PPG’s Cristina Fronzaglia-Murray Receives SEMA’s Businesswomen’s Network Athena Champion Award

The Athena Champion Award recognizes an individual or company for outstanding lifetime contributions, dedication, and support of women in the specialty equipment industry. Winning the award is regarded as a major industry honour. According to SEMA, candidates for the award must have spent significant time working in the specialty equipment industry and “shown evidence of their support to the fulfillment, quality and advancement of women working in the industry.” In addition, they must have contributed “wisdom, encouragement and willingness” to help others as a foundation for women’s growth in the industry.

 

“It was an honour to receive this award,” says Fronzaglia-Murray. “At PPG I’ve been afforded the opportunity and challenged to do my best in the specialty equipment industry. We’re all here to make a difference, and I have committed myself to pushing for more diversity and more women in the industry. Being recognized for that was truly a surprise, and a gratifying one at that.”

 

Fronzaglia-Murray further expressed her hope that support for women in the industry will continue to grow among men and women. “I hope to see a time when there’s not just an individual woman being honoured but someone who is making a positive difference, period.”

 

The mission of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network is to provide networking, education and recognition opportunities in the specialty equipment industry that will enhance the careers of professional women and positively affect the growth of the automotive aftermarket.

 

This is not the first time Fronzaglia-Murray has been singled out for her achievements. In 2011 she was recognized by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association as its Woman of the Year for her work in the custom car industry. She serves on the PPG Refinish Diversity Committee, is a firm supporter of the Women’s Information Network organization and the SEMA Women’s Business Network, and sits on the board of Girls With Sole, a nonprofit charity that addresses abuse and builds self-esteem among pre-teen and teenage girls through sports and fitness.

 

Fronzaglia-Murray began her career at PPG in 1993 as a sales trainee after graduating from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a major in marketing and business administration. She has since held sales and national account management positions at PPG, and was named PPG Automotive Refinish communications manager in 2005.