Auto-Wares is proud to have sent four remarkable women to the Women in Auto Care (WIAC) Annual Conference on February 18-20, 2025 . This event serves as a powerful platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy within the automotive industry. Each of our attendees—Brooke Peckham, Natasha Stearns, Sara Taylor, and Jin Chong—came away with invaluable experiences that will help shape their careers and further Auto-Wares’ commitment to empowering women in the industry.
Brooke Peckham: A Leadership Milestone
For Brooke, attending this year’s conference was especially significant as it marked her first year serving as a council member. She took on multiple leadership roles, hosting a networking dinner, sharing insights on employee growth in a speech, and even participating in a podcast.
One of the standout aspects of the conference for Brooke was diving deeper into industry challenges, particularly from the shop perspective. Discussions about aftermarket vs. OE parts, discrepancies in maintenance data, and the increasing shift toward Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) services underscored the importance of staying informed and proactive as a distributor. Additionally, Brooke continued advocating for Right to Repair, a crucial issue for the aftermarket industry that has been reintroduced to Congress.
Another highlight for Brooke was the charity auction, where over $113,000 was raised for scholarships supporting women in the industry. A particularly special moment was seeing Auto-Wares’ own HR Specialist, Megan Harvey, contribute to the mission with a t-shirt design that was auctioned off. Brooke left the event feeling inspired by the connections made and the industry-wide collaboration on display.
Natasha Stearns: Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
As a first-time attendee, Natasha approached the conference with initial anxiety about networking and engaging with unfamiliar faces. However, she quickly discovered a warm and supportive environment that made her feel immediately at home.
Natasha found inspiration in the powerful keynote speakers who reinforced the importance of women’s contributions to the industry. Breakout sessions such as “Do It Scared but Make It Less Scary: Finding Your Voice in Uncomfortable Situations” provided her with practical strategies to confidently communicate in the workplace.
Beyond professional insights, Natasha valued the opportunity to connect with like-minded women at networking dinners. The charity auction, with its electrifying energy and commitment to scholarship funding, further solidified the impact of the conference. Ultimately, Natasha left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to continue learning, growing, and supporting women in the industry.
Sara Taylor: Finding Community and Insight
For Sara, stepping into the WIAC conference was a leap outside her comfort zone. Yet from the moment she arrived, she felt welcomed and embraced by the community.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference for Sara was hearing from other women about how they manage the stresses of the automotive industry. Sessions on emotional intelligence and self-care reinforced the importance of maintaining personal well-being to tackle professional challenges effectively.
A standout moment for Sara was participating in a roundtable discussion with fellow I.T. Administrators. Since the auto parts industry heavily focuses on sales and customer service, it was enlightening to exchange perspectives with others navigating the complexities of justifying network infrastructure investments. The experience validated her work and provided valuable insights she could take back to her role at Auto-Wares.
Sara strongly encourages other women in the industry to attend the conference, emphasizing that even a single experience can provide profound takeaways that inspire a return visit.
Jin Chong: Navigating the Road Ahead
For Jin, attending the WIAC conference was both exhausting and empowering. Over three packed days, she engaged with women across various industry roles, from Human Resources and Marketing to I.T., Data Analytics, and independent shop owners.
Networking lunches and dinners allowed Jin to connect with professionals at all career stages, from newcomers to senior leadership. These conversations encouraged her to think about her own career path and how she could contribute to the industry’s growth.
The sessions she attended covered industry trends, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness—each reinforcing that success in the industry is not a solo journey. Jin was particularly inspired by the stories shared, which emphasized finding allies and continuously challenging the status quo.
Since returning from the conference, Jin has taken proactive steps to stay engaged in the industry. She joined the Gen Gap group, connected with mentors, and even received a book from a fellow attendee to support her professional growth.
Jin expressed deep gratitude to Auto-Wares for the opportunity to attend, reflecting on how the experience has equipped her to navigate her career with renewed confidence and direction.
A Commitment to Growth and Empowerment
Auto-Wares is proud to invest in opportunities that empower women in the automotive industry. The experiences shared by Brooke, Natasha, Sara, and Jin highlight the transformative impact of the Women in Auto Care Annual Conference. From networking and advocacy to personal development and industry insights, this event continues to shape the future of women in auto care.
We look forward to sending more team members to future conferences and furthering our commitment to fostering leadership, inclusivity, and growth in the industry. Thank you to WIAC for creating such an inspiring and impactful space, and congratulations to our four attendees for making the most of this incredible opportunity!
Women in Auto Care
The Women in Auto Care community is dedicated to its mission of engaging, educating, and empowering women within the auto care industry.
Women in Auto Care provides opportunities, education, and career leadership to women in the auto care industry through conferences, networking, scholarships, education, data, awards and more.
Learn more about Women in Auto Care here.
