Women in Auto Care Achieves Record-Breaking Scholarship Distribution, Empowering Future Leaders in the Auto Care Industry

BETHESDA, Md. – July 17, 2024 – Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care  Association, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its scholarship program, now in its 20th year. Setting a record, the organization has distributed a total of 81 awards, combining cash scholarships and toolkits, with an unprecedented value of $425,000. These awards serve as a powerful investment in the aspirations of female students across the United States, nurturing their interest in pursuing careers within the automotive aftermarket. 

In addition to financial support, Women in Auto Care will provide scholarship winners with an Industry Swag Box—a curated collection of items introducing them to the organization and showcasing key companies in the automotive aftermarket. This aims to familiarize recipients with the industry and cultivate community belonging. 

Furthermore, Women in Auto Care have introduced monthly virtual Connection Circles for scholarship winners, allowing them to connect with peers and receive mentorship from experienced female technicians and instructors, aimed at fostering ongoing support, professional growth, and networking opportunities for their career success. 

The outstanding success of this year's scholarship program is a testament to the unwavering support and generosity of Women in Auto Care's community sponsors and member contributions. Their dedication to fostering diversity and opportunity within the industry has made a significant impact on the lives and futures of aspiring professionals. 

Over the past year, Women in Auto Care has strengthened partnerships and significantly expanded its scholarship program. Collaborating with Garage Gurus, Women in Auto Care awarded five $7,000 scholarships totaling $35,000 and partnered with Dorman to grant a $10,000 scholarship. Additionally, through partnerships with NAPA and Acuity, toolkits valued at $8,700 and $3,000 were respectively distributed. These collaborations reflect Women in Auto Care's commitment to championing diversity, excellence, and innovation within the auto care industry. By investing in the education and advancement of female talent, the organization continues to drive positive change and inspire future leaders in the industry. 

“At NAPA, we are proud to be able to offer tools and equipment to individuals who are passionate about the automotive industry.  Our goal is to make it easier for techs to enter the automotive repair space by providing necessary tools for the job.  We are proud to be working close with Women in Auto Care, and this is just one way we can collaborate to make a difference,” said John Molidor, Director, Tools & Equipment. 

“Acuity is proud to support diversity in the auto repair industry. Our sponsorship of the Women in Auto Care Scholarship Fund will help women pursue rewarding careers in auto care and is an investment in the advancement and empowerment of women in the workforce,” explained Joel Katsma, VP of Market Strategy & Communications. 

The Women in Auto Care scholarship program, which commenced in 2004 with a modest $2,000, has steadily gathered momentum over the years. Remarkably, this year marks the seventh consecutive year of unparalleled success. Notably, the program achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by surpassing a total of $1 million in scholarships and toolkits awarded. 

Furthermore, in 2023, Women in Auto Care was honored with the prestigious designation of Gold Lifetime Trustee for the University of the Aftermarket, underscoring its commitment to education and advancement within the auto care industry. 

“2024 was another record-breaking year for our scholarship program,” said Elle Lawhead, Chair, Women in Auto Care. “I am extremely grateful for our community and every one of you who has supported our efforts. Because of your support, we were able to make the dreams of 81 females come true. Because of you all, they are now able to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket!” 

Women in Auto Care recipients of this year’s scholarships include: 

Women in Auto Care/Dorman Scholarship 

Danica Warner – St. Louis, Miss. 

Women in Auto Care/Garage Gurus Scholarships  

Annika Ernstrom – McPherson, Kan.

Aria Cummings – Montrose, Colo.

Megan Huerdo Vargas – Katy, Texas

Olivia Hollerich – Westerville, Ohio

Leah Perry – Carroll, Neb. 

Women in Auto Care/Acuity Tool Kit Awards 

Abigail Cigarroa Gomez – American Canyon, Calif.

Anita Venegas – Evansville, Ind.

Cady Tipple – Lancaster, Ohio

Ciera McCarty – New Richmond, Wis.

Clara Menlove – Alpine, Utah

Dasia Faulk – Panama City, Fla.

Harmony Rizor – Pink Hill, N.C.

Jamie Benefiel – Galveston, Ind.

Katie Sukpanthee – Mascotte, Fla.

Kayla Torrez – Gardnerville, Nev.

Laci Prignon – Dryden, N.Y.

Leslie Perez-Meza – Chicago, Ill.

Lillian Heydt – Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Magan Cruz-Wingo – Vallejo, Calif.

Megan Layton – Ogden, Utah

Olivia Brindley – Kimberly, Ala.

Peri West – Phoenix, Ariz.

Samanatha Kolozy – Jacksonville, Fla. 

Women in Auto Care/NAPA Tool Kit Awards 

Aleesha Howard – Atoka, Okla.

Alexis Faught – Glendora, Calif.

Allison Prentice – Eldorado, Ill.

Brittany Ladion – Lucero – San Francisco, Calif.

Cathryn Elkins – Yakima, Wash.

Claire Uhler – York, Neb.

Darissa Rodriguez – Bakersfield, Calif.

Diane Young – Kirkwood, Miss.

Haley DeLine – Gig Harbor, Wash.

Jennine Amato – Longmont, Colo.

Jessica Gutierrez – Burnsville, Minn.

Joanna Bejar – Saratoga, Calif.

Julia Wydra – Chesapeake, Va.

Kathryn McCrosson – Medford, NJ.

Mia Safrit – Waxhaw, N.C.

Paige Selbo – Amherst, Wis.

Riley Brouwer – Wylie, Texas

Shelby Wycough – Batesville, Alaska

Veronika Fetterly – Petaluma, Calif.

Victoria Smitch – Columbus, Ohio 

Women in Auto Care Scholarships 

Abigail Organ – Westland, Minn.

Alayna Barba – Chicago, Ill.

Alivia Schneider – Blooming Prairie, Minn. 

Allison Kent – Hampton, Va.

Alyssa Wagner – Fallon, Nev.

Amanda Saunders – Buckner, Ill.

Anabel Lopez – Binghamton, N.Y.

Ariel Burns – Chicago, Ill.

Avery Bagwell – Shreveport, La.

Bryanna Sidders – Alva, Okla.

Elizabeth Berberich – Ooltewah, Tenn.

Grace Watson – Midlothian, Va.

Griffin Vanosdoll – Brighton, Colo.

Isabell Schmidt – Mankato, Minn.

Jaedyn Moreno – Bakersfield, Calif.

Jocelyn Pandolfo – Clark, N.J.

Josephine Schmucker – Lima, Ohio

Joyce Middleton – Lake City, Fla.

Julieanne Newman – Chelsea, Ala.

Karol Ruiz – Immokalee, Fla.

Katherine Miller – Loxley, Ala.

Keely Whitmer – Cumming, Ga.

Mariela Henderson – Kaysville, Utah

Megan DeJesus – Stockbridge, Ga.

Mersadies Nichols – Conewango, N.Y.

Rebekkah Cunningham – Lakewood, Wash.

Salam Khalaf – Camarillo, Calif.

Samantha Rivera – Highland Mills, N.Y.

Sara Hernandez – Glenwood, Minn.

Shelby Topham – Farmington, Utah

Shyanne Durst – Wildwood, Fla.

Taylee Thompson – Reno, Nev.

Waverly Landrith – Mustang, Okla.

Yelena Ayala – Oxnard, Calif.

Zoie Ross – Cincinnati, Ohio 

For more information about Women in Auto Care scholarship opportunities, visit autocare.org/women-in-auto-care.