The Women Automotive Network (WAN), a global community of more than 34,000 professionals and allies committed to the advancement and empowerment of women in the automotive field, is hosting its first Women Automotive Summit: Detroit, June 4 at the Suburban Collective Showplace in Novi, MI.
More than 350 in-person attendees are expected, as well as 700 online. Registration is open on the website.
The agenda includes a full slate of speakers presenting on a wide range of topics: building a resilient workforce, finding success in the competitive automotive industry, the importance of internal networks, the future of women in automotive, intuitive business decision-making and how to make your own career plan.
In the evening, WAN will present the Woman of the Year and Global DEI Champion of the Year awards during a joint cocktail reception with WardsAuto, which is holding its AutoTech Detroit event June 5-6. WAN will be exhibiting and hosting a panel discussion during AutoTech.
WAN has held a European Summit annually since 2019, but this is its first event in North America.
Stephanie May, director of WAN, said respondents to the organization s bi-annual survey were insistent on seeing such an event.
"The last couple of years, there has been a lot of noise about 'When are you doing a physical event in Detroit?'" May said. "So now we're doing a physical event in Detroit."
WAN offers resources to women in the automotive industry for career advancement, community and support, and empowerment and education, while also celebrating women's success stories.
May said the organization covers the entire automotive industry. It was originally focused more on manufacturers and suppliers, but as it has grown, it is seeing more aftermarket companies and dealerships involved.
In addition to its live events, WAN also has a mentorship program and produces monthly interviews with leaders in the automotive industry.
Learn more at womenautomotivenetwork.com/en-us.
Abby Andrews