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Jan 12th
14th Annual Urban Wheels
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Detroit, MI
Feb 20th
Spirit of Leadership at NADA
Luncheon
Peabody Hotel
Orlando, FL
April 8th
WAAI Networking Breakfast
NY Auto Show
Javitz Convention Center
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Membership & Renewals
Time to renew your annual WAAI membership?
Not a member yet, but want to get involved?
To register or renew your membership with the WAAI, download our Membership Application here.
Or for more info on membership or renewal contact, Erica Sietsma, Membership Director at esietsma@mileone.com
Membership Rates:
Regular Membership: $90
Sustaining Membership: $130 (Only Sustaining Members can hold office)
Student Membership: $25
Download a membership application
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Nothing Better than Hanging Out with the Girls During the Holiday's
 The Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) presented the prestigious Professional Achievement Award to three automotive industry women during its annual awards dinner during the LA Auto Show media preview days.
This year’s honorees were Robin Pisz, national interactive marketing manager for Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales; Theresa Haven, manager of the marketing communications campaign management division, Honda Motor Co.; and Anna Zornosa, general manager for Dealix.com, a division of Cobalt.
Presented annually since 1997, the Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to professional women in recognition of their commitment, professionalism and success in the automotive industry. “These women embody qualities well worthy of recognition, and we are privileged to honor their achievements,” said Lorraine Schulz,, CEO and Founder of the WAAI. “Not only are they successful and accomplished in their careers. They are also leaders in business and their communities, and serve as role models.”
The event was a highliight for my holiday season and was so pleased to present these women with the Professional Achievement Award and congratulate them on this much-deserved honor.
In November I moderated a panel for the Mercedes Ladies and Women's Automotive Association International called "Strategies for Success" at Mercedes-Benz USA. The keynote speaker was Jo Ann Rose, President, Network Sales for CBS Television Network and one of the Hollywood Reporter's 100 Most Powerful Women. Her story was inspiring, entertaining and made me laugh at myself.
 The panelists included: Nichole Braggs, Sales Operations Manager, Mercedes-Benz, Trudy Hardy: Manager, MINI Marketing,Rory Hepner, Manager, Field Operations,Mercedes-Benz and Judith Schumacher, Owner, Schumacher Chevrolet and Gearheart Chevrolet.
Mercedes-Benz partnered with "Dress for Success," a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive and work in life for this event.
They collected job-appropriate women's suits, skirts, pants, shoes, jewelry, and handbags that are in good condition and attire appropriate to wear to work or to an interview. The donations went to the "Dress for Success" Career Center and Professional Women's Group.
Nothing more invigorating for me than to spend time with powerhouse women, listen to their stories, get business, career advice and tips. These two events really filled my craving to just hang out with the girls, I spend so much of my time with the guys in my role. Felt like I had a tune-up and now have a fully charged battery for 2010.
Congratulations and my fondest wish for much success to all these amazing women in 2010. You are all beacon of light to women working and aspiring to become leaders in the auto industry.
 Jody DeVere
President
Women's Automotive Association Int'l
www.waai.com
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Know Someone Who Embodies the Spirit of Leadership? Nominate Her!
Every year at NADA, the WAAI honors women from all areas of the Automotive Industry w ho represent the Spirit of Leadership. In 2008 we honored Monica Emerson, former Executive Director of the Global Diversity Office at Chrysler, Sarah Fisher, Indy Car Series and Indianapolis 500 driver, Ellen McKoy, Senior Director, Dealer Relations of SEMA, Executive Director of SEWA, and Judy Schumacher, Dealer Principal of Tilton Automotive, Gearhart and Schumacher Chevrolet.
Established in 1999, the WAAI's "Spirit of Leadership" award is presented annually to professional women in the automotive industry in recognition of their significant accomplishments in their profession, community, and family. These women have dedicated their life to their profession and to giving back to others; and they serve as mentors and are role models to us all. Sustained superior performance, community involvement, influence and support of other women within the automotive industry are just some of the qualities these women possess.
Does this sound like someone you know? If so, please let us know as soon as possible as we need to select honorees and notify them by early January!
Please email Jody Devere (jdevere@askpatty.com), our President, and let her know the woman you would like to nominate, her current title and company, and the reasons you believe she meets the criteria for "Spirit of Leadership t." A recipient may be actively engaged in or retired from the automotive industry when selected. The International Board of Directors of the Women's Automotive Association International ratifies selections.
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14th Annual Urban Wheels Event is January 12th!
Do you have your tickets?
 On January 12, 2010, The 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) will bring together top government officials and automotive executives with minority suppliers and dealers to recognize the stimulation of minority business development. Actress LisaRaye, also known as “Neesee James” from the CW Network’s television series All of Us, will host the event at the new Sound Board Theatre, in the MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI.
