By Josh White
Denver, Colorado — May 29, 2017 — Since 2006, the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has played an active role in involving women in the collision repair industry. Still growing, the not-for-profit organization continues to attract women to the industry and recognize women for their work within it. WIN’s mission is not just to allow women to network and learn the skills necessary to work in collision repair, but thrive.
The 2017 conference took place in Denver, featuring experts from a variety of areas presenting on leadership skills, business ethics and more. While speakers are a large portion of the conference, it is much more than just presentations. In keeping with a longstanding WIN tradition, this year included the Scholarship Walk fundraiser, networking sessions and a scavenger hunt. This year’s conference also saw three new names added to the Most Influential Women list: Cristina Fronzaglia-Murray of PPG, Renee Ricciotti of 3M Automotive Aftermarket and Elizabeth Stein of Assured Performance Network.
WIN Chair Petra Schroeder was very enthusiastic about the success of this year’s conference.
“The wide variety of topics chosen this year were really hitting the marks with the members,” she said. Using the feedback of members, the conferences are getting more rewarding every year, and it shows. This year’s conference had record attendance with both men and women joining the event.
“For the women of the industry who are often working by yourself, WIN is enforcing and embracing the fact that you are not alone,” Schroeder said. “It brings home the point that there are hundreds, thousands of other women in the industry to support each other.” Through over a decade of conferences, Schroeder emphasizes how WIN has “raised awareness of the different skill sets at a school level” and the importance of considering trade schools to start a career.
With over 500 members and still growing, now is the time for women to join WIN for support, education, networking and overall enrichment. The conference has come and gone for 2017, but Schroeder says WIN will continue to grow supportive networks throughout the year.
For more information, please visit womensindustrynetwork.com.
