The Women In Trucking Association is thrilled to announce Natalie Kathain as August’s Member of the Month. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Amerit Fleet Solutions—an industry leader in fleet maintenance and repair with locations in Walnut Creek, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina—Natalie has made a significant mark.
In her capacity, she has played a key role in redefining Amerit’s HR strategies with a sharp focus on nurturing talent, enhancing employee engagement, and instituting essential safety and compliance protocols. She expressed her commitment saying, “When I became a manager at Amerit, I promised myself to promote and elevate women, and I am proud of the strides we’ve made.”
Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
Natalie is passionate about fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes both diversity and inclusion. Recognizing the challenges that working mothers face in a male-dominated sector, she has led efforts to create a robust learning and development framework at Amerit. This initiative ensures that employees are equipped with the relevant skills to excel in the fleet management industry.
Furthermore, Amerit actively nurtures a culture of engagement through a dedicated team that implements strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing employee participation and retention while celebrating the accomplishments of their workforce.
Building Community Connections
A vital part of Amerit’s diversity initiative is its employee resource group program, including the Women’s Initiative Network. This group convenes monthly, focusing on empowering women, cultivating connections, and enhancing community involvement, which creates a strong sense of belonging at work.
Natalie encourages women within the industry to seek supportive networks. “Find women who support each other,” she advises. “Build relationships and partnerships and have positive conversations with each other.”
Leading Change in Fleet Management
As Amerit’s first female executive at the C-level, Natalie stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the fleet management landscape. She urges other women to recognize their potential for success in various roles, ranging from supervisory positions to directorships and beyond. “I want them to know that there’s growth and diversity in this industry and that we can call on so many more that we can help elevate,” she noted. “We can change the narrative, the whole perspective that people now have. As we bring more women into this industry, we will be a changed industry.”
Pursuing Equality
Natalie is proud to have a meaningful impact alongside her team, aiming to “drive equality one mile at a time.” She strives to create an inclusive atmosphere where every individual’s voice is acknowledged and valued. The significance of mentorship stands out in her journey, as she reflects on the powerful women who have shaped her career: “I also have had amazing women who have elevated and mentored me, and I want women to be promoted, elevated, and get a seat at the table in return.”
Source: Truckers News
Image: Women in Trucking