Held during Press Week of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the theme for this year’s program is “Stimulating Minority Business Development.” To raise awareness of its importance, top government officials and Detroit politicians have been invited to present awards to automotive companies and suppliers.
“ The auto industry has consistently been a leader in developing minority businesses,” said Randi Payton, president of On Wheels Media. “Minority suppliers, dealers and businesses should not be overlooked during the Federal government’s stimulus of the industry with many companies receiving grants from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Program.”
The Urban Wheel Awards brings together more than 2,000 auto executives, media, suppliers, dealers, celebrities and community leaders to honor the auto industry for its outstanding achievements in minority business development.
This year’s awards include:
- 2010 Urban Car and Truck of the Year, and the inaugural Urban Green Vehicle of the Year.
- Four Lifetime Achievement awards, along with an Urban Wheel Pioneer Award.
- Diversity Leadership, Advanced Vehicle Technology, and Stimulating Minority Business Awards, presented to bring the automotive industry and the government together in a positive setting.
Lifetime Achievement honorees include Susan Au Allen, president of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce; Juanita Doby, VP of Diversity and HR at Volvo Cars North America; Irma Elder, philanthropist and auto dealer; and Rod Gillum, General Motors, vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity (retired).
A Pioneer Award will be presented to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. for his tireless advocating of minority supplier/dealer development in the auto industry and engendering the establishment of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD).
The evening will begin with a Green Carpet VIP reception promptly at 5:00 p.m. Awards with awards presented at 7:00 pm. Video highlights of the awardees and their amazing contributions will precede the announcement of each award. The evening will also feature a special performance by singer and actress Gina Hiraizumi. Confirmed presenters include Mayor Dave Bing of Detroit, WXYZ co-anchor Carolyn Clifford, gospel recording artist Vickie Winans, Fox 2 Reporter Roop Raj, and Detroit News Auto Editor Manny Lopez.
Proceeds from the UWA event benefit the Edward Davis Education Foundation (EDEF), a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization established by On Wheels Media, Inc. The mission of EDEF is to provide scholarships, internships and mentoring to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and communications. Tickets are available at www.TicketMaster.com or call (800)-745-3000.
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Meet A Member: Ellen McKoy
 This month's member to meet is Ellen McKoy, President/Owner of EMK Marketing, a Spirit of Leadership Honoree and our most recent event chair for our Professional Achievement Dinner in Los Angeles, which was a resounding success!
How long have you been in the Automotive Industry?
I got my first taste of the industry in 1975 as the co-owner of an auto customizing facility in Long Island, NY.
How did you get started in the industry?
My husband had been in the industry for a while, and we decided to combine our talents—his technical expertise and product knowledge with my marketing, journalism and public relations background. I had to learn the restyling business very quickly from the ground up, but that started a romance with the industry that’s still going strong after more than 30 years. We sold the business in 1982. Since then I’ve done everything from editing several trade magazines to running my own marketing and editorial consulting business. Most recently, I worked for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for more than 15 years, where I served as senior director of dealer relations.
How did you learn about the WAAI?
I was introduced to Lorraine Schultz several years ago by a mutual colleague, Chuck Blum, who is the former president of SEMA. Both he and Lorraine were members of the Automotive Hall of Fame, and because Chuck knew of my interest in furthering the careers of women in the industry, he wanted me to meet Lorraine and learn more about WAAI.
What has been the most important/significant moment in your career up to this point?
There have been many highlights, but two special moments stand out in my mind. The first was being honored as SEMA Woman of the Year in 1992 in recognition of my work in behalf of the SEMA Women’s League (now the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network) of which I was a founding member. The second occurred this year when I received the 2009 Spirit of Leadership Award from WAAI. When Lorraine called to tell me about the award it literally took my breath away.
Have you had the opportunity to attend any WAAI events? If so, what did you think?
Yes, I attended the Spirit of Leadership Award Luncheon in New Orleans earlier this year. More recently, I had the privilege of serving as the event chair for the WAAI Professional Achievement Awards Dinner, which was held in Los Angeles on December 2. I was impressed by both events. They were wonderful opportunities to meet and network with other professional women in the industry.
If you could name a woman who has inspired you in your career - who would it be?
My mother was my inspiration. She was a remarkable woman who believed there was nothing a woman couldn’t do and was a constant source of encouragement.
If you could try any other job for just one week what would it be?
I’ve always thought it would be fun, exciting and challenging to work in the Foreign Service.
What's the best piece of advice someone gave you that you would like to share with other members?
Always strive to be the best you can be and meet challenges head on--see them as opportunities rather than obstacles.
If you aren't at your office, where would we find you? (Hobbies/Fave Travel Spots, etc)
My husband and I collect art and antiques, so I often go antiquing in search of “treasures.” I’m also an avid reader and love to travel. We especially enjoy our visits to Mexico and the Southwest.
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