Across Canada’s collision repair sector, women are stepping into leadership roles, mentoring the next generation and helping shape the culture of modern repair facilities. In this three-part series, Collision Repair highlights professionals nominated by their peers for the impact they’ve made in their shops, organizations and communities.
Tina Le, director of operations, MK Auto Group
Tina Le’s career in the collision repair industry spans more than 15 years, marked by steady growth, operational leadership and a strong commitment to mentorship. She began her journey as a customer service representative and detailer, later moving into accounting, auditing and area management roles before stepping into her current position as director of operations with MK Auto Group, where she now oversees multiple locations.
More than two dozen colleagues, partners and industry peers nominated Le, many highlighting the impact she has had on workplace culture and professional development. Nominators described her as a leader who creates opportunities for others, mentors new talent and encourages employees to pursue new roles within the industry. Several also credited her with helping foster a more inclusive environment and supporting the growth of women within the trade.
“Tina’s leadership, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to developing our teams across MK Auto Group truly distinguish her,” said Shane Esterhuizen, repair planner/advisor with CARSTAR Alberta. “She consistently drives performance and accountability while making meaningful investments in training and talent development within the trade.”
Natasha Woods, vice-president, Saputo Auto Group
Natasha Woods is helping shape the future of collision repair leadership. As vice president with Saputo Capital Collision Group, Woods oversees multiple centres while focusing on building strong teams and developing the next generation of industry professionals.
For Woods, the opportunity to lead people and influence workplace culture is what drives her career forward. She is particularly passionate about expanding opportunities for women within a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, working to mentor emerging leaders and create workplaces rooted in accountability and respect.
“I didn’t just enter the industry, I chose to build in it,” said Woods. “Being a woman in this industry has also fueled my drive. The collision space has traditionally been male-dominated, but that creates opportunity — to lead differently, to mentor, to elevate more women into leadership and technical roles, and to show that excellence in this field has no gender."
Jenny Askeland, manager, CARSTAR Welland
Jenny Askeland entered the collision repair industry nearly a decade ago determined to grow beyond the front desk — and help open doors for other women along the way. She began her career as a customer service representative and quickly pursued opportunities to learn every part of the shop, moving through estimating, parts management and repair blueprinting before stepping into her current role managing CARSTAR’s Welland location.
Throughout her career, Askeland credits strong mentorship and a commitment to continuous learning for helping her advance in a traditionally male-dominated field. Today, she focuses on leading by example and encouraging her team — particularly women entering the trade — to see the possibilities available to them.
“My everyday goal is to improve in the leader that I am for my team, and set the example for my female team members that this is no longer a boys playing field — we have a place and we have so much to offer,” she said.
