The Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) presented the prestigious Professional Achievement Award to three automotive industry women during its annual awards dinner during the LA Auto Show media preview days.

This year’s honorees were Robin Pisz, national interactive marketing manager for Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales; Theresa Haven, manager of the marketing communications campaign management division, Honda Motor Co.; and Anna Zornosa, general manager for Dealix.com, a division of Cobalt.

Presented annually since 1997, the Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to professional women in recognition of their commitment, professionalism and success in the automotive industry. “These women embody qualities well worthy of recognition, and we are privileged to honor their achievements,” said Lorraine Schulz,, CEO and Founder of the WAAI. “Not only are they successful and accomplished in their careers, they are also leaders in business and their communities, and serve as role models.”

The event was a highlight for my holiday season and was so pleased to present these women with the Professional Achievement Award and congratulate them on this much-deserved honor.

In November I moderated a panel for the Mercedes Ladies and Women's Automotive Association International called: "Strategies for Success" at Mercedes-Benz USA. The key note speaker was Jo Ann Rose, President, Network Sales for CBS Television Network and one of the Hollywood Reporter's 100 Most Powerful Women. Her story was inspiring, entertaining and made me laugh at myself.

The panelists included: Nichole Braggs, Sales Operations Manager, Mercedes-Benz, Trudy Hardy: Manager, MINI Marketing,Rory Hepner, Manager, Field Operations,Mercedes-Benz and Judith Schumacher, Owner, Schumacher Chevrolet & Gearheart Chevrolet. 

Mercedes-Benz partnered with  "Dress for Success," a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive and work in life for this event.

They collected job-appropriate women's suits, skirts, pants, shoes, jewelry, and handbags that are in good condition and attire  appropriate to wear to work and something you would still feel comfortable wearing to an interview yourself. The donations went to the "Dress for Success" Career Center and Professional Women's Group.

Nothing is more invigorating for me than to spend time with powerhouse women, listen to their stories, get business, career advice and tips.  These two events really filled my craving to just hang out with the girls, I spend so much of my time with the guys in my role. Felt like I had a tune-up and now have a fully charged battery for 2010.

Congratulations and my fondest wish for much success to all these amazing women in 2010. You are all beacon of light to women working and aspiring to become leaders in the auto industry.

Visit my Flickr Sets "Mercedes Ladies Event Photos" and "Women's Automotive Professional Achievement Awards".