Women Automotive Summit: MEXICO

2nd December 2025, Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel, Mexico City

Registration and Coffee

Welcoming Remarks

Stephanie May
Director
Women Automotive Network

Chair's Opening and Ice-Breaker Networking

Meshell Baker
Chief Confidence Ignitor

Driving Change: Redefining Leadership for a New Era of Mobility

The automotive industry is rapidly transforming, fueled by new technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving workforce priorities. To keep pace, leaders must adapt with inclusive, flexible, and future-focused approaches. This fireside chat will explore why inclusive leadership drives stronger innovation and better customer experiences, how leaders can build the skills to navigate constant disruption, and why embedding DEI is essential to shaping the future of mobility.
This session will feature a virtual speaker joining live on screen. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to participate fully.
Mayra Gonzalez Velasco
Divisional Vicepresident Marketing and Sales
Nissan Europe
Selika Josiah Talbott
Autonomous Vehicle Consulting, LLC

On-Stage Interview: Leadership in a Multicultural and Volatile Environment

In this on-stage interview, Maru reflects on her international career journey, discussing challenges of working abroad, leading multicultural teams, and integrating Latin and German cultures within BMW Group. She shares pivotal career moments, leadership lessons, and insights on maintaining agility, innovation, and inclusivity in a constantly evolving global environment
Maru Escobedo
President and CEO
BMW Group Brazil
Jimena Tolama
Editor-In-Chief
Bloomberg Línea

Panel Discussion: Accelerating Change

This panel will bring together dynamic female leaders and allies to explore the power of empowerment, collaboration, and resilience. We’ll discuss the challenges and breakthroughs of balancing career ambitions with personal life, the importance of allyship in fostering inclusive workplaces, and how teamwork fuels transformation. Join us for an inspiring conversation, and how we can support the next generation of talent.
Ricardo Anaya
Manufacturing Director Latin America
Ford Motor Company
Claudia Rodriguez
Aftersales Director
Nissan Latin Mexicana
Rosa Isela Garrido Barcena
Director
Volkswagen Group Services Mexico
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton
Senior Consultant and Leadership Coach
CultureSync

Coffee Break

Championing Change: A Conversation on Allyship, Diversity & Belonging

Join Jorge Vargas, Product Strategy & Market Development Director and National Chief Diversity Officer, for a one-to-one interview exploring male allyship in the automotive industry and the perceptions shaping diversity and belonging today. This conversation will address why allyship matters, how perspectives are shifting, and what leaders can do to foster more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Jorge Vargas
Product Strategy and Market Development Director & National Chief Diversity Officer
Daimler Truck Mexico
Interviewer: Stephanie May
Director
Woman Automotive Network

Talent Development Management and best practices

In this session, Kautex Textron will share how they drive sustainable growth through a comprehensive and strategic approach to Talent Management. Attendees will gain insights into how the company uses structured talent reviews, succession planning, and personalised development plans to identify and prepare future leaders. The session will also explore Kautex’s strong commitment to internal mobility and career advancement, highlighting best practices that foster employee engagement, support progression, and build organisational agility for long-term success.
Blanca Ivette Cabral
HR Manager
Kautex
Margarita Del Carmen Velazquez
HR Manager
Kautex

Electrification: What It Really Means

The automotive industry is transforming toward sustainable mobility, but we need to focus on the objective rather than the technology: reducing CO2 emissions across the entire vehicle lifecycle. Toyota targets carbon neutrality by 2050 through diverse electrified technologies and gradual transition that considers the needs of each country and its customers. This presentation explores the global context, Mexico’s outlook, and what electrification requires beyond vehicles.
Lizette Gracida
Senior Director of External Affairs and Trade Compliance
Toyota Mexico

Networking Lunch Break

Interactive Workshop Session

  1. In-person Workshop: Not Here by Accident: Claiming Space, Legacy, and Leadership
    Dr. Tiffany Hamilton
    Senior Consultant and Leadeship Coach
    CultureSync
  2. Online Workshop: Flow State Format: Learn how to shift your mindset and energy so that you can stay balanced without burnout
    Leticia Escamilla
    Founder & CEO
    MindFuel in Motion

Coffee break and Networking

External Impacts on Automotive Industry: Geopolitics, Tariffs, and Sustainability

Lauren Brown
CEO
Mercedes-Benz Mexico International
Interviewer: Meshell Baker
Chief Confidence Ignitor

Closing Panel: Seizing Opportunities for Women in Automotive

As the automotive industry evolves, this closing discussion will explore Mexico’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability - highlighting the exciting opportunities and critical importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of this industry.
Teresa Gutiérrez
CEO
Tesla Mexico
Evelin Nava Castaldi
Purchasing and Supplier Quality Director
Stellantis
Marianela Calderón
Deputy Director of Employee Experience
Kia Mexico
Selika Josiah Talbott
Autonomous Vehicle Consulting, LLC

Chair's Closing Speech

Meshell Baker
Chief Confidence Ignitor

End of Day

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