With her eyes set on the future and her heart in her community, the co-owner and director of South Dade Toyota, South Dade Kia Miami, and South Dade Kia Homestead in Florida revealed to ¡HOLA! Américas what inspires her to continue growing and leaving her mark.
Lucy Benedetti has successfully led a mission full of passion and courage: empowering women in an industry that seemed to be dominated mainly by men. Lucy has achieved this largely by example, as co-owner and director of South Dade Toyota, South Dade Kia in Miami, and South Dade Kia in Homestead, Florida, where she developed the “Her Drive Her Voice” campaign, designed to empower women with clear information about cars, with the aim of giving them the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Lucy is also the founder and active promoter of the South Dade Education Fund, a foundation that seeks to support the education and training of students by offering scholarships and resources so that young people can reach their full potential.
With the firm intention of strengthening her community to create a better future, Lucy spoke with us about her most human and inspiring side: that of a Latina woman who is not afraid to evolve and be better every day.
The inspiring story of Lucy Benedetti
Lucy, how did you start your adventure?
I come from a Venezuelan family in this industry for three generations, from my grandfather, my parents, and, of course, myself. I grew up in this environment, and it has been in my blood for many years. But I also met my husband, Mario JT Benedetti, who also comes from three generations of car dealers. We got married and worked together for many years until we had to come to Miami in an unforeseen situation due to the insecurity in the country. We came without knowing what we were going to do. So, at that moment, we said, “Let's do what we know how to do with our experience.” And thanks to Mario's ingenuity and God's help, we were able to buy our first dealership.
As a woman, what has it been like for you to enter a male-dominated industry?
It's a world where women are not so visible, but it's becoming more common to see women in important positions in this industry. Another thing that struck me is that women are more insecure when it comes to buying. Even when the woman is the one with the money and the one who will be driving the car, they buy the car that the man thinks is right, without taking their needs into account.XXXXXX POP UP QUOTE:“Educate, innovate, and transform: three forces that drive me.”
Lucy Benedetti
Did this motivate you to create the “Her Drive, Her Voice” campaign, which focuses on giving women a voice?
That's right. When I realized how afraid women are of the automotive world, we started talking to female entrepreneurs, but we've seen this grow into a movement where we empower women, not only in buying a car, but beyond that, teaching them how to manage their credit, how to approach a bank, how to make more significant investments.
As a female entrepreneur, how do you manage to balance family life and continuing to fulfill your dreams?
My children are grown up now, so it's easier. I imagine it's the same for all women, because the truth is that women are a thousand in one. So, it's about getting organized, trying to fulfill your goals, and stretching yourself as far as you can. Women are born with a sense of guilt. I wish we could learn to let go of that guilt, because you have to balance the load. There are some things you can't do, and that's okay. You can't suffer for not doing them. For example, my children had to grow up in the business.
Many times, they had to do their homework on top of a car. I remembered that with guilt, but they don't even remember it. For them, it was a fun plan because they were with you and they were playing. And now that they've grown up, they work with us. It's great to have them because together, as a family, we are creating a better future.
Lucy and Mario JT Benedetti with their children, Mario Enrique and María Gabriela.
What values do you think have guided your leadership style in this industry?
Empathy and resilience, I think those are two important things. Not just empathy with your staff, but with our customers and with life in general. And then resilience, because change is the only constant. XXXXXX Photo #3 CaptionFamily and legacy: Lucy, a woman who leads by example; alongside her husband, Mario JT Benedetti, her two children, Mario Enrique and María Gabriela, and her daughter-in-law, Isabella Benedetti.
For all those women who want to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them?
Be prepared, because the world is definitely changing. Always be open to change, to evolving. Be bold, too, and trust in yourselves, because sometimes you feel afraid, but the idea is to be bold. XXXXXX -What legacy would you like to leave as a Latina woman and entrepreneur in this industry?-That women have a voice in this industry. Not only that we work, but we are heard. For example, we are never considered in car designs. They think that women only want the car to be pink, but that's not the case. It would be great to have a voice and not be afraid to approach the automotive world.
Family and legacy: Lucy, a woman who leads by example; alongside her husband, Mario JT Benedetti, her two children, Mario Enrique and María Gabriela, and her daughter-in-law, Isabella Benedetti.
Tell us about the Educational Fund you have created
The community is very important to us. Because when you educate, it's not only the recipient who benefits, but also their family and community. We are awarding scholarships and participating in many events.
What motivates you every morning to keep creating and giving your all?
Rhe truth is that this job makes me very happy. We are always in contact with so many things that are fun, that are different, that you learn from, that you meet so many new and interesting people, who also teach me that there are a lot of good people out there. That, of course, fills your heart and makes you happy, makes you get up every morning and say, “Of course I can.”
