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Recognizing Excellence: The 2025 Women in Auto Care Awards
In an uplifting event at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, the 2025 Women in Auto Care Awards were presented, honoring exceptional women and companies making significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket. With over 125 nominations, this year's ceremony recognized eight remarkable individuals and one company across various categories. These awards are vital in celebrating leadership, achievement, and advocacy within the auto care industry.
A Diverse Range of Recipients
The Women in Auto Care community, part of the Auto Care Association, aims to empower women in numerous sectors of the automotive field. The 2025 award winners include:
- Lifetime Achievement: Courtney Pedler, CEO of Autology Data Management, recognized for her dedication to improving automotive content and data standards.
- Outstanding Leadership: Olivia Droney-Newton, whose experience in marketing and analytics fosters growth in the industry as the senior vice president at N.A. Williams.
- Female Shop Owner of the Year: Shari Pheasant, co-CEO of A Master Mechanic, celebrated for her innovative leadership and community-focused approach.
- Women of Excellence: Four trailblazers—Heather Antrim, Lauren Briggs, Tracy Capriotto, and Cass Tomac—all recognized for their remarkable contributions to their respective organizations.
- Company Ally of the Year: Highline Warren, noted for promoting inclusive workplace practices that support women in the auto care industry.
- Champion of the Year: Amy Steele, who has effectively driven customer experience initiatives within the Nexa Motion Group.
A Celebration of Passion and Dedication
As each winner took the stage, they shared heartfelt reflections about their journeys. Courtney Pedler, with over 35 years in the automotive sector, emphasized the value of data in enhancing business operations, stating, "This award means the world to me... It celebrates personal achievement, people, community, and shared passion." Similarly, Shari Pheasant remarked on the importance of leading with grit and heart, saying, "...this award isn’t just a milestone—it’s a statement. It says women belong here, shaping the future of automotive..."
Creating Future Leaders
The significance of awards like these transcends individual accolades; they inspire future generations of women entering the automotive field. Olivia Droney-Newton expressed her commitment to education and mentoring, highlighting, "I’m especially passionate about using this platform to promote automotive education and awareness at the local level—connecting students, schools, and industry partners." This sentiment resonates with the core mission of Women in Auto Care, reinforcing the culture of collaboration and support.
The Role of Advocacy in Automotive Industry Growth
The awards also serve as a reminder of the diverse roles women occupy in this male-dominated industry. By recognizing achievements across various sectors—from warehousing to technology—the Women in Auto Care Awards emphasize how essential advocacy and visibility are for promoting gender equality in automotive.
Reflecting on Progress and Looking Ahead
As the echoes of admiration for these remarkable women linger, it's apparent that the journey of amplifying women's voices in the automotive sector is far from over. The 2025 Women in Auto Care Awards not only honor individual accomplishments but also envision a future where women can lead and innovate in every facet of the automobile industry.
For the automotive community and beyond, recognizing the achievements and contributions of women inspires future participation in auto repair and automotive maintenance, creating a more balanced and inclusive industry for all.
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