2022 Honoree

How did you begin your career in the aftermarket? 

I started my career in the aftermarket in 2011, working as a customer service manager for XL Parts. I came from the Semiconductor industry and did not have much experience in automotive. It definitely took some adjusting.

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career, thus far?

So far, the proudest accomplishment of my career was winning Best Customer Service for Parts Authority in 2020. It was done by an independent unbiased company that compared us across various industries, and it was based purely on hard data. The team here at Parts Authority PERFORMS!! I am so proud of what we have built together. Looking forward to many future achievements.

What is your best advice to other women who want to excel in the automotive aftermarket? What is one thing the industry could do better or do differently to support women in the aftermarket? 

The advice I would give to women in the industry would be to be tenacious and never stop learning. There will always be people who don’t want to see you succeed. That is their problem … you must stay focused on your goals, make those goals attainable, and keep going. The automotive aftermarket has come a long way in the 10 years that I have been here. The support that is now available for women in the industry is substantial. We now have organizations like Women in Auto Care who are doing phenomenal work for equality. It’s great to see these organizations thrive and provide support to all women in the industry!

What do you believe are some of the most important skillsets to excel in a career in the aftermarket today? 

I believe the most essential skill set to have in this industry is adaptability. Keep learning new skills to adapt with the changes. Do not be afraid of failure as you learn the most from your mistakes. Get up, dust yourself off, and be resilient.