Recent News

MEDIA INFORMATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S WHAT DRIVES HER AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

CHICAGO (Feb.19, 2025) – Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars, held the eighthannual What Drives Her program during the show’s Media Preview on Thursday, Feb. 6. Industry leaders from across the country came together for a robust discussion and award recognition ceremony to highlight women in four different categories: Industry Trailblazer, Best in Craft Media, Automotive Ally and Best Retailer. This year’s awards also honored an award-winning journalist with the 2025 Lifetime of Inspiration award. The program gives industry leaders a stage to share trends, stories and personal anecdotes of the integral role that women hold in the auto industry.

This year’s program, sponsored by A Girls Guide to Cars and CDK Global, brought female executives to the Chicago Auto Show stage for a program centered around female purchasing power and trends. The panel, titled “What Drives Her…To the Off-Road Trail,”was moderated by Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars. Panelists included Kelsey Gerken, Cause Marketing & Bronco Off-Roadeo Manager for Ford Motor Company, and Bridget Kramer, Jeep Wrangler Brand Manager for Jeep.

“It’s incredible to think that an inkling of an idea to spotlight amazing women in the industry has grown into what is has today,” said Jennifer Morand, co-founder of the What Drives Her program and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. “What Drives Her isn’t just about celebrating the women who’ve made it—it's about inspiring the women who are still climbing, the ones who are just beginning their journey, and the ones who, years from now, will lead the industry to places we can’t even imagine yet.”

The 2025 winners for each category are as follows:

Industry Trailblazer Award: Audrey Moore, vice president and chief engineer – North America Sedan Programs, Stellantis

Audrey Moore has served in a variety of roles during her 25-year career with Stellantis, including as chief engineer for the all-new Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup, which includes the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. Moore is also leading development of the four-door Dodge Charger Daytona models that will arrive in the U.S. in the first half of 2025. Colleagues recognized Moore for her deep technical knowledge that provides confidence within the team and enables them to execute flawlessly.

Industry Trailblazer finalists included: Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America and Tricia Morrow, global vehicle safety strategy manager, General Motors.

Best in Craft Media Award: Emme Hall, freelance journalist

Emme Hall is an award-winning automotive journalist who has been testing and reviewing vehicles for more than 15 years. Hall has written for a plethora of automotive media outlets including the Car and Driver, MotorTrend, TechCrunch, The Verge, Jalopnik, and Motor.

Hall was unable to attend and sent a video message in her absence stating, “Thank you so much for this award for What Drives Her, excellence in automotive journalism. I am so excited; it is such an honor.”

Best in Craft Media finalists included: Elana Scherr, senior features editor, Car and Driverand Nicole Wakelin, editor at large, CarBuzz.

Automotive Ally: Joel Feder, senior producer, Internet Brands

Joel Feder is Internet Brands Automotive Group’s Senior Producer. He helps oversee day-to-day operations along with social, video, OEM relations, and syndication partnerships along with annual Best Car to Buy Awards. Feder has worked in the auto industry for more than 14 years. Frequently a guest on Drive Chicago’s radio program, various podcasts, and appearing on Cheddar along with Fox News, Feder is regarded as an industry insider. Feder was nominated by colleagues and recognized as a point-person and leader in the industry by both automotive journalists and manufacturers.

Automotive Ally finalists included: Dean Case, communications consultant, and Kimatni Rawlins,president and publisher, Automotive Rhythms Communications.

Best Retailer: Kelly Donku, sales manager, Bill Jacobs BMW

Kelly Donkuwas nominated by her colleagues for her success through strong leadership and mentorship. In her role as Sales Manager, Donku has fostered a culture of mentorship and development. Recognizing the value of internal growth, she has been instrumental in the company’s strategy to cultivate talent from within. Donku was commended for her dedication to identifying, nurturing and empowering talent as 64 percent of the sales team at Bill Jacobs BMW is comprised of employees promoted internally, an achievement tied to Donku’s leadership. Her influence extends beyond her immediate team; she is recognized as a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all voices are valued. She actively participates in initiatives aimed at developing future leaders, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others to achieve their full potential.

Best Retailer finalists included: Valerie Nazimek, general manager, Smith Chevrolet of Hammond; Angel Pieniazek, office manager, Hopkins Ford of Elgin Inc.; and Maggie Webb, business development manager, Packey Webb Ford.             

Lifetime of Inspiration: Roz Varon, 2025 honoree

Roz Varon was presented with the award to honor her dedication and longevity in reporting from the Chicago Auto Show floor.Roz began her career with ABC 7 Chicago in 1989 and started covering the Chicago Auto Show soon thereafter. Roz retired from the station soon after covering her last Chicago Auto Show in February 2024.

For more information on the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. Media can visit ChicagoAutoShow.com/media for high resolution images.

###

About the Chicago Auto Show

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2025 public show was Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.

Back to News