AGENCIA PRESS NOTICIAS.- Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive, have announced the eighth annual What Drives Her networking event and awards program during the show’s Media Preview on Thursday, Feb. 6 at McCormick Place.
Once again bringing together influential women in the automotive industry, What Drives Her will recognize women who are changing the auto industry from the inside and the advocates who help make change happen.
The event will open with a panel discussion “What Drives Her…To the Off-Road Trail,” moderated by Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars and What Drives Her organizer. During this discussion, panelists Kelsey Gerken, Cause Marketing & Bronco Off-Roadeo Manager for Ford Motor Company, and Bridget Kramer, Jeep Wrangler Brand Manager for Jeep, will dive into the world of off-roading and the growing movement to get women behind the wheel on the trails.
“We couldn’t be more excited to once again host the annual What Drives Her at the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. “This event has become a cornerstone program at our show and plays a crucial role into shedding light and recognition on the incredible women who are making a profound impact on the industry and driving innovation.”
What Drives Her Awards
Following the panel discussion, event organizers will present the annual What Drives Her awards to recognize and applaud outstanding females and advocates in the industry. Nominations have been submitted from individuals within the industry ranging from auto manufacturers, suppliers, media and new-vehicle retailers. The panel of distinguished jurors are made up of female automotive journalists.
The finalists in each award category are as follows:
Trailblazer Award: Employed by an automaker, auto retailer or core automotive supplier; job title no higher than vice president; works primarily in North America; she may be notable for her empowerment of others, her breaking down of barriers that allows others to follow, her pursuit of non-traditional roles or jobs, her leadership, and taking on additional roles such as leading an employee resource group or mentoring program.
Top Three Finalists:
- Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America
- Audrey Moore, vice president and chief engineer – North America Sedan Programs, Stellantis
- Tricia Morrow, global vehicle safety strategy manager, General Motors
Other nominees include Jamie Brewer, Donna Dickson, Ashley Lambrix, Hedy Popson, Maithri Venkat and Rachael Zaluzec.
Best In Craft Automotive Media Award: Employed as a full time or part time North American journalist, content creator, video creator, social or digital media creator with a focus on the automotive industry, she demonstrates general excellence of craft, supports women and her colleagues in the automotive industry or, through voice and narrative, creates more accessible automotive information and more inclusive automotive storytelling.
Top Three Finalists:
- Emme Hall, freelance journalist
- Elana Scherr, senior features editor, Car and Driver
- Nicole Wakelin, editor at large, CarBuzz
Other nominees include Kirsten Korosec, Mercedes Lilienthal, Sandra Muñoz, Connie Peters and Cherise Threewitt.
Automotive Ally Award: The Automotive Ally Award recognizes an individual who offers continual support, coaching, advocacy, education and understanding, helping to create opportunities for others as they build their careers in automotive. This award is open to any executive, leader, manager or other person inside or outside the automotive industry and reflects the impact that this person has on the industry, for both individuals and organizations.
Top Three Finalists:
- Dean Case, communications consultant
- Joel Feder, senior producer, Internet Brands
- Kimatni Rawlins, president and publisher, Automotive Rhythms Communications
Other nominees include Danielle Ferrari, Kathy Gilbert, Natalie Merola, MG Pinizzotto and Maithri Venkat.
Best Retailer Award: Employed by a Chicago-area dealership, this person demonstrates a high level of commitment and drive to any task at hand, whether that’s in sales, service, finance or technical support.
Top Four Finalists:
- Kelly Donku, sales manager, Bill Jacobs BMW
- Valerie Nazimek, general manager, Smith Chevrolet of Hammond
- Angel Pieniazek, office manager, Hopkins Ford of Elgin Inc
- Maggie Webb, business development manager, Packey Webb Ford
Other nominees include Adrianne Gentile, Sara Moruzzi, Salina Villarreal and Danielle West.