Women’s Industry Network Seeks Nominations for Inaugural Founding Mother Award

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) is accepting nominations for its inaugural Founding Mother Award. 

This award intends to honor the women who are shaping the future of the collision repair industry – women who demonstrate passion, perseverance and purpose every day. This award has been created and presented by the WIN founding mothers: Frederica Carter, Geri Kottschade, Gigi Walker, Patricia Serratore, Kathy Mello and Marcy Tieger. It intends to celebrate women making their mark in their shops and communities while advancing WIN’s mission of supporting and connecting women in collision repair. The Founding Mother Award is intended to become an annual presentation. 

The deadline to nominate a deserving woman for the inaugural Foundation Mother award is January 19. Nominations can be made at bit.ly/WINNominateFM.

The award will recognize a woman in collision repair who: 

•  Demonstrates clear alignment with WIN’s mission

•  Submits a personal statement that shows genuine passion for the industry

•  Receives a statement of support from a shop owner or manager

•  Has been working full-time in a repair shop for a minimum of two years as a technician or painter

•  Acts as a mentor to coworkers and fosters a supportive shop environment

•  Shows commitment to long-term career growth in the collision repair field

•  Submits a letter of recommendation from an industry professional

•  Is willing and able to attend the WIN Conference in Tucson, AZ from May 4-6. 

More information about the Founding Mother Award can be found at bit.ly/FoundingMother. 

WIN was founded in 2006 by six pioneering women who saw a need for connection, mentorship and opportunity in the automotive collision industry. Their vision built the foundation for WIN’s mission to empower women across all levels of the trade. For this award, Founding Mothers Geri Kottschade, Frederica Carter and Marcy Tieger are actively providing input – continuing their legacy of leadership and inspiration.

Want more? Check out the January 2026 issue of New England Automotive Report!