Empowering Auto, the Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the role of women in the automotive industry, is proud to announce its official launch in the United Kingdom.

Empowering Auto launches to launch in London, supporting women and their allies across UK automotive sector.

LONDON, UK – May 12, 2026 – Empowering Auto, the Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the role of women in the automotive industry, is proud to announce its official launch in the United Kingdom. On May 12, 2026, the organization will host a kick-off event hosted by Octopus Energy in London to introduce its mission of driving positive change through recruitment initiatives, mentorship, and the cultivation of a supportive, inclusive leadership community.

The launch is bolstered by the support of three founding partners Keyloop and Ineos and supporting partners Solera and TekCor4. Their commitment signifies a shared dedication to fostering inclusivity, not only within their own organizations but throughout the wider automotive sector.

The launch event will feature a networking session followed by a headline panel discussion on building careers, confidence and change in automotive. This session will bring together global leaders to share personal stories of growth, risk-taking, and industry impact. Confirmed panelists include:

Amy Fleming, President & CEO at Mazda Canada Inc.

Yolanda Biswah, President at Canadian Black Book

Fiona Howarth, Founder at Octopus Electric Vehicles

Julia Muir, Founder of the Auto30Club

The expansion to the UK is spearheaded by Empowering Auto team member Jacqui Barker. Upon joining the Canadian organization in 2023, Jacqui recognized the immense value of the community Empowering Auto fostered in Canada and envisioned creating a similar platform to support women in the UK automotive landscape.

"From our early days as an internal half-day to the vibrant, international movement we are today, this journey has been defined by the people who believe in our mission," says Jacqui Barker, VP at Keyloop. "We are thrilled to extend our passion beyond Canada and officially take root in the UK. A special acknowledgement goes to Jacqui; when she joined us in 2023, she had a clear vision of expanding our movement to the UK, and it is truly rewarding to watch that vision become a reality this year.” says Aryan Habib, co-founder of Empowering Auto. “With our 2026 theme, 'Progress Over Perfection,' we have the perfect mantra to guide this expansion.” says Katherine Mior, co-founder of Empowering Auto.

Empowering Auto’s work is made possible through the collaboration of partners across OEMs, suppliers, financial institutions, retail organizations, and other industry stakeholders. Together, these organizations are shaping a stronger, more representative automotive industry.

About Empowering Auto

Empowering Auto is a nonprofit organization on a mission to drive meaningful change in the automotive industry by recruiting, retaining, and advancing women and their allies, and by creating a community that fosters inclusive leadership.

To find out more about Empowering Auto, please visit www.empoweringauto.ca

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Contacts:

UK team: uk@empoweringauto.ca

Communications: Marzena Mo @ marzena@empoweringauto.ca

Co-Founders: aryan@empoweringauto.ca and katherine@empoweringauto.ca