Global Women in EV Day

Celebrating Global Women in EV Day

The first ever Global Women in EV Day is on the 10th February 2026, what better way to mark the day than by sharing Leah’s story!

On 10th February 2026, the EV industry comes together to mark the first ever Global Women in EV Day

Founded by sector expert Gill Nowell, Global Women in EV Day is, in Gill’s words, “a new worldwide moment of celebration, visibility and solidarity for the women who power the electric vehicle transition.”

From engineers to charge point installers, founders to fleet managers, policymakers to community champions, it’s a day to shine a light on the voices, expertise and stories that shape the future of sustainable mobility.

At VCHRGD, we couldn’t let the day pass without sharing our operations manager Leah Cheeseman’s story. Below, Leah talks us through her journey, her perspective on women in EV, and how she’s managed to make her ADHD part of her operational superpower.

Thank you Leah for sharing your story!

Leah’s Story.

“I’ve found a place where problem solving, curiosity and momentum are valued, and where the work we do genuinely contributes to the transition to cleaner transport.”

My career path into the EV industry hasn’t been linear and honestly, that’s been one of my biggest strengths. I’ve worked across frontline automotive roles, the public sector, high pressure operational environments, and now EV.

I joined VCHRGD in 2022 in a business development role, moved into internal operations, and now work as Operations Manager. That progression mirrors what I enjoy most about this industry: learning fast, adapting constantly, and building things that actually work in the real world.

As someone with ADHD, I thrive in environments where no two days look the same. Operations in EV charging is exactly that; complex, fast moving, occasionally chaotic, but deeply rewarding. At VCHRGD, I’ve found a place where problem solving, curiosity and momentum are valued, and where the work we do genuinely contributes to the transition to cleaner transport.

Tell us a bit about your career path into the EV industry and why you enjoy life at VCHRGD.

My career path into the EV industry hasn’t been linear and honestly, that’s been one of my biggest strengths.

I’ve worked across frontline automotive roles, the public sector, high pressure operational environments, and now EV.

Can you describe your role as Operations Manager, and what a ‘good day’ looks like?

My role as Operations Manager is about turning strategy into reality.

I oversee day to day operations, coordinate teams and suppliers, manage challenges as they arise, and focus on continuous improvement making sure we’re not just functioning, but getting better all the time.

A “good day” isn’t one where nothing goes wrong. A good day is when challenges are visible early, communication is clear, and the team feels supported rather than firefighting. It’s about building systems that hold up under pressure and creating space for people to do their best work.

As a woman working in the EV and energy sector, what has your experience been, and what changes have you seen (or want to see) as the industry evolves?

As a woman in the EV and energy sector, I’m very aware that it’s still often viewed as a male dominated industry especially in operational and technical spaces. That awareness has followed me throughout my career, but I’ve also seen genuinely encouraging progress.

At VCHRGD, I’ve always felt listened to and supported, and that makes a real difference. Being able to show up as myself without feeling the need to edit who I am has created the confidence to speak up, challenge ideas and contribute fully. There’s a growing openness to diverse voices and a genuine encouragement for women to be involved, develop and progress, not just be present.

As the industry continues to evolve, I’m optimistic that this momentum will lead to more inclusive leadership, stronger collaboration, and better innovation across the sector — and that’s something I’m excited to be part of and would love to see more of.

Global Women in EV Day is about visibility, equity and recognising contribution - what does being part of this day mean to you personally and professionally?

Leah: It’s about celebrating how far women in the EV space have come, while also acknowledging there’s still work to do. Personally, it’s motivating to be part of a global community that supports, uplifts, and encourages women in the industry.

Professionally, it’s a reminder that all voices don’t just belong in the conversation, they help drive better ideas, stronger innovation, and a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead: building a fairer EV industry If you could influence the next generation of women entering EV, engineering, or operations roles, what would you want them and the industry to know?

To women coming into EV, you don’t have to change who you are to belong here. There’s value in different ways of thinking, communicating and leading. You don’t need to know everything on day one; curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn will take you a long way.

To the industry, if we want a fairer, more effective EV future, we need to design workplaces that genuinely support difference, not just tolerate it. That means flexible thinking, inclusive leadership, and recognising that diverse teams don’t just look better on paper, they perform better in practice.

A huge thank you to Leah for sharing her story!

Global Women in EV Day has a clear message to the car manufacturing, charging, energy and mobility sectors: the EV gender gap isn’t just an equity issue, it’s an adoption issue.

We’re proud to support the day and help tackle this adoption issue. You can find out more about Global Women in EV Day here