Episode 232: Women in Fleet: Shae Davies - 30 Years, 3 Firsts, 0 Apologies

Episode Summary

What does it actually take to break into a male-dominated industry, get passed over because of excuses, and still rise to manage a fleet of nearly 3,800 assets?

Shae Davies, Fleet Manager for the City of Aurora, Colorado, joins host Facundo Tassara for the debut episode of the Women in Fleet series on the Fleet Success Show. Shae has nearly 30 years in public fleet, starting as an apprentice mechanic with the City of Seattle and working her way into leadership through grit, skill, and a willingness to be the first.

In this episode, Shae and Facundo cover:

• How a fight with her dad led to a 30-year career in the trades
• What it means to be the first woman in the room, and what it costs
• The real story behind managing an aging, underfunded fleet of 3,800 assets
• How she is building an executive-level capital risk narrative to change budget decisions
• Why fleet managers need to stop being a line item and start being a business partner
• The mechanic labor shortage and why wages are going to get very uncomfortable
• Her hot take on language, respect, and how we talk about women in the trades
• QR codes on fleet assets and the untapped opportunity to tell your agency's story

Whether you are a fleet manager, a fleet director, a tradesperson, or someone thinking about entering the industry, this conversation will challenge the way you think about fleet, leadership, and what the next generation of this workforce needs.

Speaker Bios

Facundo Tassara

Fleet Success Ambassador, RTA

Facundo Tassara is a Fleet Success Ambassador at RTA with more than 26 years of fleet industry experience. Throughout his career, he has worked across public sector fleet operations and is passionate about helping fleet leaders improve performance, tell their story with data, and build stronger organizations. As host of the Fleet Success Show, Facundo brings practical insights, industry expertise, and engaging conversations to fleet professionals across North America.

Shae Davies

Fleet Manager, City of Aurora

Shae Davies is the Fleet Manager for the City of Aurora, overseeing a fleet of nearly 3,800 assets. With almost 30 years in the automotive and fleet industry, she began her career as an apprentice technician with the City of Seattle and advanced through leadership roles before becoming a fleet executive. A passionate advocate for modern fleet management, workforce development, and greater representation of women in skilled trades, Shae is known for her data-driven approach to fleet operations, asset lifecycle management, and organizational leadership.

Additional Resources

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Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here. 

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