Women’s Industry Network (WIN) conference attendees and other guests celebrated this year’s recipient of the Most Influential Women (MIW) award on May 3, during the 10th annual Educational Conference held at Tampa Hilton Downtown in Tampa, Florida. The event provided a glimpse into the MIW program’s history, recognized past recipients of the award and announced Michelle Sullivan as the 2016 recipient.
The Most Influential Women award is given annually to women in the collision repair industry who exemplify qualities of business and civic leadership, vision and commitment to excellence.
“The 2016 MIW nominees highlighted the geographic, functional and sector diversity of women who are influencing the collision repair industry today,” said Sandra Herron, owner of MiddlEdge Inc. “I was inspired by each nominee’s industry involvement, professional accomplishments, mentoring of others and community service. Michelle’s record of creating value for companies, developing industry talent and championing charitable causes in her community stood out as exemplary.” Herron’s consulting firm was contracted as a third-party entity to interview the nominees and select this year’s honoree based on specific criteria established by the board of directors.
The MIW program’s charter aligns with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry.” For 18 years, it has recognized 88 women for their professional accomplishments and for going beyond requirements of their positions to give back to their communities. “The industry has experienced the positive impact of the women recognized as MIW’s over the past 17 years. This award continues to recognize women who are not only passionate about their work, but also are active in mentoring others to help them advance within our industry,” said Cheryl Boswell, chief financial officer at DCR Systems LLC, a 2015 MIW honoree and co-chair of the 2016 MIW Committee.
“The MIW Award recipients reflect well-rounded profiles of achievement in their jobs, their communities and in the collision repair industry. Michelle not only fits, but exceeds this description,” said Petra Schroeder, WIN’s chair. “She also recognizes that, as women, we have the ability and responsibility to support each other to achieve greater heights and to nurture others in the industry at the same time. That’s exactly what Michelle does – she has long mentored fellow females and students. We are very fortunate to draw on her time and talent on the WIN board.”
