Meet a Staffer: Zoi' Holloway

How did you get your start at the Auto Care Association? 

Prior to Auto Care, I was in the education field for nearly seven years. I desired a career shift, and I came across the association via LinkedIn. Since then, it has been a perfect fit! 

What are your work duties at the association?

I work in concert with our Comms team (and respective departments) on the production, editing and distribution of several publications. These include press releases, our weekly newsletter – Insider Weekly, member emails for event registration, important announcements and more. I also write for our blogs, check out the latest entry: 3 Key Things You Should Know about Connected Vehicle Data Trends and the Automotive Aftermarket. 

In which department do you work? What are the key responsibilities of the department?

I work on the communications team which falls under the strategic development department. Our strategic development team includes communications, membership engagement, graphic design, data/market intelligence and web design. With all these different roles, you can imagine that there is a multitude of responsibilities in our department. As for the comms team, we work together to produce high-level communications (publications, graphics, etc.) that amplify the association’s influence on our members, staff and ultimately the auto care industry. 

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I studied Journalism and Mass Communications at Bennett College for Women. 

Where else have you worked (what jobs/positions/locations)?

I worked for a large charter-school network, Friendship Public Charter School. I began as a meeting and events programming fellow before transitioning to a marketing and communications associate (Washington, D.C.). Fun fact: I’m also an alumnus of one of the high schools.  

Where did you grow up and what are some interesting details about your life before working at the association?

I grew up in the Northeast region of Washington, D.C. As a child, I would spend a considerable amount of time exploring the city and its culture with my best friend, my grandmother. I took lots of dance classes growing up, played the clarinet and always had a passion for writing. Initially, when I went to North Carolina for college, I majored in psychology then later transitioned to journalism to fulfill my childhood dreams of becoming an author. However, that quickly changed when I found a love for marketing and advertising as I delved deeply into the world of communications.  

What is your favorite part about working at the association? What are the biggest rewards? 

My favorite part is being a part of a team of super collaborative, passionate and inclusive individuals. Working for an association as autonomous as Auto Care, as employees, we’re encouraged to think freely and creatively. This in turn allows us to present authentic ideas – and in my experience, that are always supported.  

What unique qualities do you feel you bring to the Auto Care Association?

As a complete rookie to the industry, I feel like I bring a fresh perspective on how we effectively communicate to our industry. 

What are your long-range professional goals for both you and the Auto Care Association? 

In a nutshell, my goal is to evolve as a communications professional. Auto Care provides a clear pathway for career growth, and I plan to continue aligning myself with that professional ascension. As for my long-range goals for Auto Care, I want to elevate our communications in a way that other companies can be inspired. 

What do you feel are the biggest rewards of working in the auto care industry? 

The biggest reward would have to be our reach to the industry. I’m honestly still in awe at how many members we serve. Knowing that the advocacy of our association impacts the lives of drivers globally is gratifying.  

Tell us about your life outside of work (family, hobbies, home, etc.).

Family is extremely important to me, the ability to have healthy relationships with the people I love the most is a core value of mine. I have a younger sister, 23, who has Down Syndrome and she is truly a big piece of my joy – she's the sweetest and most loving person I could ever ask for as a sister. My grandmother and my mother are pretty much my best friends – we all share a HUGE love for the holidays – Christmas especially. Other than spending time with them, I enjoy reading, sewing and trying new cuisine!   

Tell us a few fun facts about you that would surprise people (special skills, awards, accomplishments, etc.).

I am a huge lover of fashion and a self-proclaimed melophile – I enjoy all types of music genres, however, oldies but goodies (70s-90s R&B and soul) run my world! During the pandemic, I bought myself a sewing machine and taught myself how to sew which resulted in me developing my own brand – “ZOIZM”.