Celebrating International Women's Day at Vansdirect
Happy International Women’s Day from everyone at Vansdirect.
A date in the calendar for all to toast, we here at Vansdirect consider there to be no better way to mark the occasion than by introducing you to a handful of the wonderful women who help make Team Vansdirect.
Meet Sophie, Natalina, Emily, Hayley and Sam as they give us insight into what it means to be driving success within the automotive industry...
VANSDIRECT
"On International Womens Day we are proud to recognise the incredible women we work with here at Vansdirect. Their talent, determination and support for one another continues to inspire the entire team every day."
SOPHIE WITT
Vansdirect Stock Coordinator
“Working in the Automotive industry is rewarding and constantly evolving. Over the past five years, I’ve been given fantastic opportunities to grow, and step outside of my comfort zone.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues and proud to be surrounded by such strong, inspiring women who have always encouraged and believed in me.”
NATALINA SUTHERLAND
Marketing Director Aftersales & Business Dev
“Working in automotive means leading with authenticity, creating representation, and showing that success doesn’t depend on fitting a mould.
“At Vansdirect, I’m proud to play a part in showing that women belong at every level of the industry, bringing fresh perspectives, strong leadership, and inspiring others to challenge perceptions, create opportunities, and believe there is a place for them here too.”
EMILY LENDERYOU
Digital Marketing Degree Apprentice
“Working in the automotive industry is incredibly rewarding. It’s such a large and exciting sector with so many opportunities to grow.
“For me, the apprenticeship route has been the best of both worlds.
“I’m also lucky to be surrounded by strong women in my organisation who show me that the path to success is there.”
HAYLEY CURTIS
Digital Marketing Degree Apprentice
“I chose automotive because it’s innovative and constantly evolving – I knew I wanted something creative but strategic, and this industry gives you both.
“In digital marketing, no two days are the same and with digital transformation constantly growing, it genuinely feels like a career built for the future.
You don’t have to be a petrol head either – I studied English Literature, Media and Art. You learn on the job and there are so many roles behind the scenes. The best part of my job is seeing ideas turn into real change and improving the customer journey.
“Furthermore, it has given me the opportunity to work alongside lots of strong, inspiring women in the automotive industry, and it’s a space that’s far more diverse and welcoming than people might expect.”
While International Women’s Day is a prime opportunity to highlight the tremendous contribution made by women across the spectrum, it shouldn’t diminish the notion that there is always progress to be made.
SAM WARD
Vansdirect Commercial Director
“In a results driven industry, talent matters more than tradition and that’s where real progress starts.
“Companies are driving real change. There is so much more flexibility in the workplace today, but we need to do more as an industry to better market the huge range of roles available.
“There is still a lack of awareness, especially among women, and we need to be getting that message out much, much earlier – in schools and universities.”
