Women Driving Change in Collision Repair

August is Women’s Month – a time to recognise, reflect and celebrate the incredible contributions of women across all sectors. In our industry, women are increasingly taking their place in what has historically been a male-dominated space – and they’re not just participating, they’re leading, innovating, and redefining the future of the auto body sector.

From the workshop floor to management, admin to estimating, their presence brings not only skill and precision but also fresh perspective, resilience, and leadership. These are the women who keep the wheels turning, who challenge the norm, and who show what’s possible when barriers are broken down.This month, we honour their stories. We celebrate their achievements. And we shine a spotlight on a few of the exceptional women in our own network who are making their mark every day.

Meet the ladies rocking our industry:

Charise and Cassie Chetty: Sisters Steering Legacy at AutoBonnAt AutoBonn the next generation is already leaving its mark. Sisters Charise and

Cassie Chetty, daughters of SAMBRA Vice Chairman Ravi Chetty, are taking the reins in their own distinct, powerful ways - combining hands-on leadership with business acumen to carry forward a family legacy.

Charise Chetty: Leading from the Workshop FloorHaving grown up in the business, Charise absorbed her first lessons under the watchful eye of her father - lessons about consistency, quality, and humility in leadership.

“Watching my dad manage suppliers, team dynamics, and even frustrated customers with patience taught me how important it is to stay grounded and think long-term,” she says.

Today, Charise runs the floor operations, expertly juggling estimates, workflow, and staff management. “It’s a lot,” she admits, “but I’ve learned to lean on our team. With Cassie in accounts, Felicity handling clients, and Shane running the workshop, we’re able to manage the chaos and keep things running smoothly.”Being a woman in a technical environment hasn’t always been easy. “People often assume I’m there to take messages, not run the operation. I used to try proving myself. Now, I just let the results speak.”

Charise believes women bring unique strengths to workshop management: attention to detail, calm under pressure, and strong multitasking abilities. Her advice to young women? “Start anywhere - ask questions, take a short course, shadow someone. There are so many paths in this space, and we need more women to take them.”

Cassie Chetty: The Numbers Behind the NameWhile Charise keeps the shop humming, older sister Cassie ensures the business stays financially healthy. With a background in Psychology and a natural flair for systems and structure, she found her place managing finance and operations.

“Working with both my dad and Charise has been a blessing. My dad’s calm in chaos and Charise’s structured leadership inspire me daily,” she shares.Cassie tracks expenses weekly, plans for the unpredictable, and has a deep respect for the craft that happens on the floor. “What surprised me most is how skilled the work is, it’s not just panel beating; it’s true craftsmanship.”Still early in her journey, Cassie sees her role evolving. “I want to help grow the business into something even more impactful, while bridging the generational gap with fresh ideas.”

Her encouragement to other young women in finance or operations? “If God’s placed the desire in your heart, step into it - even if you’re quiet or unsure. You don’t need all the answers - just a willingness to learn and serve. This industry needs women who are focused, creative, and committed to long-term growth.”

Our SAMBRA takeCharise and Cassie represent the future of the Motor Body Repair industry—grounded in family values, strengthened by teamwork, and fuelled by vision. Their journey is a powerful reminder that leadership looks different for everyone, and that the blend of passion, purpose, and persistence is exactly what the industry needs to move forward. We’re proud to see the next generation leading with such heart and determination.