Chicago Auto Show - What Drives Her program

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.

"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.

The 2023 winners for each category are as follows:

Rising Star Award

Crystal Windham, executive director, global industrial design, General Motors, has built a solid reputation as a change agent and decisive leader with a future focused on automotive creative design. With more than 20 years of world-class experience, she brings forward-leading practices with quick success across multiple business areas. She builds collaborative, cross-functional teams to leverage emerging technologies by bringing a customer-centric focus that can drive the aesthetic and technology vision for products and overall customer experience.

Windham was unable to attend the event; colleague Shauna Sichi, also a Rising Star award finalist, accepted the award on her behalf.

Rising Star finalists included: Natasha Adams, mechanic, YouTube and Instagram influencer; Shauna Sichi, General Motors West Communications; and Crystal Windham, executive director, global industrial design, General Motors.

Best in Craft Media Award

Kristin Shaw, freelance writer, is passionate about technology, aviation, and parenting, but cars have taken center stage in her life. She has developed a deep knowledge of the automotive world and an affinity for the people who bring cars to life, sharing her stories at Edmunds, Popular Science, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, A Girls Guide to Cars, and Airport Improvement magazine on a regular basis, with bylines at Motor1, Car and Driver, The Drive, and more. Shaw has also shared her work about relationships and parenting on national platforms like The Washington Post, the TODAY show, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Cosmopolitan, and The Huffington Post.

"It's my absolute honor to receive this award," said Shaw. "It means a great deal to me to be recognized by my peers not just for my work but for my support of other women in this industry. There is room for all of us!"

Best in Craft Media finalists included: Emme Hall, freelance; Elana Scherr, Car and Driver; and Kristin Shaw, freelance.

Automotive Ally

Jennifer Newman, editor-in-chief, Cars.com, has served as Cars.com family-car expert for more than a decade. A certified child passenger safety technician since 2010, Jennifer created Cars.com's Car Seat Check series and each year delivers the Car Seat Check Honor Roll to help parents and caretakers determine which vehicles will best fit cars seats. She's been featured in numerous media outlets including Good Morning America, Business Insider, USA Today, People.com and Martha Stewart magazine. Not only is she an incredibly accomplished journalist, but an incredible mentor as well. Her nominators noted that they respect and admire the way she cultivates a culture of growth and opportunity on her team of writers and editors, and the way she nurtures the careers of the women who work for her.

"It's an honor to be recognized as an Automotive Ally, especially among such an impressive group of nominees and finalists," said Newman. "I have found a welcoming community of both women and men who have nurtured my own growth in automotive. It's my hope to play a small part in developing the next generation of women in automotive."

Automotive Ally finalists included: Emily Miller, founder, Rebelle Rally; Jennifer Newman, editor-in-chief, Cars.com; and Wendy Orthman, executive director, marketing, Genesis.

Best Retailer

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.

Founder of A Girls Guide to Cars, and Co-Founder of What Drives Her, Scotty Reiss said "It's exciting to see the connections, brainstorming and enthusiasm that What Drives Her creates— this year more than ever. And to see so many women —and men!— coming together to celebrate and support each other is truly rewarding and helps to elevate our entire industry."

The What Drives Her program and award ceremony was livestreamed, courtesy of Reuters Events Automotive.

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2023 public show is Feb. 11-20 at McCormick Place.

Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935.

The US Corporate Boardroom

The US corporate boardroom is the place where business and leisure come together. It's where decisions are made that shape the future of a company. It’s the place people can relax and enjoy the company of colleagues. Yes, since the corporate boardroom is essential, it's important to ensure it is used well for business and leisure. With the right balance, the corporate boardroom can be an effective tool for achieving success in many areas.

Generally, the typical corporate boardroom is a place where business leaders come together to discuss and strategize on how to move the company forward. It is a place where decisions are made to shape the future of an organization. Further, it is a place of leisure where executives relax and unwind after a long day’s work. This combination of business and leisure makes it an ideal environment for executives to network and collaborate with each other while having time for themselves.

