Women Driven

Our mission is to amplify women to thrive in their automotive careers while cultivating a community of inspiration, innovation, inclusiveness and equity. 

2024 leadership award Winners

Executive Leadership Award: Jennifer LennoxVice President of People, Culture, and Learning at AutoCanada

Young Leader Award Sarah Bonany Service Manager at Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC

Community Leadership Award: Christy Fines Managing Partner of of 400 Chrysler and Barrie Chrysler

Influencer and Advocacy Leadership Award: Alyssa Mckeown General Manager & Managing Partner AT FORBES GM

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership: Shannon Maloley, the VP Business Development of the Finch Auto Group 

Women Driven Leadership Awards

Celebrating excellence in our industry the Women Driven Awards were created to highlight individuals who inspire, lead, empower and uplift those around them.

Executive Leadership Award: Honours women in executive positions within automotive companies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and impact.

Young Leader Award: Recognizes emerging women leaders in the automotive industry who have shown exceptional promise, leadership skills, and potential for future impact.

Community Leadership Award: Acknowledges women who have made a meaningful impact on their communities through automotive-related philanthropy, mentorship programs, or community outreach initiatives.

Influencer and Advocacy Leadership Award: Highlights women who use their platform to advocate for positive change in the automotive industry, whether through activism, education, or public policy.

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award: Celebrates women who have championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the automotive industry, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture

2023 leadership award Winners

 Past winners include:

Anna Mazzei, Service Manager at Hyundai of Oakville
Carolynn Kozlov, Senior Regional Manager at Sym-Tech
Edith Pencil, Director of Employee Services at Performance Auto Group
Kathy Caron, General Manager at Hopper Buick GMC
Lina Policaro, General Manager at the Policaro Group
WOMEN DRIVEN EVENTS

Join us at our Women Driven Events – where community, growth, and inclusivity intersect!

At Women Driven, we’re committed to expanding our vibrant community through a series of engaging in-person events across Ontario. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the charming city of Barrie, and from the historic landmarks of Ottawa to the vibrant atmosphere of London, we’re bringing together professionals from all corners of the province to celebrate and empower women in the automotive industry.

All genders are welcome to Women Driven events. We believe that diversity and inclusivity are essential for driving innovation and progress in our industry. Your voice as an ally is a powerful force for growth and positive change. By joining us, you become an integral part of our community, amplifying opportunities for everyone and contributing to a more inclusive future for all.

Utilize this entertaining and educational evening as a team building opportunity and bring the whole team! Make sure to register soon as space is limited. 

 

Resources

From leadership inspiration to career path advice, we have created the Women Driven magazine and resource centre. 

2024 women driven magazine

Women Driven Career Spotlight: Karen Woods

Women Driven Career Spotlight: Karen Woods

How did you get started in this industry? What initially attracted you to pursue a career in this field? I originally started in the Automotive Industry as a student in the Canadian Automotive Institute (Now called the Automotive Business School of Canada) as I was...

women driven mentor program

The program has been designed to connect post-secondary students with Automotive industry leaders who can offer support and advice while encouraging young women to develop their skills that can lead them to lifelong careers in this exciting, vibrant and evolving industry. Participants will be matched with a mentor based on the information provided in their application package, as well as considerations including location, skills and experience. MVRO will facilitate an initial orientation meeting between the mentor and participant and continue to support both throughout the program.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS: WOMEN DRIVEN INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS

Do you know someone who works to lift up those around them? Someone who aims to inspire, innovate, include, and who works toward equality and equity in our industry? We want to hear about them! Help us give them the recognition they deserve! We want to feature as many amazing women in our industry as possible – from all levels of employment at dealerships, manufacturers, aftermarket and suppliers through the MVRO communication channels. 

Thank you to our 2024 Women Driven Partners

Gold Partners

 
 

 Silver Partners

 
 

 Bronze Partners

 
 

Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
Contact Liz: lizk@MVRO.ca 

 

Stay Inspired

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

-Maya Angelou

“I started to wonder if being a project manager was for me; I looked around at all the corner offices to figure out what it takes to be in those offices, and it was all middle-aged white men in navy suits and I thought, I am never going to be a middle-aged man in a navy suit, so I basically did what I always did, I worked harder than anyone else.”

-Laura Schwab

“When you make the biggest changes in your life, you grow the most. Don’t be afraid—it makes you open to change and to incredible experiences.”

-Amy Marentic

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

– Sheryl Sandberg.

“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just, and peaceful life for all.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

“Leadership is not a person or a position. It is a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of the good.”

– Joanne Ciulla.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

– Dolly Parton.

“You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it.”

-Brehanna Daniels

#WOMENDRIVEN

#WOMENDRIVEN