Detroit, MI – January 31, 2003 – The Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) is preparing to host its fifth annual “Spirit of Leadership” breakfast at the National Auto Dealer Association (NADA) convention in San Francisco on Saturday, February 1, 2003.

The WAAI’s “Spirit of Leadership” award is presented annually to professional women within the automotive industry in recognition of their significant accomplishments in their profession, community and family. The award is designed to honor women who have dedicated their life to their profession and to giving back to others; they are women who serve as mentors and are role models to us all.

For the second year in a row, WAAI has chosen an honoree from each of the three main automotive business areas: manufacturer, supplier and dealer. The three recipients of the 2003 award are:

• Susan Cantor, Executive Vice President of Lowe Worldwide, New York
• Elena Ford, Mercury Group Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company
• Marlene Lewis, Vice President /Controller of Conant Automotive Group

“These three women have accomplished a tremendous amount and are well-deserving of this award, despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to select winners among all the qualified applicants,” said Lorraine Schultz, Founder of WAAI.

Last year’s award recipients were Christine K. Cortez, Senior Vice President, Global Service and Parts, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Charlie Van Cleve of Specialty Equipment Market Association and Andrea Karsian of Toresco Enterprises.

All are welcome to attend the Spirit of Leadership breakfast taking place from 8:00-10:00 AM at The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton at California Street. For more information, please call 248-646-5250 and attend the WAAI’s press conference Friday, January 31st at 4:00 PM in Moscone Center Room 228.

About WAAI
The Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) is the automotive industry’s premier professional organization that:
• recognizes the achievements of women in the industry;
• provides educational e-news to automotive career-focused individuals;
• builds relationships through networking and other interactive forums; and
• encourages growth through mentoring, educational endeavors, scholarships.
The focus of the Association is on the development and retention of women leaders and the education and support of all persons, without prejudice, who have an interest in the automotive industry.

Contact: Jeannine Fallon
jfallon@edmunds.com
310-309-4900