Women Of Mercedes-Benz – Shaping A Legacy

Here at Mercedes-Benz of Centerville, we’re thankful to have served drivers in our community for a long time. But we wouldn’t be where we are today without the influential women of Mercedes-Benz. From the first woman behind the wheel of one of our first models to legendary race car drivers, we’re proud of the women of Mercedes-Benz for shaping an unforgettable legacy.

Jenell & Norma Ross – Trailblazers At The Wheel

Following in the pioneering footsteps of icons like Bertha Benz and Ewy Rosqvist, Jenell Ross and her mother, Norma J. Ross, represent a profound legacy in Mercedes‑Benz history in the U.S.—and indeed the world. Robert P. “Bob” Ross Sr. made history as the first African‑American Mercedes‑Benz dealer, setting a remarkable standard when he founded the dealership in 1979. After his passing in 1997, Norma Ross stepped into leadership, preserving and nurturing the dealership’s legacy with resilience and vision.

Today, Jenell Ross carries that legacy forward as the second‑generation owner—and notably, the only second‑generation African‑American female auto dealer in the country. Their stewardship is more than a continuation of a business—it’s a story of perseverance, representation, and progress in an industry where they truly broke the mold. Including them alongside other women who “paved the way” makes for an authentic and powerful celebration of trailblazers across generations.