When you think of a diesel technician, you might not immediately picture someone who once pursued graphic design or cheered on varsity and open division until age 25. But for Missy Albin, known in the industry as DieselGirl, the path to mastering fleet maintenance wasn’t exactly traditional. It was, however, perfectly hers.

Albin grew up around cars (a bright blue corvette, to be specific) and was always curious about how things worked. But her curiosity wasn't exactly encouraged. 

"My father was OCD, so I wasn’t really allowed to touch anything," Albin said. 

Despite that, the spark never faded. Her first taste of mechanical wonder happened when she saw Christmas lights hooked up to house speakers, the old tower Technics, flickering in time to the rhythm of the music. 

"I didn’t know what it was, but now I know it’s visual ohms. It blew my mind," she said.

How DieselGirl Swapped Graphic Design for Grit Under the Hood

That spark eventually grew into a fire. Albin initially pursued graphic design but soon realized her true calling was under the hood. She bravely shifted her path, even if it meant losing support and redefining what was possible for herself. 

"Support is actually really, really important for me in my life," Albin shared, reflecting on how the journey wasn’t always easy. "I had to tell my family that I wasn’t going to school anymore. That was hard."

But she pushed forward. Her grit and passion enabled her to overcome the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Albin earned her Navistar International Motors Master certification, Cummins certification, and is working toward A.S.E. Master certification as a diesel technician, titles she holds with immense pride. 

She speaks candidly about the barriers she's faced, from working through pregnancy to navigating stereotypes and even harassment. Yet, she never let those challenges define her. 

"This is my passion; nobody's going to take it from me," she said firmly. And it’s that spirit that makes her such a force in the fleet world.

From Mentee to Mentor: Helping Women Thrive in Fleet Careers

Albin credits much of her growth to mentors like Ron King and Joe Dougherty, who helped shape her career. 

"Ronnie taught me how to solve problems logically, without emotion. Joe helped me heal through harassment and taught me to fall in love with electrical work," she shared. 

Inspired by their guidance, Albin now mentors other women, hoping to be that same pillar of support. 

"I want to see more women mentoring women. That’s my real hope for the industry," Albin said.

Fixing More Than Engines: Fighting for Women-Friendly Fleet Workplaces

Now, she is on a mission to make the industry more inclusive. 

"Uniforms are a problem," she stated matter-of-factly. "Women can’t find pants that fit properly, and I haven’t had a bathroom at work for 21 years." 

Albin is vocal about the need for safer, more comfortable workwear and proper facilities, simple changes that could transform the experience for women entering the field.

Her passion doesn’t stop there. Albin is also a brand ambassador for BRUNT Workwear and TWO SVGE eyewear, a professional subject writer for ASE, and is currently working on a children’s book and a book for women in the industry. Her energy seems boundless. 

"I love to write and share diagnostics... spreading good information and best practices is what I never had for me. So, I want to do it for everybody else," she said with that always present grin.

Advice for Aspiring Female Technicians from DieselGirl Herself

For women considering a career in fleet maintenance, Albin’s advice is clear: don’t let fear hold you back. 

"Without the challenges, it wouldn’t be interesting; it wouldn’t be fun. These challenges shape us as technicians," she insisted. And she would know, she’s been smashing stereotypes, one diesel engine at a time.

Albin's story isn’t just about fixing engines; it’s about challenging norms and paving the way for more women to join the field. Her journey shows that with the right amount of grit, passion, and a bit of stubbornness, there’s no limit to what you can achieve, even in the toughest industries. 

And if she has her way, more women will be stepping up to that challenge, wrench in hand, ready to make their mark.