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Celebrating the Power of Women in the Automotive Industry
The automotive aftermarket is vibrant and competitive, driven by innovation, strategy, and leadership. At the heart of this progression are the remarkable women who not only participate but fiercely lead the charge. The Women in Auto Care Awards held at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas on November 10, 2025, showcased the exceptional contributions of women and companies within this dynamic industry.
Understanding the Importance of Recognition
Recognizing outstanding contributions is crucial, as it inspires future generations and fosters a culture of achievement. With over 125 nominations, this year's awards highlighted eight individuals and one company that excelled in various categories — a testament to the growing impact of female leadership in automotive roles that have traditionally been male-dominated.
Meet the Trailblazers: Award Winners of 2025
Among the honorees, Courtney Pedler received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her pioneering work with Autology Data Management. Pedler started her journey over 35 years ago and has since transformed how data is utilized in the aftermarket, demonstrating the industry's demand for innovative thought leaders.
Olivia Droney-Newton was recognized for Outstanding Leadership. As a senior vice president at NA Williams Company, she has proven her ability to harness marketing and data to advance her company and encourage future industry leaders. Her commitment to mentorship is inspiring and aligns with the growing emphasis on education and advocacy in auto care.
Shari Pheasant, named Female Shop Owner of the Year, embodies the spirit of change, leading A Master Mechanic and empowering others with her strategic insights and technology-driven approach. With her strong message that women can redefine success in the automotive sector, she's setting standards that many aspire to meet.
The Women of Excellence category showcased four influential leaders: Heather Antrim of AutoZone, Lauren Briggs from NAPA Auto Care, Tracy Capriotto from Remarkable Results Radio, and Cass Tomac from Highline Warren. Each woman brings distinct insights from their roles, showcasing a rich blend of skills from operational excellence to innovative marketing strategies that enhance the aftermarket.
Additionally, Highline Warren was lauded as Company Ally of the Year, recognizing their commitment to supporting women in the automotive field through initiatives promoting inclusivity. Lastly, Amy Steele, Vice President of Nexa Motion Group, was honored as the Women in Auto Care Champion of the Year, reflecting her unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience through collaborative leadership.
Encouraging Future Leaders
The achievements of these women show the importance of mentorship and visibility for aspiring leaders in the automotive industry. By spotlighting successful role models, we encourage the next wave of professionals to pursue careers within automotive fields that may seem daunting.
As shop owners ourselves, we can support this movement by recognizing and celebrating talent in our teams and fostering an environment where women can thrive. Each award recipient serves as a reminder that genuine passion combined with dedication can lead to extraordinary success.
Take Action: Celebrate Women in Your Shop
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it's essential for shop owners to celebrate diversity and inclusion by recognizing contributions from all team members. Let's take steps to mentor and uplift women within our shops, connecting them with opportunities for growth and leadership. Celebrate those in your team, create pathways for their success, and observe the positive impact on your business.
Join the conversation about empowering women in automotive at autocare.org/women-in-auto-care. Together, we can build a more inclusive future that benefits everyone in the industry.
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