Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars, held the eighth annual 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.
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.
Awards
The annual What Drives Her awards recognize and applaud outstanding females and advocates in the industry. Nominations are submitted from individuals within the industry ranging from auto manufacturers, suppliers, media and dealers. The panel of distinguished jurors are made up of female automotive journalists.
Industry Trailblazer
Employed by an automaker, auto retailer or core automotive supplier; job title no higher than vice president; works primarily in North America; she may be notable for her empowerment of others, her breaking down of barriers that allows others to follow, her pursuit of non-traditional roles or jobs, her leadership, and taking on additional roles such as leading an employee resource group or mentoring program.
2025 finalists included: Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America and Tricia Morrow, global vehicle safety strategy manager, General Motors.
2025 Winner: 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.
Previous recipients:
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2024: Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai Motors
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2023: Crystal Windham, General Motors
Best in Craft Media
Employed as a full time or part time North American journalist, content creator, video creator, social or digital media creator with a focus on the automotive industry, she demonstrates general excellence of craft, supports women and her colleagues in the automotive industry or, through voice and narrative, creates more accessible automotive information and more inclusive automotive storytelling.
2025 finalists included Elana Scherr, senior features editor, Car and Driverand Nicole Wakelin, editor at large, CarBuzz.
2025 Winner: 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.”
Previous recipients:
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2024: Jill Ciminillo
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2023: Kristin Shaw
Automotive Ally
The Automotive Ally Award recognizes an individual who offers continual support, coaching, advocacy, education and understanding, helping to create opportunities for others as they build their careers in automotive. This award is open to any executive, leader, manager or other person inside or outside the automotive industry and reflects the impact that this person has on the industry, for both individuals and organizations.
2025 finalists included: Dean Case, communications consultant, and Kimatni Rawlins,president and publisher, Automotive Rhythms Communications.
2025 Winner: 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.
Previous recipients:
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2024: Wendy Orthman, Genesis Motor America
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2023: Jennifer Newman, Cars.com
Best Retailer
Employed by a Chicago-area dealership, this person demonstrates a high level of commitment and drive to any task at hand, whether that’s in sales, service, finance or technical support.
2025 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.
2025 Winner: Kelly Donku, sales manager, Bill Jacobs BMW
Kelly Donku was 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.
Previous recipients:
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2024: Gabrille Abinion, Fox Valley Volkswagen
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2023: Soledad Romero, Romeoville Toyota
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.
