At Women Drive Electric, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone for one of our founders, Michelle Breffitt, who has been recognised with a Special Recognition Award by the prestigious Automotive 30% Club. This honour highlights Michelle’s incredible contributions to empowering women in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) space.
The Automotive 30% Club Inspiring Automotive Women Awards are a beacon of progress in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Michelle’s recognition is a testament to her dedication to inclusivity, visibility, and innovation. Alongside Erin Baker from Autotrader, Michelle was one of two recipients of this year’s Special Recognition Award for their efforts to include and communicate with female EV customers effectively.
Driving Change in the Automotive Industry
The Automotive 30% Club’s mission is to ensure that women are represented at least 30% in key leadership roles within the automotive sector. Each year, the club celebrates individuals driving meaningful change through mentoring, outreach, and creating inclusive workplaces. Michelle embodies these values through her work at Women Drive Electric and beyond.
Michelle’s award reflects her commitment to:
- Championing Women in EVs: As co-founder of Women Drive Electric, Michelle has been instrumental in creating a platform that supports and inspires women to embrace electric vehicles. Her work ensures female customers feel seen, heard, and empowered in their EV journey.
- Visibility and Role Modeling: Michelle is breaking stereotypes and showing that this sector welcomes diverse talent by being a visible leader in the automotive industry.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Through her advocacy for diversity and inclusion (D&I), Michelle is influencing workplace culture and shaping how the industry serves its female customer base.
Her achievements are a shining example of how women can thrive and lead in industries where they have historically been underrepresented.
Why This Recognition Matters
Michelle’s acknowledgement by the Automotive 30% Club underscores the importance of celebrating women’s achievements in sectors like automotive and EVs. Awards like these are about more than individual success—they inspire others to break barriers and create an inclusive future.
Who Are the Automotive 30% Club?
The Automotive 30% Club is a voluntary network of managing directors and CEOs from UK automotive manufacturing, retailing, and supplier companies. Founded in 2016 by Julia Muir, CEO of Gaia Innovation Ltd, the club is dedicated to achieving a better gender balance within the automotive sector. Its primary goal, known as the “30 by 30” strategy, is to ensure that at least 30% of key leadership and decision-making roles in member organizations are held by diverse women by 2030. The club believes reaching this tipping point will foster broader thinking, innovation, and profitability by creating gender-balanced teams capable of driving business success. Members collaborate to share best practices and implement strategies such as inclusive recruitment, mentorship programs, and workplace policies to support women’s progression.
Here’s why this recognition is so impactful:
- Empowering Future Leaders: By highlighting women like Michelle, the industry creates a ripple effect of mentorship, support, and opportunity for others to rise.
- Driving Innovation: Diversity fuels innovation. As more women take on leadership roles, the automotive sector becomes better equipped to meet the needs of all customers.
- Changing Perceptions: Celebrating female leaders challenges outdated stereotypes and demonstrates that anyone can excel in this field.
Michelle also expressed gratitude to George Thurman, her business partner at Women Drive Electric, whose support has been pivotal in advancing their shared vision.
Join Us in Celebrating Michelle Breffitt
We couldn’t be prouder of Michelle for receiving this well-deserved recognition. Her passion for empowering women and driving change aligns perfectly with our mission at Women Drive Electric. Together, we’re not just promoting sustainable transport—we’re creating a movement that champions diversity and inclusion in every aspect.
Congratulations again to Michelle and all the inspiring women recognised by the Automotive 30% Club this year!
Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a future where everyone can thrive.
Want to learn more about how Women Drive Electric empowers female EV drivers? Get in touch with us today!
