Women in Auto Care Awards
Women in Auto Care annually honors eight deserving women and one company in the industry with six Women in Auto Care Awards.
Please note that winners must be employed by an Auto Care Association member company in order to accept the award. Current Women in Auto Care Leadership Council members are not eligible to win. Each award is judged by its own panel of industry
volunteers and prior winners.
Nominations for 2023 are now closed
Company Ally of the Year
This award will be presented annually to a company who shows significant support for women, both internally and externally. Possible criteria: Supports Women in Auto Care through encouraging employee engagement and volunteer efforts, Auto Care Association Member, has an internal Women's Group, Diversity at an dxecutive level, Diversity of Board, Commitment to advancing women through their organization, Culture of inclusivity and Women in Auto Care Sponsor.
2023 Winner
Standard Motor Products, Inc.
Outstanding Leadership Award (previously Woman of the Year)
This award is presented annually to a woman who is making current, outstanding contributions to the auto care industry and/or Women in Auto Care while demonstrating role model behaviors, leadership and commitment to the advancement of women. Possible criteria include: active in industry 5+ years, active Women in Auto Care Member, Active Auto Care Association Member, has sat on an industry committee or council and is an active mentor.
2023 Winner
Jill Trotta, TechForce
Auto Care Women of Excellence (Class of 4)
This award is presented annually to a group of women who are considered rising stars in the industry and are making current contributions to the auto care industry and/or Women in Auto Care while demonstrating role model behaviors, leadership and commitment to the advancement of women. Possible criteria include: Active Women in Auto Care Member, Active Auto Care Association Member, in industry for 3+ years, has sat on an industry committee or council, Women in Auto Care Champion and active mentor
2023 Winners
Susan Starnes, Vice President, Emerging Markets, Genuine Parts Company
Tanya Hunt, commercial project manager, BBB Industries
Ashlee Arnold, Vice President, Arnold Oil Company of Austin
Jennifer Tio, President, Maximum Marketing Services, Inc.
Female Shop Owner of the Year
This award is presented annually to an outstanding female shop owner who demonstrates role model behaviors, leadership and commitment to the advancement of women. Possible criteria include: Active Women in Auto Care Member, Shop Owner for at least 5 years and Active Auto Care Association Member.
2023 Winner
Jessica Carrino, Owner, Sparks Tire & Auto
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented annually to a woman who is a leader, mentor, and role model who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the auto care industry throughout her entire career in the industry, leaving a legacy behind her. Possible criteria include: active in industry 10+ years, active Women in Auto Care Member, Active Auto Care Association Member, has sat on an industry committee or council and is an active mentor.
2023 Winner
Tammy Tecklenburg, Founder & CEO, dott.®
Champion of the Year
This award will be presented annually to a Women in Auto Care Champion who goes above and beyond for the Women in Auto Care community. This individual volunteers their time, ideas, and talents to help engage and uplift our community. Nominees for this award are provided by and voted on by the Women in Auto Care Leadership Council.
2023 Winner
April Williamson, associate category manager, NAPA
highlights from previous award ceremonies
you could be next!
Past winners
- Woman of the Year: Kim Nolan, Senior Vice President, traditional market, BBB Industries
- Shop Owner of the Year: Kristi Hudson, Co-owner, Troy Auto Care II
- Woman of Excellence: Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer, RepairPal
- Shop Employee of the Year: Megan Dineff, Manager, Ervine’s Auto Repair & Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV
- Champion of the Year: Tanya Hunt, Commercial Project Manager, BBB Industries
- Woman of the Year: Jilynna Greene, VP, Field HR Operations, AutoZone
- Shop Owner of the Year: Tara Topel, Owner, Topel's Service Center, Inc.
- Woman of Excellence: Anne Coffin, Director of Information Technology, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.
- Woman of the Year: Lauren Beaulieu, Vice President Professional Marketing, Advance Auto Parts
- Shop Owner of the Year: Kim Auernheimer, Owner/ Business Manager, Cool Springs Automotive, LLC (dba CS Automotive)
- Woman of Excellence: Danielle Sonnefeld, VP of Business Development, N.A. Williams Company
- Woman of the Year: Jennifer Maher, Chief Executive Officer, TechForce Foundation and America’s Automotive Trust
- Shop Owner of the Year: Jamie Carlson, Owner, Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid
- Woman of Excellence: Cindy Frasca, Chief Operating Officer, Kukui
- Woman of the Year: Dawn Zieren, SVP Global and Strategic Initiatives, The NPD Group
- Shop Owner of the Year: Kathleen Callahan, Owner, Xpertech Auto Repair, Inc.
- Woman of Excellence: Nicole Huard, Manager - Data & Category Management, Robert Bosch, LLC
- Woman of the Year: Laura Soave, Executive VP, Merchandising, Marketing, Communications, and Commercial Strategy, Icahn Automotive Group LLC
- Shop Owner of the Year: Carolyn Coquilette, Owner, Technician, Luscious Garage
- Woman of Excellence: Jill Trotta, VP, Industry Advocacy & Sales, RepairPal, Inc.
- Woman of the Year: Amy Bonder, Executive Vice President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC
- Shop Owner of the Year: Judy Zimmerman, Owner, Zimmerman's Automotive Service
- Woman of Excellence: Susan Ulrey, Vice President - FCA Global Business Unit, Tenneco, Inc.
- Woman of the Year: Tammy Tecklenburg, Partner, Tecklenburg Advisors
- Shop Owner of the Year: Pamela Gatto, President, Gatto's Tires & Auto Service
- Woman of Excellence: Vonda Lee, Partner, Supply Line International
