Barbara Cox Award

Carly Ruggieri is described by colleagues as a trailblazer and leading authority in the automotive industry, a powerful advocate for change, and someone who brings a “critical and inspiring voice” to an industry long dominated by men.

She is co-director of a successful body repair business in Geelong, and former Chair of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce’s Body Repair Division. Carly was just the second woman ever elected to the VACC Executive Board, and the sole current female board member.

Carly also represents Victoria on the National Committee for Body Repairers, ensuring the state’s concerns are heard and addressed at the highest levels, having led key delegations to Canberra. She is never afraid to call out bad behaviour, push for accountability, and advocate for ethical and sustainable industry standards.

Tegan is Dealer Principal of Bridge Toyota and Lexus of Darwin, and the first woman to hold this seniormost position in any Lexus dealership in Australia. Deeply committed to empowering women and future talent in the industry, Tegan has launched in-house growth sessions and recognition programmes based on customer feedback and is well advanced on her goal to increase female representation in her workplace to 50%.

Showing her long-term view, Tegan initiated a traineeship scheme for students, visiting schools and advocating for career pathways in the industry. “Her focus on education, inclusion, and long-term development makes her a truly worthy nominee for this award,” said a colleague.

Tegan has also strengthened the dealership’s role as a community leader through partnerships with AFL NT, Netball NT, and the Darwin Salties, while under her leadership the dealership has actively supported multiple charities including Cancer Council, Foodbank NT, and the Starlight Foundation among others.

Samantha’s story has seen her move from the go-kart tracks of Adelaide to the boardrooms of automotive heavy hitters, forging a unique path and bringing others with her on the journey. She has been described by those who know her as a “captivating and inspiring leader” with a knack for unravelling complex problems.

As Product Director – Novated at Custom Fleet, she oversees an important facet of the business, one that has grown hand-in-hand with wider uptake of EVs in particular. Beyond this, she is also giving back to the sport she loves as a Non-Executive Director at Motorsport Australia and a Director at Karting Australia

Samantha was a junior karting champion, test driver for the Nissan Motorsports Development Series, senior trainer at Murcotts Driving Excellence, and Chair of Women of the Australian Motor Sport committee 2015-2017. She has also held senior roles at both Mazda and Nissan in Australia.

According to those who work with her, Leonie “exemplifies what it means to embrace innovation, lead, inspire people, and give back.” Her leadership and impact, they say, stretches far beyond the walls of her dealerships and into the broader communities where she operates.

Leonie is Dealer Principal at Avon Valley Toyota, Isuzu Ute, Nissan & Mitsubishi in regional Western Australia, a founding member of Women in Toyota WA, part of the Northam Chamber of Commerce, and a sought-after guest speaker known for mentoring others.

Leonie goes above and beyond to foster a caring and inclusive environment for a growing team, and the ongoing success of the dealerships she runs is testament to her ability to elevate those around her. She also gives back, supporting countless community initiatives and numerous fundraisers.

​With a background rooted in motorsport and a career forged through resilience, Blaire has become a respected leader in the automotive industry. From launching national initiatives at Mitsubishi Motors to leading cutting-edge projects in commercial vehicle innovation, she has consistently driven meaningful change. Her passion for advocacy has led her to mentor young people and champion women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. She has built a culture of empowerment and innovation, both within her teams and across the broader industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose, perseverance, and impact.

​Chelsea is a passionate and resilient automotive professional who turned early challenges into fuel for a thriving career in the trade. From restoring classic cars to mentoring apprentices and speaking at schools, she’s become a powerful advocate for women in the industry and a role model for the next generation. Her leadership extends beyond the workshop—creating inclusive learning environments, supporting peers with empathy, and using her lived experience with ADHD to innovate how knowledge is shared. Whether pit-crewing for a female drag racer or hosting hands-on workshops, she lives her passion every day. Above all, she strives to be the mentor she once needed, ensuring every apprentice feels empowered, supported, and seen.

Since joining Autopact as National Head of People & Culture in 2022, Odette has brought a fresh, strategic perspective to the automotive industry, challenging the status quo and driving meaningful cultural transformation. Her leadership has fostered a people-first approach across 28 dealerships, with a strong focus on employee engagement, diversity, and well-being. Through innovative HR initiatives and a commitment to inclusivity, she has elevated Autopact’s workplace culture—reflected in outstanding employee satisfaction and pride. As a finalist for this award, she stands as a powerful example of modern leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her vision, resilience, and dedication to shaping a happier, more empowered workforce make her a true change agent in automotive.

​With a background rooted in motorsport and a career forged through resilience, Blaire has become a respected leader in the automotive industry. From launching national initiatives at Mitsubishi Motors to leading cutting-edge projects in commercial vehicle innovation, she has consistently driven meaningful change. Her passion for advocacy has led her to mentor young people and champion women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. She has built a culture of empowerment and innovation, both within her teams and across the broader industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose, perseverance, and impact.

​Chelsea is a passionate and resilient automotive professional who turned early challenges into fuel for a thriving career in the trade. From restoring classic cars to mentoring apprentices and speaking at schools, she’s become a powerful advocate for women in the industry and a role model for the next generation. Her leadership extends beyond the workshop—creating inclusive learning environments, supporting peers with empathy, and using her lived experience with ADHD to innovate how knowledge is shared. Whether pit-crewing for a female drag racer or hosting hands-on workshops, she lives her passion every day. Above all, she strives to be the mentor she once needed, ensuring every apprentice feels empowered, supported, and seen.

Since joining Autopact as National Head of People & Culture in 2022, Odette has brought a fresh, strategic perspective to the automotive industry, challenging the status quo and driving meaningful cultural transformation. Her leadership has fostered a people-first approach across 28 dealerships, with a strong focus on employee engagement, diversity, and well-being. Through innovative HR initiatives and a commitment to inclusivity, she has elevated Autopact’s workplace culture—reflected in outstanding employee satisfaction and pride. As a finalist for this award, she stands as a powerful example of modern leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her vision, resilience, and dedication to shaping a happier, more empowered workforce make her a true change agent in automotive.