Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive, held the sixth What Drives Her program during the show’s Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 10. Industry leaders from across the country came together for a robust discussion and award recognition ceremony to highlight women in four different categories: Rising Star, Best in Craft Media, Automotive Ally, and Best Retailer. Over the years, the event has welcomed dozens of leading female professionals to the 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 Cars.com and CDK Global, brought female executives to the Chicago Auto Show stage to discuss “Women Leading the EV Revolution.” The panel was moderated by Cars.com’s VP of Cars Media, Julie Scott, and was comprised of four panelists: Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO; Kathy Gilbert, CDK Global senior director, minority dealer and women retail; Melissa Washington, ComEd SVP of customer operations; and Linda White, BMW director of government and external affairs.

You can watch the recording of the panel discussion here.

“This year’s program featured a panel of women who are accomplished in their field and also incredibly inspiring,” said Jennifer Morand, co-founder of the What Drives Her program and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. “The conversation covered a wide range of topics that helped spotlight the influence and purchasing power females have in the EV space.”

“In addition to the breadth of themes discussed, it was a privilege to honor some of the industry’s top leaders with the What Drives Her awards,” continued Morand.

Best Retailer Award Winner

Soledad Romero, store manager, Romeoville Toyota, started in an entry-level position at the dealership during the pandemic. She demonstrated her excellence as a leader and a human being with compassion, pride, integrity and discipline to achieve results. Since she has climbed her way up to the top of management.  Romero didn’t have any automotive experience when joining the team just two years ago. She leads by example and is willing to help with any department in the dealership. Her team says she handles it all with grace and compassion while leading her team.

"It has been such an honorable moment in my career, to have been recognized and presented with the Best Retailer Award,” stated Romero. “To have been classified under a category such as ‘Influential Woman in Automotive’ has been an incredible experience. Let's continue to support and strand strong behind empowering women who share the same passion for retail in automotive."

Best Retailer finalists included: Gabrielle Abinion, general manager, Fox Valley Volkswagen; Soledad Romero, store manager, Romeoville Toyota; and Carly Weck, finance manager, Elgin Kia.