The US corporate boardroom is crucial- it’s the epicentre of business decisions in the United States. The corporate boardroom is where it happens, from deciding on mergers and acquisitions to setting strategic goals. As noted, it’s a place for business leaders to enjoy time with colleagues while working. With its luxurious amenities, plush seating areas, and state-of-the-art technology, the corporate boardroom is a veritable haven for those looking to take their business decisions to the next level.

Further, the US corporate boardroom is a place of power and influence; here, decisions are made that profoundly impact the future of businesses and the economy. It is a place where corporate leaders come together to discuss strategy, set goals, and make decisions that shape the future of their companies. In this environment, it is essential for corporate boards to have a good understanding of their objectives and strategies.

They must identify potential risks and opportunities in order to make informed decisions that help them achieve the desired results. Corporate members need to be knowledgeable about the latest trends in technology, finance, law, regulation, and other areas relevant to their industry. They need to communicate effectively with each other to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page when the time comes to make decisions.

The US corporate boardroom plays an integral role in the success of any organization; it is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and overseeing its management. The boardroom is the place where corporate executives discuss and debate issues related to corporate governance, risk management, and financial performance. By having an effective boardroom, companies can ensure they are making informed decisions that help them achieve long-term goals.

The corporate boardroom is a true hub for decision-making in the business world. Here, executives and board members often review financials and make other crucial decisions. Corporate boards are responsible for setting policies and procedures, overseeing organizational performance, and ensuring the company is compliant with laws and regulations. With the rise of technology, corporate boards have adapted to new ways of doing business, from virtual meetings to increased use of data analytics. Ultimately, this makes them more efficient.

As noted, the US corporate boardroom is the centre of power and decision-making in the country's largest companies. Here, the top executives come together to give direction on behalf of their organizations; they hold each other accountable for their performance. The corporate boardroom is an essential part of any successful business strategy-understanding how the boardroom works can help companies be better prepared for a situation. From understanding the roles and responsibilities of board members to learning how to prepare for meetings, we can explore how the boardroom works and define its importance to businesses today.

Corporate boards have to be well-informed about the latest trends in their respective industries in order to make sound decisions that benefit their company. They must be aware of potential risks associated with investments or strategies that lead to adverse outcomes for their business. Truly, the US corporate boardroom is an essential part of a successful business venture.

Hence, having the best office space has become increasingly important with the ever-evolving corporate landscape. Companies are now focused on creating a pleasant work environment that not only encourages creativity and productivity but also inspires their employees to do their best work. The best corporate offices in the US stand out for their innovative design, modern amenities, and inspiring workspaces. From vibrant colours to cosy lounges, these offices s provide an enjoyable working experience for employees.

Virginia Tech Networking and Hiring Event

Virginia Tech Networking and Hiring Event

In recent years, talented workers across the nation have reflected on what a successful and meaningful career can look like. In support of this evolving workforce, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is leading a free, two-day networking and hiring event Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2023, welcoming talent to build a purpose-driven career in Fairfax County.

"Many of us are thinking about what a truly meaningful career can be, and here in Northern Virginia we are proud to be home to employers and professions that provide that sense of purpose many of us are searching for," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of FCEDA. "Cybersecurity, aerospace, IT – these industries fuel global innovation, safety, and exploration, and it all happens right here on the doorsteps of the nation's capital. Working here you can truly help change the world."

During the two-day event, candidates will have the opportunity to network with dozens of hiring organizations from Fortune 500s to government agencies and rising start-ups. Top national employers including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), General Dynamics and Inova Health System are actively hiring for 10,000+ positions across a variety of sectors including IT, aerospace, cybersecurity, and healthcare. To view the full list of companies participating and to register, visit workinnorthernvirginia.com/career-fairs/.

 In-person networking and hiring – Tuesday, Jan. 31, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EST, at Capital One Hall, 750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA, 22102. Virtual networking and hiring – Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST, via online meeting portal Premier Virtual.

