Driving Equality: Meet the Women Accelerating Change at Nissan
The future of mobility is electric, and at Nissan, women are leading the charge – breaking barriers and shaping the next generation of electrification. As part of #AccelerateAction, we're building on the momentum from International Women's Day by sharing the experiences of women driving progress in the EV industry.
This year, four employees were recognised as finalists in the ElectricDrives Top Women in EV Awards across engineering, logistics, customer experience, and innovation.
But what does it take to be a leader in this evolving industry? We spoke with the finalists about their work, professional experiences, and what's next for women in the automotive industry.
Nicola Stoker, European Parts Logistics Director, Nissan Manufacturing UK
Nicola leads EV logistics and supply chain strategy at Nissan, supporting the transition to electrification.
Q: As a woman leading in EV logistics and infrastructure, how can we ensure more women take on leadership roles in the transition to electrification?
"Empowering women to take on leadership roles involves fostering an environment where they feel supported, valued, and inspired. The Nissan Leadership Way provides a framework that prioritises customer needs, innovation, and empowering teams – embracing an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued, employees are encouraged to lead projects, and challenges are seen as opportunities for growth."
Larissa Da Silva, Infotainment & Connected Services Validation Section Manager, Nissan Technical Centre Europe
Larissa leads Infotainment & Connected Services Validation at Nissan, ensuring a seamless digital experience for EV drivers while supporting future advancements like Vehicle-to-Grid technology.
Q: Technology and digital innovation are shaping the future of mobility. How can we ensure that women's voices are part of designing the next generation of EV experiences?
"Digital experiences are reshaping the way people interact with EVs, from smart charging to seamless connectivity. To ensure these innovations reflect diverse needs, women must be involved at every stage of design and development.
Building diverse teams in engineering, UI-UX, and customer quality assurance allows different perspectives to shape key decisions. Additionally, actively seeking feedback from women as EV customers and decision-makers ensures that features align with real-world needs. Increasing visibility and mentorship for women in the EV industry will also help drive more inclusive innovation that benefits all users."
Kgaugelo Mogano, Lead Process Engineer, Nissan Africa
Kgaugelo joined Nissan in 2012 and has played a key role in advancing process engineering for vehicle production in Africa, contributing to the successful launch of multiple models.
Q: You made history as Nissan South Africa's first female Process Engineering Manager. What has been your biggest learning so far in your career, and what advice would you give to women in traditionally male-dominated industries?
"Every day in this role brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. The biggest lesson I've learned is the importance of people skills—interacting with colleagues from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures has taught me to appreciate diversity. Success in engineering isn't just about technical solutions, it's about balancing innovation with practicality to meet both user needs and business efficiency.
To women entering male-dominated industries: believe in your capability and the value you bring. Our unique strengths, perspectives, and emotional intelligence add immense value—embrace them."
Jana Bujalkova, Model Engineer, TCS Field Quality Improvement, Nissan Technical Centre Europe
Jana specialises in EV battery diagnostics and repair, helping accelerate Nissan's electrification journey.
Q: EV battery innovation is a rapidly evolving space. What role can women play in shaping the future of sustainable mobility, and what would you say to young people looking to enter the field?
"Women bring diverse perspectives that drive innovation, improve teamwork, and help companies better understand customer needs. A more inclusive workforce leads to stronger team dynamics and higher employee satisfaction.
For young people entering the industry, I encourage you to stay curious, seek mentorship, and embrace challenges as learning opportunities. The automotive world is evolving rapidly, and your contributions can make a real impact on the future of sustainable mobility."
True progress in electrification isn't just about innovation, it's about ensuring diverse voices lead the way in shaping a more inclusive future. At Nissan, we're committed to making sure women are at the forefront of the EV revolution – not just today, but every day.
Find out more about how Nissan is fostering diversity and inclusion in our DEI Report.