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The agenda is officially LIVE for the Women Automotive Summit: Detroit 2025 , and its shaping up to be the most high-impact U.S. edition to date. Held only once annually in the U.S. , the Summit returns to Detroit on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 , bringing together 400+ industry professionals for a powerful day of knowledge, connection, and strategic insight for what's next.
In todays fast-paced and complex automotive landscape, innovation no longer happens in isolation. As we look ahead to 2025, its clear that collaboration both within and across sectors has become a critical driver of progress and performance. At the upcoming Women Automotive Summit: Detroit 2025 , were shining a spotlight on the power of partnerships with a dedicated panel discussion: The Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration to Drive Industry Innovation.
At the Women Automotive Network, were committed to not only supporting and empowering women and allies within our sector today but also investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Thats why were proud to announce our partnership with Ten80 Education a nationally recognized organization connecting K12 students to career pathways in STEM and preparing a skilled workforce for the future.
As AI continues to shape the future of the automotive industry, Dr. Charlene Wu is helping ensure that people remain at the centre of innovation. A behavioural scientist and Vice President of Human-Centered AI at the Toyota Research Institute, Dr. Wu brings a unique perspective on how diverse expertise can drive meaningful impact in emerging technologies.
Leadership in the automotive industry isnt just evolvingits being redefined. Thats why were opening this years Women Automotive Summit Detroit with a powerful series of Morning Masterclasses, designed to help you sharpen your focus, reflect on your leadership journey, and gain practical tools to thrive in todays fast-moving world. These interactive workshops dive into some of the most pressing questions facing leaders todayfrom how to navigate constant industry change, to redefining success as
Redefining Success for High-Achieving Mothers in the Automotive Industry I ve always charted my own course, embracing bold leaps-from parachuting out of U.S. Army planes to specializing in support for high-achieving mothers from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. After nearly two decades in leadership roles, earning advanced degrees, and building businesses, nothing has been more transformative than balancing motherhood while pursuing my professional dreams.
The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformationand women are helping to shape what comes next. At this years Women Automotive Summit: Detroit , were bringing together some of the industrys most inspiring voices for a day of bold conversations, real connection, and forward-thinking leadership. Were excited to welcome senior leaders from Stellantis, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors, who will take part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the day -joining an already
Feature article by Julie Kratz , Allyship+ Inclusion| Forbes + Entrepreneur + Fast Company Contributor | Kelley School of Business Professor | Keynote Speaker We've all seen the leadership books: "Lean In," "Own It," "Negotiate Like a Boss." They preach confidence, risk-taking, and playing the game often suggesting we adopt traditionally "masculine" traits.
This International Womens Day, the Women Automotive Network brought together industry leaders, Employee Resource Group (ERG) champions, and aspiring professionals to celebrate progress and drive meaningful change. In alignment with the 2025 global theme, #AccelerateAction , the event focused on tangible steps to advance women in the automotive industry through insightful discussions, shared experiences, and actionable takeaways.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how you got started in the automotive industry? Im Loreanne Garcia Ottati, Co-Founder of Kavak. My journey into the automotive world wasnt exactly plannedit; actually started with a desire to solve a big problem I come from a business background and I love connecting with people and creating solutions, but long story short, my brother Carlos passed through a very bad experience selling his car.
Schaeffler Group We pioneer motion The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable over the entire life cycle.
Balancing a thriving career with the challenges of motherhood is no easy feat, especially when maternity leave policies and workplace support vary drastically across the globe. In our recent LinkedIn Live panel, hosted by Joeli Brearley, founder of "Pregnant Then Screwed" , we delved into the topic "Global Differences Between Maternity Leave and Returning to Work.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background and how you got started in the automotive industry? After earning my PGDipED in Modern Foreign Languages, I began my career as a teacher in diverse educational settings, including adult education, secondary and primary schools. This experience gave me management and leadership skills I would later transfer to a career in automotive, besides the ability to differentiate instruction for inclusive environments.
As we step into January, the start of a new year brings a fresh wave of possibilities. Its the perfect time to reflect on where youve been, set goals for where you want to go, and take deliberate steps toward a brighter future. Many of us begin the year with resolutionswhether to advance our careers, build meaningful relationships, or prioritize personal growth.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background, and how you got started in the automotive industry? I moved to the U.S. 23 years ago and started working as an engineer in the automotive sector. As a single parent raising two daughters, I had to balance building my career and managing my family. I began as a Program manager (PM) and eventually advanced to senior PM, working on interiors for major OEMs like Ford, GM, and VW.
