WinA unveils ambassadors

Initiative appoints 12 ambassadors to inspire, support and educate women in auto industry

Published in GoAutoNewsPremium by Neil Dowling, 17th February 2026

AUSTRALIA’S Women in Automotive initiative has launched its Changemaker Ambassador Program, appointing 12 women to champion diversity and expand visibility across the automotive industry.

Women in Automotive (WinA) – which supports women through education, bespoke content, industry connections and networking events in roles from trades to executives – opened the 12-month program to celebrate the breadth of opportunities available to women in automotive. 

The program – which is designed to expand WinA’s reach into sectors that have historically received less visibility while inspiring the next generation of women in automotive – covers the gambit of trades, motorsport, executive leadership, heavy vehicle operations, electric vehicles, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

WinA director Kate Peck said that each ambassador will use their expertise and platforms to inspire the next generation and build connections in underrepresented sectors. 

“These women are creating tangible change across our industry — from the track to the workshop, the boardroom to the road,” she said.

“They’re reaching into areas that aren’t always glamorous or celebrated, and they’re doing it with incredible class and purpose.” 

The inaugural ambassadors bring diverse expertise and proven track records of excellence: 

Eleni Mitakos (Founder Category): Started automotive education business Galmatic in 2007 and has since helped more than 1.3 million Australians demystify car maintenance. She is the inaugural Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award winner (2023).

“I started Galmatic to show women and girls that knowledge is power, and as a 2026 WinA Changemaker Ambassador, I want to empower more girls to get their hands greasy and find their ‘inner Rosie ‘in the automotive industry, whether they want to be a mechanic or a CEO,” she said.

Claudia Muller (Executive Category): Is senior executive of corporate communications at Audi Australia and has extensive experience across automotive and motorsport.

“I strongly believe in the power of open communication, shared stories and community, and this initiative creates a meaningful platform to foster connection, visibility, and progress across our industry.”

Ashley Belteky (Trades Category) is a diesel mechanic, trainer, founder of Blue Leader, non-executive director of Tradeswomen Australia and through her ‘Tradies Who Lead’ podcast builds leadership and teamwork skills.

Carol Armstrong (Motorsport Category) is the deputy chief of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix and has officiated at more than 50 Formula One Grands Prix. She is the recipient of the 2024 FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award and is committed to mentoring young women through the FIA Women in Motorsport program and Girls on Track initiatives. 

Paige Raddatz (International Category) is a 21-year-old professional race car driver representing Australia in Japan’s Kyoji Cup Championship in 2026. She has raced since age seven and is committed to increasing visibility for women in motorsport and demonstrating what’s possible through determination and belief. 

Raffy Sgroi (DEI Category) is an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of Zest Canberra, and advocate for the SME sector with more than 20 years of business leadership experience. She created the ‘Today Program’ to teach workshop owners how to operate inclusively and leads the My Career Portfolio program, which has mentored 189 girls through a free 12-week program introducing them to automotive careers. 

April Ryan (Motorcycle Category) is Queensland’s only female road race Level 2 Motorcycling Australia coach. She founded Track Start Training and East Coast Female Riders, a community of over 10,000 women, and serves on multiple boards including Motorcycling Queensland, creating pathways for women and juniors in motorcycling. 

Casuarina Smith (CJ) (Heavy Vehicle Category) holds a multi-combination and dangerous goods licence and operates some of the world’s largest road trains. Through her social media platform of over 270,000 followers, she raises awareness and inspires people — especially women — to explore diverse career pathways in transport.

The program also features Kirsten Fitzpatrick (apprentice automotive electrician, WA), Annabelle Rolfo (racing driver, Ignite Autosport founder, law student), Blossom Fernandez (EV engineer and standards committee member), and Belinda Narbey (marketing manager, Liqui Moly Australia).