International Women's Day 2025


Meet the Women Powering Leichhardt Volkswagen
Jenna Yorkston - Dealer Principal


This International Women’s Day, the wider team and I are delighted to take the time to celebrate the Women in our business.  

The women in our team play a critical role in shaping the outcomes in which we encounter.

We are in a fast-paced customer centric environment that requires change and adaptability. The women here at Leichhardt Volkswagen are resilient, strong and have a unique strength to ensure we get the required result that helps to drive our business forward.

Women bring diverse experiences and viewpoints to the table that are essential for creating dynamic, successful businesses.

I am a firm believer; success is achieved by those who are truly authentic. The authenticity of our customer base and team are what truly defines our business and makes Leichhardt Volkswagen so unique and successful.

Thank you to all the women that hose to support the team here at Leichhardt Volkswagen.

In the words of Michelle Obama - "Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."


Belinda Valeria - Business Manager
 Belinda Valeria


What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a day where women are recognised for their achievements and can show the world that we are strong, powerful, and independent. Then we look to how we create a future where everyone regardless of gender can contribute meaningfully to society.


What drew you to the Automotive industry?

The main reason I joined the automotive industry was because of the job security and career growth that it allows for.


Who is a leader that inspires you?

Good question! It would be Jenna Yorkston our Dealer Principal. I have always looked up to her and admired her skills, knowledge, and confidence. I saw the way she worked her way up from an aftermarket consultant, to becoming a General Manager, and now the Dealer Principal motivates me to always learn and never give up. You could do the impossible if you just keep trying.


What is something that you have read/listened to/watched that inspired you?

I love going to gym and training and I always listen to a podcast. I follow many personal trainer ones that help on days when I don't feel like going to the gym. They keep me motivated to keep fit and then healthy.


If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

Believe in yourself, never give up, treat people the way you want to be treated and do things that you love!


Aisling Kelliher - Main Reception



What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It is a time to reflect on women in your life and on a global scale that are inspirational to you.


What drew you to the Automotive industry?

I’m a primary school in Ireland and so when I moved to Australia, I thought it was a great opportunity to try my hand at something completely different. After meeting Jenna I was excited to be a part of the Leichhardt Volkswagen team.

 

Who is a leader that inspires you?

Mary McAleese is a leader that inspires me she was the second ever female president and did a lot for bringing peace in Ireland. She also was heavily involved in the modernising of infrastructure within Ireland, in particular, the education system which I have experienced first hand.

 

What is something that you have read/listened to/watched that inspired you?

I’ve been listening to the How To Gael podcast, which has been created by 3 female presenters:  Doireann Ní Ghlacáin Louise Cantillon, and Síomha Ní Ruairc. The podcast is Ireland’s number 1 bilingual podcast, so its half in Irish and half in English. They bring a lot of important topics to the fore and are trying to revive the popularity of the Irish language.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

Broaden your horizons by travelling as much as you can, seeing the world is the best way to experience life.



Sema Cengiz - Senior Service Consultant 


What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A celebration for women who are recognised for their achievements.


What drew you to the Automotive industry?

I saw it as a unique opportunity to learn and grow my career and working/driving new cars!


Who is a leader that inspires you?

I've got two: Princess Diana - Her activism which made her an international icon; and my Mother – she always chooses positivity and her hard work and sacrifice inspire me to never give up


What is something that you have read/listened to/watched that inspired you?

Watched an Interview with Priyanka Chopra speaking about women’s equality and opportunity.


If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

Appreciate yourself and you will enjoy life so much more, nothing is impossible!


Thaliah Atistides - Sales Executive


What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day to me is a day to reflect on the amazing women in my life and look back at how far women have come.

 

What drew you to the Automotive industry?

I love cars and I love people, what better way to combine those two things than pursuing car sales as a career. It’s always heartening to be able to fulfil someone’s dream of owning a Volkswagen.


Who is a leader that inspires you?

For me I’ve always looked up to Princess Diana because of her compassion, courage, and commitment to making a difference in the world.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

I would tell her that “You rather regret what you did do, than regret what you didn’t do”, always back yourself and take the risks.