Women Automotive Summit: DETROIT

3rd June 2025, Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI

2025 DETROIT AGENDA

Want to speak or promote your brand to top decision-makers in the automotive industry? Contact us at hello@womenautomotive.com for speaking and sponsorship opportunities or book a call here.

08:15- 09:00 ET

Registration & Coffee

08:30 - 09:10 ET

Leadership Masterclasses - Expert Interactive Led Sessions

Kick-start your day with high-impact, interactive workshops designed to equip you with the skills and mindset to navigate your career with confidence. From harnessing AI for professional growth to making bold career moves and achieving work-life balance, these expert-led sessions will challenge your thinking, spark new ideas, and provide actionable strategies. Expect engaging discussions, real-world insights, and practical takeaways to help you lead with purpose and thrive in your career.
9:15 - 9:25 ET

Chair's Welcome

Meshell Baker
Chief Confidence Ignitor
9:25 - 9:50 ET

Diamond Sponsor

Interested in speaking, contact: Stephanie@WomenAutomotive.com
9:50 - 10:15 ET

Leading in Times of Change: How do we stay focused as female leaders and help our teams when the future is uncertain

Teresa Thiele
SVP - Global Purchasing Programs
Stellantis
Amelia Dalgaard
QBIC
Motorhead Mama
10:15 - 10:35 ET

Importance of Allyship

Speaker to be announced soon...
10:35 - 11:10 ET

Panel: "Empowering your employees"

Geralyn Gaines
Founder
Keeping It G™
Sandy Ilievski
Plant Manager
Ford Motor Company
Speaker TBC
Volkswagen Group of America
Julie A. Inderlied
VP Legal Compliance & Privacy
LKQ Corporation
11:10 - 11:50 ET

Networking Coffee Break

11:50 - 12:10 ET

Topic TBC

Jaclyn McQuaid
Global Vice President, Buick and GMC
General Motors
12:10 - 12:30 ET

Topic TBC

Yvette Zhang
Partner and Advanced-Mobility Segment Co-Leader
AlixPartners
12:30 - 12:50 ET

Leveraging Your Unique Strengths in an AI-Driven World

As AI continues to reshape the automotive industry, the value of unique perspectives has never been more critical. In this keynote, we will explore how expertise outside traditional AI fields can offer a distinct advantage in shaping the future of AI. Dr. Charlene Wu will share stories and how her first-hand experiences as a behavioral scientist has influenced human-centered AI strategy and research programs at the Toyota Research Institute. Join us for a stimulating discussion which will explore how discovering and leveraging your background and expertise can position you as a leader in the AI-driven automotive landscape.
Dr. Charlene Wu
Vice President, Human-Centered AI
Toyota Research Institute
12:50 - 14:00 ET

Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 ET

Workshops

  1. "How to Be Your Best Self and What’s Stopping You"
    Group breakout session in main conference room, deep diving into obstacles such as confidence, imposter syndrome, unconscious bias, mentorship, allyship...
    Amanda McPherson
    M.A., Coach, Speaker, Facilitator
    Breakout Rooms
  2. Breakout Session 1: Topic TBC
    Speaker TBC
    Infor
  3. Breakout Session 2: "Beyond the Glass Ceiling: How Women Can Create Their Own Opportunities"
    Rachel Blatt
    CEO
    Royalty Logistics
  4. Breakout Session 3: “AI in Motion: Accelerating the Future of Automotive” - Accenture
    Sreelakshmy G
    Managing Director, Technology Growth Executive - Auto & Mobility
15:00 - 15:45 ET

Coffee Break - Networking

15:45 - 16:05 ET

Gold Sponsor

Reserved
16:05 - 16:25 ET

"Our perspective": a unique interview with local student

16:25 - 16:45 ET

Gold Sponsor

Interested in speaking, contact: Stephanie@WomenAutomotive.com
16:45 - 17:30 ET

Panel: Importance of partnerships and collaboration to drive industry innovation

Denise Barfuss
President OEM Solutions & Principal Consultant AutoMobility Advisors
Rebecca Saletta
Alliance Lead, Corporate Strategy & Sustainability
American Honda Motor Co.
17:30 ET

Chair's Closing Speech

18:00 - 20:30 ET

Awards & Networking Cocktail Reception

As part of the Women Automotive Summit, all our in-person attendees and sponsors are invited to the AutoTech Awards & joint networking. The Women Automotive Network will present the 'Automotive Woman of the Year' and 'Leadership in Workplace Transformation' awards.

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