and networks provide support and guidance, helping women navigate their careers and overcome challenges.
- Technological Advancements: The advent of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion, renewable energy advancements, and smart logistics systems has created new opportunities for women with STEM expertise. These cutting-edge fields require a fresh perspective and diverse skill sets, which women are increasingly bringing to the table.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these successes, women in STEM within the commercial transport sector still face challenges. Gender bias, a lack of representation, and work-life balance issues are common obstacles that need to be addressed. Moreover, women introducing new technologies with techno-political impacts, such as emissions reducing technologies, face heightened difficultiesespecially in established, male dominated industries like commercial transport. This disparity underscores the need for systemic change and support.
- Addressing Gender Bias
Companies are actively working to eliminate gender bias through training and awareness programs. By fostering a culture of equality and respect, organizations are ensuring that women have the same opportunities for advancement as their male counterparts. - Increasing Representation
Efforts are being made to increase the representation of women in leadership roles. By promoting women to decision-making positions, companies are benefiting from diverse perspectives and encouraging other women to aspire to similar roles. - Work-Life Balance
Flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies are being implemented to help women balance their careers and personal lives. These measures are crucial in retaining talented women in the workforce and ensuring their long-term success.
The Future is Bright
The commercial transport industry is becoming more inclusive and diverse, which is essential for addressing the complex challenges of modern transport in an evolving industry. Women in STEM are not just finding opportunities in the commercial transport sector; they are creating them. Their contributions are driving progress, inspiring others, and shaping the future of an industry that is vital to our global economy. With continued support and effort, the sector can become a model of diversity and innovation, led by the incredible women who are breaking boundaries and making their mark.
Leading by Example: Westhill Innovation
At Westhill Innovation, a leading OEM for the commercial and recreational transport industries – with R&D, strategic IP practices and expertise in renewable energy solutions, women in STEM are leading the way and making significant strides. Led by Gina Succi, P.Eng, FCAE, a former STEM student herself, the company is committed to fostering female talent in underrepresented sectors. Ms. Succi serves as an advisor to the McMaster University Engineering program, where she actively encourages young women to pursue further studies and co-op opportunities in clean tech manufacturing and commercial transport.
“The goal is to accelerate the reduction of harmful emissions and engage with all stakeholders to demonstrate that decarbonization is commercially viable. Innovation is needed not only in technical solutions but also in political frameworks and financial systems, seeking opportunities for truly disruptive change rather than just mainstream adjustments” explains Gina. “It is a quickly growing area, with clear purpose, and it attracts great minds. Women are incredibly capable of making a significant difference to businesses, and the transport industry is increasingly embracing this.” She continues, “We’re training our current STEM employees to work on innovative zero-emission, renewable energy, electromobility solutions. Engineers are problem solvers; they want to be part of making positive change. Anybody that joins us can expect to be exposed to new technologies and learn new skills.”
Currently, Westhill Innovation supports two women STEM students through co-op placements in electrical and software engineering, providing invaluable industry experience and paving the way for future leaders in these fields.
ABOUT
To find out more about Westhill Innovation’s suite of renewable energy solutions, please visit www.westhillinnovation.com
Westhill Innovation Inc. was founded in 2008 as an innovative industrial panel manufacturer. In 2018 the company rebranded itself as a mobile solar integration technology company. They have leveraged their composites expertise with integration of state-of-the-art solar, battery and power distribution systems to offer a differentiated solution in mobile energy systems. The company designs and manufactures the products in their 40,000 sq.ft. facility located in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.