Diversity drives success: Women Automotive Network finishes a record year with ambitious plans for 2024

Date: Wednesday 03 January 2024

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Women Automotive Network is continuing to reinforce the essential role of diversity in the automotive sector as it concludes a significant 2023, setting the stage for an even more dynamic 2024.

The Network's commitment to uniting the industry with one key ambition, to create a more inclusive and diverse automotive sector for all, was evident through its four major events in 2023, attracting 55 speakers and 4,801 attendees on a global scale.

Women Automotive Network's activities over the past year included its Spring Meetup, the Women Automotive Summit held in Stuttgart, its Lisbon Meetup and the Winter Meetup, all of which brought the industry together, both in person and online, as speakers and attendees had the opportunity to share insight, experience and advice on driving positive change.

The Network, now boasting over 34,000 professionals, continued to facilitate and grow impactful initiatives such as its mentorship program, ever-popular leadership interviews, job vacancy platform, and an award ceremony.

Key insights and experiences shared by participants at Women Automotive Network's events and through its mentorship programs emphasised the transformative power of networking and mentorship in advancing women's careers in the automotive industry.

Lauren Price, Senior Partner and Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Wenham Carter spoke at the most recent Summit and highlighted the future of the automotive industry, emphasising diversity's crucial role. She says: "The future of automotive will be built by people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives. We must level the playing field to elevate diverse talent." 

Andrea Seidel, Head of IT Infrastructure and Supervisory Board Member at Daimler Truck AG, attended the Summit and shared her enthusiasm about the atmosphere and connections made: "It‘s hard to describe in words the special kind of energy and vibe that was there right from the start entering the conference area. I met so many great, interesting and powerful ladies!" 

Stephanie May, Commercial Director of Women Automotive Network, reflected on the year's success, anticipating that the upcoming year would be even more impressive as the Network sets to launch its Women Automotive Summit Detroit, 4th June 2024 and set wheels in motion for Mexico and the APAC region.

May comments: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed what has been yet another fantastic year for all involved in the Network. I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has helped to fuel the narrative and push the message of diversity further and wider this year – we’ve welcomed a whole host of influential speakers, mentors, members and partners to our many events, all of whom have played an integral role in helping to shape the network and drive conversations around a more inclusive industry.

“And next year it’s time to do it all again, but on an even bigger and bolder scale, and we already can’t wait to get started!”

In 2024, Women Automotive Network will commence with a networking cocktail reception on the 7th March, in partnership with Automechanika Birmingham UK, to celebrate International Women's Day, followed by an online meetup on the 8th March. 

A highlight of the year will be the inaugural Women Automotive Summit Detroit on 4th June, symbolising Women Automotive Network's expansion in the United States.

The year will round off with the European Summit on 8th October in Stuttgart, Germany.

Since its inception, Women Automotive Network has been steadfast in its mission to empower women in the automotive industry and foster discussions on diversity. 

The Network's upcoming events and programs are poised to advance this mission, providing unique opportunities for women aiming to excel in the automotive sector.

For more information on the Women Automotive Network and its upcoming events, please visit here.

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