Leesburg,Virginia — October 16, 2013 — Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced that nominations for the Most Influential Women awards will open on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 and will be accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. The winners will be recognized at a Most Influential Women gala held during the 2014 WIN Educational Conference, scheduled between May 5-7, 2014, at Paradise Point in San Diego, CA.
The Most Influential Women award recognizes women who have enriched the collision repair industry with their leadership, vision and commitment to excellence.
“Being recognized as one of AkzoNobel’s Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry was simultaneously humbling and empowering,†says Linda Sommerhauser, owner of Autobody Color Company in Kansas City, Missouri. “I was humbled because I knew that there were so many within the industry that could have just as easily been recognized for their many contributions. However, I also felt empowered because I was now part of a recognized community of leaders that were committed to making the path a little easier for others to follow.â€
In addition to the MIW awards gala, where honorees are presented with a Tiffany’s crystal award and custom commemorative pin, WIN has added a new element to the program this year. Recipients will have the opportunity to invest in the future of Collision Repair by mentoring a WIN Scholarship winner as they continue their education toward a career in the industry.
“We felt this was an important way for seasoned professionals to embrace the future of our industry,†says Margaret Knell, chair of the MIW Planning Committee.
Honorees have held positions in every facet of the collision repair industry: shop owners, body and paint technicians, managers, wholesalers, lobbyists, suppliers, insurance adjusters, consultants, educators, editors, writers and industry association directors.
“Being honored as a Most Influential Women in 2011 was an amazing experience. I was thrilled to be a part of such an impressive group of women from so many different parts of the industry. Having the opportunity to get to know this group of smart, inspiring and creative women has been a highlight to my career in the collision repair industry,†says Barbara Davies, Co-owner/General Manager, Autobody News.
The program’s charter aligns with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry†and has recognized more than 75 women for their professional accomplishments and for going beyond requirements of their positions to give back to their communities. Although WIN membership is not a requirement for nomination, over 30 percent of MIW recipients are currently, or have previously been, members of WIN.
Established in 1999 by AkzoNobel, WIN acquired stewardship of the Most Influential Women program in 2013. Nomination forms may be found online.
For more information about WIN or the MIW program, please visit womensindustrynetwork.com.
