YANG Announces 2024-2025 Leadership 2.0 Scholarship Recipient Kendra Mitchell

BETHESDA, Md. – June 14, 2024 - The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), a community of the Auto Care Association, has selected Kendra Mitchell of BBB Industries to represent YANG at the highly-acclaimed University of the Aftermarket’s 2024-2025 Leadership 2.0 Program. Leadership 2.0 is the premier post-graduate style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of auto care leaders. The Leadership 2.0 program will take place in Summer 2024 and Spring 2025. The Leadership 2.0 Scholarship is generously funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

YANG’s 2024-2025 Leadership 2.0 Scholarship Recipient

Kendra Mitchell is a highly experienced account manager with a decade of success in the auto care industry. Her journey began in college, where she honed her skills in logistics and core collection before seamlessly transitioning to the Aftermarket sector. Kendra currently serves as a Senior Key Account Manager at BBB Industries LLC. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in driving profitability and sales growth across diverse product lines, while prioritizing customer satisfaction at every touchpoint. A dedicated industry professional, Kendra has actively contributed to organizations such as MEMA, Reman Industry Council, Women in Auto Care, and YANG. Known for her outgoing personality and drive, she excels in building strong relationships that drive business success.

Outside of work, Kendra is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing a variety of sports and games. She is also a devoted wife and mother to a 6-year-old boy and a spirited 2-year-old girl.

“As I strive to grow both personally and professionally, this opportunity [will] empower me to become a more valuable asset to the company, enabling me to achieve my career aspirations and fulfill my potential,” said Mitchell. “This scholarship [will] not only benefit me individually but also positively impact my family and the organization I represent.”

Developing Future Industry Leaders

The Leadership 2.0 program is the automotive aftermarket industry's cornerstone educational program that fosters the development of a new generation of visionary auto care executives. The program is an intense and intellectually challenging two-week executive development and learning experience deeply rooted in the theoretical and practical application of auto care leadership principles. It features esteemed speakers and invaluable networking opportunities with top-level industry leaders.

Graduates of the program receive 7.0 CEUs toward their Automotive Aftermarket Profession (AAP) designations and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. The scholarship is valued at $6,650 and covers the price of tuition, class materials and meals. 

Leadership 2.0 is comprised of two, five-day sessions. Session I will be held Aug. 11-15, 2024, at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Mich., and Session II is held March 9-13, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

Research, Best Practices and Industry Trends

Leadership 2.0 is facilitated by Northwood University faculty, senior aftermarket executives, and industry leaders. The Leadership 2.0 experience includes:

• industry research and market analysis;
• lively discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket;
• competitive strategies;
• interpersonal communication skills;
• contract negotiations, conflict resolution;
• ·organizational culture;
• cyber-security best practices;
• insight into supply chain solutions;
• and other challenging and evolving industry topics and trends.

For more information about YANG or additional YANG scholarship opportunities, visit autocare.org/yang or contact Mary Ieng, community engagement manager, at mary.ieng@autocare.org.