We’re thrilled to announce a game-changing moment for the Women Automotive Network—the launch of our Individual Membership Options! This milestone marks a significant step forward in building a stronger, more connected global community, providing even greater opportunities for growth, collaboration, and engagement. A New Era of Opportunity For years, the Women Automotive Network has been a space for innovation, empowerment, and connection.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background and how you got started in the automotive industry? Mum to 3 young kids (7yo and 4yo twins), I have a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce degree plus an MBA. I started at General Motors (Holden) in 2007 straight out of university on their internship program. During my career I have worked for GM, both in Australia and at GM’s HQ in Detroit, Michigan.
Mentorship is more than guidance—it's a transformative journey that shapes careers, fosters leadership, and drives change. In our latest Leadership Interview, Barbara Bergmeier, Executive Director of Industrial Operations at JLR, shared her compelling story of mentorship’s profound impact on her career and leadership development. WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE Mentorship: A Personal Journey Barbara’s mentoring journey began with a blend of informal guidance and structured programs.
By Women Automotive Network As the Women Automotive Network, we are proud advocates for inclusivity and equity in the automotive industry. This International Men’s Day, we reflect on the pivotal role allyship and sponsorship play in driving progress. Celebrating this day offers a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of male allies and highlight the collective efforts required to create a more equitable and thriving industry.
On October 29th, the Women Automotive Network hosted a compelling LinkedIn Live session featuring April Stevens, Director of Manufacturing Strategy & Footprint Development at Ford Motor Company. The conversation, led by Caroline Trudeau, Senior Industry Advisor, explored the unique strengths that introverted leaders bring to the manufacturing industry.
"Being surrounded by 450+ passionate women from the industry was on its own amazing! Hearing from leading women that have built their way up such as Linda Jackson and Barbara Frenkel was truly inspiring!" On October 8th, 489 women and allies gathered in Ludwigsburg for the 2024 Women Automotive Summit, with an additional 500+ joining online from 35 countries.
Nearly 500 attendees came together 8 th October in Ludwigsburg at the Women Automotive Summit Europe to celebrate the leaders, innovators, rising stars and allies inspiring the automotive industry. Hosted by the Women Automotive Network, these awards honored individuals and organizations demonstrating exemplary leadership in fostering inclusion, equality, and diversity within their workplaces.
Katherine Zachary, Region Vice President, Communications The greatest joy of working in Nissan’s AMIEO region is the cultural diversity that’s just inherent to our day-to-day working lives. This is not just a personal observation – it’s a widely shared belief throughout the regional acronym that stands for Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background, and how you got started in the automotive industry? I was born in South Africa and had German nationality from my father. I grew up in Port Elizabeth, where my father worked for several different motor manufacturers over the years, so I suppose I have had the motor industry in my blood for a long time.
ABC Technologies is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of custom, highly-engineered technical plastics and light-weight innovations to the light vehicle industry and beyond. We are Molding The Future! ABC is a market leader in blow molding and injection molding technology. ABC serves more than 25 major OEM customers in 8 countries. We are strategically placed to offer vertically integrated product and process solutions through a skilled workforce of over 11,000 teammates.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background, and how you got started in the automotive industry? I’m a unique, diverse, multifaceted, and creative leader driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. My journey into the automotive industry was influenced by my upbringing; I spent a lot of time in my dad’s workshop, where he was a motor mechanic.
Empowering Change: Key Takeaways from Our LinkedIn Live on Menopause in the Workplace Last week’s LinkedIn Live event, hosted by the Women Automotive Network, was a compelling and heartfelt discussion on “Menopause in the Workplace: Empowering Businesses to Initiate Change.” Our speakers, Sharon and Jane, shared their expertise and personal experiences, giving us valuable insights into how businesses can support employees going through menopause.
In the most recent LinkedIn Live interview hosted by the Women Automotive Network , Nicole Scott, Technology Journalist sat down with Katharina Hopp, Senior Vice President at Bosch , to discuss the future of work in the automotive industry. Their conversation, centered on the theme "Work of Tomorrow: IT & Business Cooperation in an Agile, AI-Driven Future" provided valuable insights into how one of the world's largest automotive suppliers is navigating the rapidly changing landscape of techn
At the Women Automotive Network, we strongly believe we are #BetterTogether. If we are to drive diversity and innovation within the industry, we need everyone to be part of the conversation. Join Us at the European Summit This year’s European Summit on October 8th in Ludwigsburg features a number of dedicated sessions that we invite you to join: 8:30 am: Workshop on “Re-thinking your DEI Strategies” with Men for Inclusion 4:40 pm: “Inspire Inclusion” Panel Discussion with Francois Dossa, Execu
In the latest installment of the Women Automotive Network Leadership Interview series, we hosted a compelling LinkedIn Live interview featuring a dynamic discussion with Lavanya Wadgaonkar PhD, CCO Nissan Motor Corporation Japan and our host Andy Fellows, founder of Aquilae. The conversation delved into the nuances of cultural integration in professional settings, highlighting how varying decision-making styles, biases, and communication approaches shape workplace dynamics.
