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Honoring Women in Automotive: The 2026 What Drives Her Awards

The Chicago Auto Show is set to shine a spotlight on female leadership in the automotive sector with its ninth installment of the What Drives Her awards, happening on February 6, 2026. Crafted in collaboration with A Girls Guide to Cars, this event has become a pivotal networking opportunity, encouraging innovation and recognition of women's contributions across various automotive fields.

A Vision of Empowerment

Launched in 2017, What Drives Her has consistently aimed to bridge influential women from automotive manufacturing, media, and retail realms. According to Jennifer Morand, General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, “What Drives Her continues to inspire and connect leaders across the automotive community.” The event champions those whose innovative visions are contributing to the industry's evolution.

Engaging Discussions

To kick things off, attendees can look forward to insights from Jessica Jermankian, Senior VP of Vehicle Research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Her presentation titled Crash Course 2026: We’re Safer Than Ever in Our Cars. Or Are We? will set the stage for discussions on passenger safety. Following this, a panel moderated by Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars, will delve into the complexities of passenger safety. Esteemed panelists will include Kelly Stumpe of The Car Mom and Nancy Heaton from Britax Child Safety.

Award Categories and Finalists

The event will honor outstanding women and advocates in the automotive space with four primary awards:

1. Trailblazer Award: Targets women employed by automakers or suppliers, focusing on those who embody leadership and empowerment.
Finalists:
- Christine Feuell, Chrysler & Alfa Romeo at Stellantis
- Tisha Johnson, Head of Design at Slate
- Trisha Morrow, Global Vehicle Safety Strategy Manager at General Motors

2. Best In Craft Automotive Media Award: Recognizes excellence among automotive journalists and content creators who support women's access to automotive stories.
Finalists:
- Tanya Gazdik, Automotive Editor at MediaPost
- Elana Scherr, Senior Features Editor at Car and Driver
- Lyn Woodward, Lead Editor at Kelley Blue Book

3. Automotive Ally Award: Given to an individual who actively fosters the growth of others in the industry.
Finalists:
- Mikhael Farah, Rivian
- Emily Miller, Founder of Rebelle Rally
- Greg Morrison & Kimatni Rawlins, Founders of The Driving Force Internship

4. Best Retailer Award: For women demonstrating dedication and excellence at Chicago-area dealerships.
Finalists:
- Alyssa Farkas, Assistant GM at Arnie Bauer Buick GMC Cadillac
- Kelly Kane, Marketing Manager at Brilliance Subaru
- Jennifer Pascoe, Service Advisor at Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet

Conclusion

The What Drives Her awards not only highlight the strides women are making in the automotive industry, but they also embody a future where gender parity is more than just a goal—it's a practiced reality. The awards will be presented during the Chicago Auto Show’s Media Preview, promising yet another memorable celebration of female empowerment within the automotive sector.

For those wishing to join the conversation, the event encourages the use of the hashtag #WhatDrivesHer on social media platforms. For more details about the Chicago Auto Show and its dynamic offerings, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

The Chicago Auto Show has a storied history, first opening its doors in 1901 and now recognized as North America’s longest-running auto exhibition, managed by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association since 1935. The public show takes place from February 7-16 in 2026 at McCormick Place.