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What a night! The 2025 Women Automotive Awards returned to Europe with an unforgettable celebration of leadership, allyship, and innovation honouring the people and companies driving real change across the automotive industry.
From bold pioneers and rising stars to the allies and teams redefining inclusion from the inside out, this year’s winners remind us what progress looks like when we lift each other up.
Opening the evening in beautiful Ludwigsburg, Stephanie May welcomed guests to the Women Automotive Summit Awards Ceremony, joined on stage by Tania Higgins, who captured the essence of what the Women Automotive Network is all about: connection, community, and belonging.
“Having Tania here tonight is such a reflection of what being part of this community means. We only met four weeks ago at IAA — two women crossing paths, stopping to chat, compliment each other’s outfits, and instantly connect. And now, here we are on stage together. That’s what this network is all about.”
The exchange set the tone for the night, warm, authentic, and deeply personal. It wasn’t just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of people who uplift, collaborate, and champion one another across the global automotive ecosystem.
Stephanie continued. “This is our chance to not just recognise incredible people and companies, but to give them the honour they truly deserve and make tonight an unforgettable celebration.”
People Awards
Inspirational Role Model Award
Recognises a woman who inspires others through exceptional leadership, integrity, and support, mentoring and empowering colleagues while driving positive change.
Winner: Frances Miller
IO Programme Delivery Director — JLR
As Executive Sponsor of JLR’s Working Parents Network, Frances has championed mentoring, advocacy, and cultural change, proving that professional excellence and family life can thrive together, and setting a visible example for others to follow.
Leadership Excellence Award
Celebrates mid-to-senior leaders who champion access, opportunity, and advancement for all, ensuring diverse voices are heard and everyone can thrive.
Winner: Katherine Zachary
Region Vice President Communications — Nissan Motor Corporation
As Co-Chair of the AMIEO DEI Council, Katherine has delivered measurable progress in diversity practices, opening doors, empowering colleagues, and proving that leadership excellence is measured by the success it enables in others.
Rising Star Award
Honours an early-career professional (35 or under) already making a significant impact, combining ambition, innovation, and a passion for positive change.
Winner: Danielly Cortes
Global Director of Resins & Compounds — Stellantis
At 31, Danielly leads global initiatives across Latin America, North America, APAC, and Europe from sustainable procurement to CO₂ reduction, pairing technical expertise with inclusive, energising leadership.
Allyship Award
Recognises individuals who actively support and advocate for women’s advancement, removing barriers through mentorship, advocacy, and action.
Winner: Jacob Saunders
Accessories Attributes Feature Owner — Jaguar Land Rover
From mentoring undergraduates to shaping inclusive recruitment, Jacob’s empathy, energy, and advocacy have created lasting cultural impact, a clear model of allyship that opens doors and lifts others higher.
Mentor of the Year Award
Recognises someone who consistently invests time and expertise in mentees, accelerating their personal and professional growth and strengthening a culture of learning.
Winner: Christiane Stein
Director — S&P Global
A dedicated WAN mentor for nearly four years, Christiane is described as approachable, insightful, and empowering, helping mentees build confidence, accelerate careers, and create stronger teams.
Community Member Award *New for 2025*
Recognises a WAN community champion whose commitment and advocacy strengthen connections and amplify impact across the network.
Winner: Anne Kröll
Head of Sales Europe Aftermarket — Stabilus
Nominated in four categories, Anne affectionately known as the “Queen of Networking”, demonstrates how consistent advocacy and genuine connection can inspire an entire industry.
Company Awards
Outstanding Employee Resource Group of the Year
Celebrates employee-led groups that drive engagement, development, and a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Winner: Stabilus LadySTAR
Employee Resource Group — Stabilus
Evolving from a local female network into a global platform for mentoring and learning, LadySTAR has rebuilt connections post-pandemic and is expanding across plants and regions, redefining engagement and belonging company-wide.
Culture & Belonging Award
Honours organisations embedding belonging, inclusion, and well-being across their business through bold, people-centred leadership.
Winner: Robert Bosch Energy & Body Systems Kft
Winning initiative: “Movement, Mindfulness, Mutual Support”
Born as a grassroots idea and scaled company-wide, the programme builds connection, well-being, and pride with internal sports teams now representing the company externally and strengthening its sense of community.
Continue the Journey
Planning ahead? Explore our Europe 2026 Summit plans and if you’d like to recognise and celebrate your workforce or company, let’s talk about the best-fit options for you.
