Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Advice for Women in Automotive Tech

The automotive technology sector, like many STEM fields, has historically been dominated by men. However, the tide is turning, and more women are not only entering this industry but also thriving and leading the way. This blog post delves into the experiences and insights of Dr. Alison Burnham, a trailblazer in automotive technology, as she shares her journey, challenges, and invaluable advice for women aiming to succeed in this dynamic field. We'll explore the critical roles of mentorship, networking, and strategic thinking in overcoming obstacles and paving the way for future generations. This discussion expands upon the themes covered in our latest podcast episode, "🚀 Smashing the Mold: Dr. Alison Burnham on Succeeding as a Woman in Automotive Tech," where Dr. Burnham and I discussed her fascinating journey and insights. We encourage you to listen to the episode for an even deeper understanding of this important topic. You can also find the related show notes below:

 On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Dr. Alison Burnham — a powerhouse in data, technology, and automotive who’s now the CTO of AutoUnify, an automotive retail startup in Los Angeles.
They dive into Alison’s fascinating journey: from earning her PhD in mathematics and pioneering statistical process control in auto plants, to building loyalty and predictive analytics programs for massive brands across fashion, banking, sports, and ultimately automotive. Alison shares stories from her work at RepairSmith (which was acquired by AutoNation), her thoughts on what automotive can learn from other industries, and how she’s helping reshape the future of dealership operations with data-driven insights.
They also talk candidly about succeeding as a woman in a male-dominated industry, why mentorship and networking still matter, and what she hopes to see at the upcoming Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville.

👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive: womeninautomotive.com
👉 Connect with Dr. Alison Burnham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonburnham/

Introduction: The Journey of Women in Automotive Tech

The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by technological advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, connectivity, and shared mobility. This transformation demands a diverse workforce, bringing together different perspectives and skillsets. While women have historically been underrepresented in automotive tech, their contributions are becoming increasingly vital. From engineering and software development to data science and executive leadership, women are making significant impacts across the industry. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities for women in this field is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and innovative environment.

Meet Dr. Alison Burnham: A Pioneer in Automotive Technology

Dr. Alison Burnham is a renowned figure in the automotive technology landscape. As the CTO of AutoUnify, an automotive retail startup in Los Angeles, she is at the forefront of reshaping dealership operations with data-driven insights. Dr. Burnham's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including data science, statistical process control, predictive analytics, and loyalty programs. Her journey into automotive tech is an inspiring example of how diverse backgrounds and skills can contribute to innovation and progress in this industry.

Alison's Path: From Mathematics to Automotive Innovation

Dr. Burnham's academic background is in mathematics, having earned a PhD in the field. Her early career involved pioneering statistical process control in auto plants, where she applied her mathematical expertise to improve manufacturing processes and enhance efficiency. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the automotive industry's operational complexities and the potential of data-driven solutions. Following her work in auto plants, Dr. Burnham expanded her expertise to building loyalty and predictive analytics programs for major brands across various sectors, including fashion, banking, and sports. This cross-industry experience gave her a unique perspective on customer behavior, data analytics, and the importance of personalization. Driven by her passion for technology and her desire to make a tangible impact, Dr. Burnham transitioned back into the automotive sector. She worked at RepairSmith (later acquired by AutoNation), where she played a key role in leveraging data to improve automotive repair services and customer experiences. Now, as CTO of AutoUnify, she is leading the charge in revolutionizing dealership operations through cutting-edge data analytics and technology solutions.

Key Insights from Alison's Experiences

Throughout her career, Dr. Burnham has gained invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in automotive tech. One of her key observations is the importance of representation. Seeing other women in leadership positions can inspire and encourage younger generations to pursue careers in this field. When women are present at the table, their perspectives can lead to more inclusive and innovative solutions. Another critical insight is the need for mentorship and networking. These connections can provide women with guidance, support, and opportunities to advance their careers. Mentors can share their experiences, offer advice, and help women navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Networking allows women to connect with peers, build relationships, and expand their professional reach. Dr. Burnham also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and skill development. The automotive tech industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential for women to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, trends, and best practices. This can involve taking courses, attending conferences, and engaging in self-directed learning.

The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

Mentorship and networking are crucial for women navigating male-dominated industries, including automotive tech. Mentors provide invaluable guidance, support, and advocacy, helping women navigate challenges and advance their careers. A mentor can offer insights into organizational culture, provide advice on career development, and help women build their confidence. Networking, on the other hand, allows women to connect with peers, build relationships, and expand their professional reach. Networking events, industry conferences, and online communities provide opportunities for women to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other. These connections can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and a sense of community. Dr. Burnham actively promotes mentorship and networking opportunities for women in automotive tech. She mentors young professionals, speaks at industry events, and encourages women to connect with each other. She believes that by supporting and empowering each other, women can break down barriers and create a more inclusive industry.

Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Despite progress, women in automotive tech still face numerous challenges. These can include gender bias, stereotypes, lack of representation, and unequal opportunities. Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves individual strategies, organizational initiatives, and industry-wide efforts. One strategy for women is to build a strong support network. This can include mentors, peers, and allies who can provide encouragement, advice, and advocacy. It's also important for women to assert themselves, speak up for their ideas, and take credit for their accomplishments. Organizations can play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive environment. This can involve implementing diversity and inclusion policies, providing equal opportunities for advancement, and addressing unconscious bias. Companies should also invest in training programs that educate employees on gender bias and promote respectful workplace behavior. Industry-wide efforts are also needed to address systemic barriers and promote gender equality. This can involve setting targets for female representation, promoting STEM education for girls, and supporting women-owned businesses. Industry leaders can also use their influence to advocate for policies that support women in the workplace.

Lessons Automotive Can Learn from Other Industries

The automotive industry can learn valuable lessons from other sectors that have made strides in gender equality and diversity. Industries like technology, healthcare, and finance have implemented various initiatives to promote women's leadership, address gender pay gaps, and create more inclusive workplaces. One key lesson is the importance of setting measurable goals and tracking progress. Companies should establish targets for female representation at all levels and regularly monitor their progress towards these goals. This data can help identify areas where improvement is needed and inform strategies for achieving greater gender equality. Another lesson is the need to address unconscious bias. Unconscious bias training can help employees become aware of their biases and learn strategies for mitigating their impact on decision-making. This can lead to more fair and equitable treatment of women in the workplace. The automotive industry can also learn from other sectors in terms of promoting work-life balance. Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and childcare support can help women balance their careers and family responsibilities. This can make the industry more attractive to women and help retain female talent.

Dr. Burnham's Role at AutoUnify: Reshaping Dealership Operations with Data

As the CTO of AutoUnify, Dr. Burnham is leading the charge in reshaping dealership operations with data-driven insights. She is responsible for developing and implementing innovative technology solutions that help dealerships improve their efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and increase profitability. One of Dr. Burnham's key initiatives is leveraging data analytics to optimize dealership processes. By analyzing data from various sources, such as sales, service, and marketing, she can identify areas where dealerships can improve their performance. This can involve optimizing inventory management, improving customer service, and personalizing marketing campaigns. Dr. Burnham is also focused on developing cutting-edge technology solutions for dealerships. This includes implementing AI-powered tools for customer engagement, developing mobile apps for service scheduling, and integrating data from connected vehicles. These technologies are transforming the way dealerships operate and interact with their customers. Her leadership at AutoUnify demonstrates the value that women bring to the automotive tech industry. Her expertise in data science, technology, and automotive operations is driving innovation and helping dealerships succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Looking Ahead: The Women In Automotive Conference

The Women In Automotive Conference is an annual event that brings together women from across the automotive industry to network, learn, and share their experiences. The conference provides a platform for women to connect with peers, build relationships, and gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in the industry. Dr. Burnham is a strong supporter of the Women In Automotive Conference and has been a speaker at previous events. She believes the conference is a valuable resource for women in the industry, offering a supportive environment for professional development and networking.

With the 2025 Nashville event now in the books, preparations are already underway for the next Women In Automotive Conference, taking place in July 2026 in Austin, Texas. The Austin conference promises to be another exciting gathering, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect sessions on leadership development, technology innovation, gender equality, and more. Dr. Burnham hopes to see many women from the automotive tech sector at the Austin event and encourages anyone interested to learn more and register at womeninautomotive.com.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Women in Automotive Tech

The journey of women in automotive tech is one of resilience, innovation, and progress. While challenges remain, the industry is becoming more inclusive and diverse. By embracing mentorship, networking, and continuous learning, women can thrive in this dynamic field. As Dr. Alison Burnham's experiences demonstrate, women bring unique perspectives and skills that are essential for driving innovation and shaping the future of automotive technology. This blog post has explored the challenges and opportunities for women in automotive tech, drawing on the insights and experiences of Dr. Alison Burnham. We discussed the importance of mentorship, networking, and overcoming obstacles, as well as the lessons that the automotive industry can learn from other sectors. Ultimately, empowering women in automotive tech requires a collective effort that involves individual strategies, organizational initiatives, and industry-wide efforts. We encourage you to listen to our podcast episode, "🚀 Smashing the Mold: Dr. Alison Burnham on Succeeding as a Woman in Automotive Tech," to hear Dr. Burnham's story in her own words. Her insights and advice are invaluable for anyone aiming to succeed in the automotive technology industry.