Leaders in action driving change, breaking barriers and mentoring the next generation of leaders in material handling.
By Nicole Needles
THE 2025 MHEDA Women in Industry Conference brought together a group of inspiring leaders supported by a MHEDA member – Atlas Toyota Material Handling – that values their professional development. From human resources and recruiting to sales and customer relationship management, these women are driving change, breaking barriers and mentoring the next generation of leaders in material handling.
Caroline Christie
Recruiter and Human Resources Specialist
When Caroline Christie graduated during the pandemic, the job market was at a standstill. A recruiter reached out with an opportunity at Atlas Toyota Material Handling – an industry she knew little about at the time.
“Going into the interview, I knew very little about the stability and importance of the material handling industry,” she recalls. Now she notices the industry everywhere and appreciates its reliability.
Christie believes women bring values that influence workplace culture, particularly around balance, enhanced policies and expanded opportunities. She and her colleagues advocate for changes that help both women and men “achieve a true balance between a fulfilling career and time spent with those most important to us.”
Her leadership philosophy centers on thoughtful listening. Early in her career, she battled imposter syndrome but learned to trust her expertise. “I am the expert at my job,” she reminds herself – a mindset that has helped her grow into a confident resource within the company.
As a recruiter, Christie is encouraged by the rise of women pursuing technical roles. “We have started to see more applications and hires of women in our service and parts departments,” she says. Her mission is to support that momentum and ensure women feel valued in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Breea Gilbert
Customer Relationship Management Specialist
Breea Gilbert grew up on a farm in Iowa, learning early lessons in responsibility while working alongside her father and uncles. Competing in 4-H at the national level reinforced the value of consistent effort. After graduating magna cum laude from Kansas State University, she explored several industries – including dot-com, health and fitness and eight years as a lineman with IBEW Local 9.
A stint selling specialty lifting equipment eventually led her to Atlas Toyota Material Handling, where she discovered a role that blended technical experience with her people focused strengths.
Gilbert’s approach is grounded in communication, trust building and a willingness to “get my hands dirty,” which helps her authentically connect with customers and colleagues.
Her greatest leadership lessons come from discomfort. Challenging projects and demanding situations taught her that growth requires staying calm, taking ownership and focusing on solutions. When underestimated, she gains credibility by knowing her material inside and out: “Once people see that I know my stuff, those walls come down.”
Gilbert credits mentor Robert Nemeth for strengthening her technical confidence. “He treated me with genuine respect and never hesitated to show me the ‘dirty work.’” She now pays that mentorship forward by advocating for other women, sharing knowledge and celebrating their achievements. She is proud to work for a company whose values match her own: “Act with integrity, continuously improve and never sacrifice ethics for a quick dollar.”
Rachel Hyde
Director of Human Resources
With more than 18 years of HR experience, Rachel Hyde has built her career on adaptability, empathy and doing the right thing. Her path into the material handling industry evolved naturally from her work in manufacturing and distribution.
“Although my role was focused on HR,” she recalls, “I was able to get involved in improving warehouse operations and efficiency through automation, new systems and better equipment.”
When the pandemic created uncertainty, Hyde sought a new opportunity and found Atlas. “It’s been exciting to be part of an industry that plays an important role in keeping businesses moving forward.”
Hyde believes assertiveness paired with empathy is essential. “Being able to communicate with confidence is crucial to building mutual respect.” Her leadership philosophy is simple: Leadership is demonstrated through actions, not titles. She prioritizes being approachable, grounded and present for her team.
Challenges are constant. “Every day seems to bring something new to figure out,” Hyde says. Her approach: Take a deep breath, get creative and keep moving forward. Supportive colleagues – and occasional humor – help sustain momentum.
Hyde is encouraged by progress in the industry. “I’ve seen real progress in recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring,” she says. She supports emerging women leaders by offering guidance, advice or simply being a sounding board.
Rebecca Suarez
Systems Account Manager
For Rebecca Suarez, entering the material handling industry began with curiosity and encouragement from family. She started her career as a lead account manager in the technology and office supply sectors, but felt ready for something new. Her father connected her with his sales manager, who helped her see her potential. When a role opened in material handling, she applied – and has now been in the industry for three years.
Suarez quickly learned the value of embracing her strengths. “Some of my greatest strengths are my empathy, my open mindedness and my eagerness to learn about others,” she says. These qualities help customers feel comfortable and allow her to build meaningful relationships.
One of her biggest early challenges was a lack of industry knowledge. She was told it would take three years to learn the field – something she initially doubted. She soon found the estimate accurate but embraced the challenge. Her method: Dive in, stay curious and “take every opportunity you can to learn something new.”
Suarez is proud to be one of the few women in sales at her company and excited to see more women stepping into leadership roles. She credits mentor Seth Krooswyk for helping her adjust to complex, long-cycle sales. “He challenges me to look at situations from multiple perspectives and to always be solution-oriented.”
Now she encourages other women to consider the industry. “The majority of the people in this industry want to help you,” she says. “And that’s one of the best things about this field.”
