When Andrea Navarro joined WM New Zealand’s Engineering Research & Development team as Project Coordinator last April, she was immediately welcomed by the 18-member Fleet team, who quickly recognised her talent and dedication. Her integration into this tight-knit technical group — composed mostly of men — demonstrates how Fleet, under Jitesh’s leadership, has built a supportive and inclusive culture for all team members.
After two years in sales support, Andrea was ready for a new challenge. When the Project Coordinator role became available, she saw it as an opportunity to combine her professional skills with a lifelong interest in automotive technology. “I’ve always loved cars,” Andrea says. “I’m even planning to upgrade my Toyota Yaris to an EV as soon as I can!”
Andrea’s role keeps multiple aspects of fleet operations connected and running smoothly. On any given day, she might generate detailed progress reports on vehicle builds, configure driver profiles in ERoad, or collaborate across planning, building, and design teams. She’s also becoming increasingly involved with EV workshop operations as WM New Zealand continues transitioning toward a more sustainable fleet.
Hot-desking throughout the department allows Andrea to build strong relationships and gain a broad understanding of fleet operations from multiple angles. While she doesn’t claim Fleet expert status yet, her Bachelor of Business with a Minor in Information Systems has provided a solid foundation. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Diploma in Engineering to advance her technical knowledge and career.
“The team has really helped me develop professionally. They’re always encouraging me to ask questions, and we have a genuine support system here,” Andrea says.
Being the only woman in the Fleet team wasn’t a concern for Andrea when she applied. From day one, she was welcomed with open arms by her colleagues, who value her contributions and perspective.
That supportive culture was highlighted when Andrea’s team quickly organised a team photo for this article. Senior Project Engineer Kelvin Gordon positioned their newly completed Hook Load truck perfectly, while Senior Project Engineer Craig Owen coordinated everyone’s timely arrival. Even Head of Fleet Jitesh stepped away from an external meeting to join, ensuring the entire 318 team available showed their support for Andrea.
“It’s this kind of team environment that makes my experience at WM so positive,” Andrea says.
Her presence in Fleet represents an important step in creating more diverse technical teams across WM New Zealand.
“WM is definitely a great company for giving opportunities to advance your career,” she adds — an observation that will hopefully inspire more women to explore roles in all areas of the business, including those traditionally less gender-diverse.
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