Embracing opportunities in auto with Kelly Ma
As part of International Women’s Day 2025, AIA Canada is recognizing women from across the auto care industry, highlighting their experiences, achievements, and success in their careers. Throughout her career, Kelly Ma has succeeded in the industry thanks to inclusive environments, welcoming mentors, and strives to show why working in the auto care industry is so rewarding.
Kelly Ma, Mr. Lube + Tires
Kelly Ma’s career in the auto care industry began in 2008, and while her journey took a brief detour into the wellness industry, she found her way back to auto care in 2019. For Kelly, the industry was a natural fit. Growing up surrounded by auto enthusiasts and spending sunny days alongside friends working on vehicles made automotive maintenance feel like second nature.
Her expertise in human resources (HR), payroll, and recruitment gave her the flexibility to work in various sectors, but the auto care industry stood out. Kelly reflects, “The auto care sector always felt comfortable. It is like coming home.”
Staying for the people
Kelly’s passion for the industry stems from the people she works with. “As cliché as it may sound, the people make it comfortable,” she says. At Mr. Lube + Tires corporate office, where nearly 50 percent of the team are women, Kelly experiences a supportive and inclusive culture daily. She highlights the strong leadership and vision of her colleagues, especially Pamela Lee, President and CEO of Mr. Lube + Tires.
“Pamela has paved the way for women in the automotive industry, creating space for us to excel while providing mentorship,” Kelly shares. The collaboration with other talented women inspires her to give back by mentoring the next generation of women in auto care.
Thriving in a dynamic industry
Kelly finds the ever-evolving nature of the auto care industry fascinating. While her early years were marked by some challenges, the industry has made significant strides. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are now big priorities, ensuring women are empowered to shape the future of the field.
“The industry may still appear male-dominated, but women play a big role in where it’s going,” Kelly observes. She credits her mentors for helping her navigate this landscape, providing her with guidance, psychological safety, and the confidence to grow.
Kelly has a message for women who might feel intimidated by the automotive industry: “There is something for everyone. Do not think, “I do not know cars.’ This industry is about so much more—operations, finance, purchasing, legal, marketing and beyond.”
She emphasizes that the right mentors and a willingness to explore opportunities can lead to a fulfilling career. “I have had some amazing mentors throughout my career, from the beginning to even now. My mentors have helped me elevate my understanding of matters beyond surface level and have provided a presence that allowed for me to have the psychological safety to make a mistake and learn from it.”
“A strong mentor is like a north star. They give you direction and the confidence to navigate uncertainty. The impact of mentorship has inspired me to pay it forward.”
As Kelly herself embodies, women are not only shaping the future of auto care—they are leading the way.
About Kelly Ma
Kelly Ma currently serves as Senior Director, People and Talent, at Mr. Lube + Tires. She has spent 13 years in Canada’s auto care industry, with over seven of those being at Mr. Lube + Tires. Throughout her career, Kelly has known the importance of mentorship, growth, and embracing new opportunities.