Chicago Auto Show Announces Finalists for 'What Drives Her' Awards
2026 Program and Award Ceremony to be held on Feb. 6
Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars, are excited to unveil the finalists for the ninth annual 'What Drives Her' awards program. This celebrated event is part of the Chicago Auto Show's Media Preview and seeks to honor the remarkable contributions of women in the automotive industry. 'What Drives Her,' first launched in 2017, was created to cultivate a supportive network for female leaders in various sectors of automotive, from manufacturing to media.
Empowering Women in Automotive
During the event, Jennifer Morand, General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, shared her thoughts, stating, "What Drives Her continues to inspire and connect leaders across the automotive community. The Chicago Auto Show is proud to serve as a stage for recognizing the women whose innovation and vision are influencing the industry's next chapter." Such inspiring words reflect the commitment to female empowerment within an industry that continues to evolve.
Insights from Industry Experts
The awards ceremony will kick off with a keynote presentation from Jessica Jermankian, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Her discussion, titled 'Crash Course 2026: We're Safer Than Ever in Our Cars. Or Are We?' promises to captivate the audience, followed by a panel titled 'The Passenger Safety Puzzle: What Are We Getting Wrong?' The panel will be moderated by Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars, and will include notable figures like Kelly Stumpe and Nancy Heaton, who will provide their invaluable perspectives on current developments in passenger safety.
Recognizing Trailblazers and Innovators
The highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the presentation of the 'What Drives Her' awards, spotlighting female leaders and advocates who have made significant impacts within the automotive landscape. Nominations have poured in from various sectors, including auto manufacturers, media, and vehicle retailers, showcasing the diverse talent present in the industry. A panel of esteemed jurors composed of female automotive journalists will meticulously evaluate the nominees.
Finalists Across Categories
The finalists for the renowned Trailblazer Award include:
Top Three Finalists:
Christine Feuell of Stellantis North America; Tisha Johnson from Slate; and Trisha Morrow from General Motors. Other notable nominees are Sharon Gauci, Jannelle Grigsby, Emily Miller, and more.
Additionally, the Best In Craft Automotive Media Award recognizes women journalists and content creators who significantly contribute to the automotive narrative. Finalists for this category include Tanya Gazdik, Elana Scherr, and Lyn Woodward.
The Automotive Ally Award honors individuals who champion support and empowerment within the industry. Outstanding nominees for this award include Mikhael Farah, Emily Miller, and the founders of The Driving Force Internship.
Finally, the Best Retailer Award focuses on exemplary commitment and performance evident in the Chicago area. Top contenders include Alyssa Farkas, Kelly Kane, and Jennifer Pascoe.
Event Details and Engagement
As the excitement builds for the awards presentation, attendees are encouraged to engage in the festivities by using the event hashtag #WhatDrivesHer on social media platforms. This celebration of talent and innovation is not to be missed!
For more information regarding the upcoming Chicago Auto Show, please visit the official website for updates and details about the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'What Drives Her' awards program?
The 'What Drives Her' awards program recognizes and celebrates the contributions of women in the automotive industry.
When will the awards be presented?
The awards will be presented during the Chicago Auto Show's Media Preview on Feb. 6, 2026.
Who are some of the notable finalists?
Notable finalists include Christine Feuell, Tisha Johnson, and Tanya Gazdik across various award categories.
What is the purpose of the event?
The event aims to empower women in the automotive sector and acknowledge their significant impact on the industry.
How can attendees engage during the event?
Attendees are encouraged to use the hashtag #WhatDrivesHer when sharing their experiences on social media.