All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome, and attendees do not need to live in Northern Virginia to meet with participating companies. During the in-person event, job seekers can attend free educational sessions by LinkedIn and have a free professional headshot taken. FCEDA is also partnering with Women in Technology to bring discounted memberships to participants.

"We love coming to FCEDA events because there is always a large amount of technical talent at all levels, and we usually come away with many new connections, interviews, and hires resulting from the event," said Matthew Mead, Ridgeline International's Director, Talent Management and Recruiting.

As the tech and cyber sectors continue to grow in Northern Virginia, there are more than 17,000 technology companies in the region. With its proximity to major federal agencies, major educational institutions, and Fortune 500 headquarters, Fairfax County tech and cyber firms have access to industries and resources that are unique to the area. To support this growth, FCEDA and its partners have been organizing networking and hiring events since 2020 to attract, retain and nurture talent by connecting job seekers to companies in the region.

"Fairfax County Economic Development Authority events have provided Peraton with the opportunity to identify top talent, build new connections in the community, and elevate our brand exposure on a local and national platform," said Jeff Carson, Peraton's Senior Talent Acquisition Lead, Military and Veterans. "As the company's Military Veteran Recruiter Lead, I have attended numerous in-person and virtual events hosted by the FCEDA where I found the locations, marketing, and logistics to all be top notch. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year."

To-date, FCEDA-hosted hiring and networking events have attracted more than 5,000 attendees, resulting in more than 12,500 conversations between attending candidates and hiring companies.

Business Worldwide Magazine 2022 Top 20

Business Worldwide Magazine 2022 Top 20

Prague based medtech company Leeaf has been recognized by Business Worldwide Magazine in its "20 Most Innovative Companies to Watch, 2022" awards.

The list is a celebration of the trailblazing organisations that are game changers in their respective industries and altering the corporate landscape. Whether it's healthcare, banking, industry, construction, energy or more, these companies are at the cutting edge of breakthrough technologies, innovation, and modernized business structures. Those included have a shared goal of developing revolutionary products and technology that can drive scalable business models and disrupt established industries and markets.

According to a 2020 report from UCLA Health, an estimated 15% of people will face conception issues. Globally, 48.5 million couples and 186 million individuals experience infertility, with around 9% or men and 10% of women aged 15-44 reporting fertility issues in the USA alone.

Leeaf empowers fertility treatments and improves the conception journey through innovative technology. Seeking to disrupt existing patterns in female healthcare and contributing their part to a future where women benefit from a personalized medical approach, Leeaf spreads awareness, educates, and counteracts the notion of infertility as a socially taboo topic.

The company was founded in 2020 by Jan Choma, a successful entrepreneur and business leader with a background in the delivery of AI based cognitive solutions to the healthcare sector. His background in AI played an important part in the speed at which the company was able to move forward as Jan had previously experimented with ways of applying AI to evaluate the quality of embryos with outstanding success, drawing attention from several significant industry players.

Leeaf delivers an efficiency-enabling digital health platform for physicians and patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. The Leeaf solution provides hyper-personalised fertility treatment recommendations for both doctor and patient, harnessing big data analysis and AI methodology to positively impact the conception journey.

The Leeaf platform offers two main solutions: the Leeaf Physician Portal, which provides physicians with tailored fertility treatment data and recommendations; and the Leeaf mobile App, which is for couples undergoing fertility treatment. Jan and his team are also conducting a study that investigates four key areas - medical, lifestyle, environmental and genetic – and investigates how they affect the outcomes of ovarian stimulation for IVF.

Leeaf is currently conducting an international and multi-centric observational research study of biomarkers to investigate the effect of four-dimensional patient data (medical, lifestyle, environmental, and genetic) on the outcomes of ovarian stimulation for IVF. While the study will allow scientists to look deeper into factors that may influence the outcomes of controlled ovarian stimulation, it will also allow Leeaf to fine-tune existing algorithms and develop new decision-supporting algorithms.

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.