Why did you join the Women Automotive Network? Women are often invisibilized in our industry, so the WAN is a great opportunity to shed light on role models who share their powerful and inspiring success stories. I also really appreciate being able to connect with like-minded individuals who have an interest in and understand the paramount importance of accelerating DE&I efforts in automotive.
We are excited to share the outstanding success of our first US Women Automotive Summit in Detroit! The energy was incredible, and we're thrilled to carry this momentum forward to Stuttgart on October 8th for our next Summit. Incredible Attendance The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 400 in-person attendees and 250 live viewers from 33 countries, totalling 679 participants.
Embracing the Future of Leadership: A Panel Discussion on Innovation, Diversity, and Talent in the Automotive Industry At the Women Automotive Summit on the 4th June we had the privilege of welcoming over 400 attendees to our first US Summit. The Women Automotive Network is a global community of 39,000 from 108 countries. Our mission is to inspire, empower, and connect women and their allies in the automotive industry to create a more inclusive and diverse world.
In the latest installment of the Women Automotive Network Leadership Interview series, we hosted a compelling LinkedIn Live interview featuring a dynamic discussion with Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director Brand & Licensing Bugatti Rimac with our host Caroline Trudeau, Storyteller, Strategist & Senior Industry Advisor. The conversation explored the intricacies of company culture, the importance of leadership, and the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, with a particular focus on w
Why did you join the Women Automotive Network? I joined the Women Automotive Network because I want to support and provide another perspective, share my experiences, and help where I can to push the message that we are #BetterTogether. I’m aware of the potential privilege afforded to me either consciously or subconsciously, and that is why being a male ally is something that is personally very important to me.
In a recent thought-provoking leadership interview hosted by Stephanie May, Director at the Women Automotive Network, Mark and Gary, co-founders of Men for Inclusion, delved deep into the intricacies of driving diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives within organisations. Their dialogue provided a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, strategies, and paradigm shifts necessary to foster truly inclusive corporate cultures.
Attending the Women Automotive Summit on September 20th, 2023, in Ludwigsburg presents a unique opportunity to not only immerse yourself in the automotive industry's latest trends but also to discover the enchanting attractions this charming German town has to offer. Here's a curated list of places to visit during your stay, ensuring you make the most of your time in Ludwigsburg Ludwigsburg Palace (Residenzschloss) : Extend your summit experience by visiting the resplendent Ludwigsburg Palace.
Introducing Annemari Muru, our esteemed Member of the Month of August (August MOTM)! Annemari is not just a member but also the CEO of Liigu, a prominent company in the automotive industry. At Liigu, Annemari's primary responsibility is to ensure the happiness of their customers, keep cars connected, and motivate her team to achieve their best. Annemari's philosophy is firmly grounded in the belief that if something isn't worth giving 100%, then it's not worth doing at all.
The countdown to the 2023 Women Automotive Summit, hosted by Women Automotive Network on 20th September, is now well underway, as the automotive industry gears up to celebrate diversity and share key insights from well-known industry leaders. Held at Forum am Schlosspark, Ludwigsburg, Germany, the highly anticipated Summit returns for its first in-person event since 2019.
The 2023 Women Automotive Summit, hosted by Women Automotive Network, has been deemed a resounding success, with the Network registering a record number of attendees at its first in-person event since 2019! With 350+ visitors, nearly 800 online attendees and 31 speakers, the Summit welcomed a vast array of automotive professionals, all of whom flocked through the doors in their numbers to embrace the unique opportunity to meet the next generation of leaders and network with current industry ro
Engaging in conversation with our October Member of the Month, Berveleen Mashonga, Product Manager in Product Planning & Strategy at Hyundai Mobis. Why did you join the Women Automotive Network? When I first found the Women Automotive Network, I was and still am really excited. Before joining the network, I knew less than 5 women in automotive and I lacked inspiration.
According to the industry experts who chose to speak at and sponsor the recent Women Automotive Summit (20th September), women are fundamental to the workforce transformation fuelling Automotive’s digital future. Why? And who shares responsibility for securing their seat at the table: the industry’s female minority, or the men in the Automotive driving seat?
Sandra Gonzalez is a program manager in the Automotive group at Flex in Stuttgart, Germany. Here she discusses her journey in design and engineering, how the sector has become more inclusive, and why, after moving thousands of miles from Mexico to Germany she was drawn back to work at Flex. A conversation with Flex engineer: Sandra Gonzalez Tell us about you and your role at Flex?
An impressive line-up of upcoming Leadership Interviews has been announced from Women Automotive Network including Jaclyn McQuaid, President and Managing Director, General Motors Europe; Linda Jackson, CEO of Peugeot; and Chris Feuell, CEO of Chrysler Brand, Stellantis. As the Network continues on its mission to work collaboratively with members to inform and liaise on hot topics, the monthly sessions see the network welcome a well-known host from the industry, who sits down with other leaders t
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