Chicago Auto Show's Eighth Annual "What Drives Her" Award Finalists Announced

2025 Program and Award Ceremony to be held on Feb. 6

CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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; and Trisha 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; and 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.; and Maggie Webb, business development manager, Packey Webb Ford             

Other nominees include Adrianne Gentile, Sara Moruzzi, Salina Villarreal and Danielle West.

Lifetime of Inspiration Award: This award will be presented to Roz Varon to honor her dedication and longevity in reporting from the Chicago Auto Show floor. Roz began her career with ABC 7 Chicago in 1989 and started covering the Chicago Auto Show soon thereafter. Roz retired from the station soon after covering her last Chicago Auto Show in February 2024.

The awards will be presented during the Chicago Auto Show's Media Preview on Thursday, Feb. 6 Attendees are encouraged to use event hashtag #WhatDrivesHer when posting on social media.

For more information on the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, visit http://www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. Media can visit http://www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/media for more information.

About the Chicago Auto Show
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2025 public show is Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.

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SOURCE Chicago Auto Show