In recognition of their professional accomplishments and contributions to the automotive industry, five successful businesswomen have been chosen to receive the coveted Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI) Spirit of Leadership Award  during the National Automobile Dealer Association convention in Orlando Florida: Dianne Ely, president, Universal Technical Institute-Orlando; Tamara Darvish, vice president, DARCARS Automotive Group; Trudy Harvey, marketing communications manager, Mini division of BMW; Sherrie Weitzman, national advertising manager, Cadillac, General Motors; and Marilynn Youngs, senior director, NADA University.

 The women will be honored at the 11th Annual Spirit of Leadership Awards Luncheon on Saturday, February 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida during NADA. The event, hosted by the Women's Automotive Association International, is being held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Exposition.

"All of the women selected as this year's honorees have a proven track record of exceptional professional achievements and as role models and mentors in both the automotive industry and their communities," stated Lorraine Schultz,  WAAI founder and CEO. "We are privileged to recognize these accomplished women."

Founded in 1995, WAAI centers it efforts on recognizing the achievements of women in the automotive industry, providing networking and relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging growth through mentoring, educational endeavors and scholarships.

For additional information on the awards luncheon, including sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit the WAAI website, www.waai.com. Or contact Marcela Fink, 305.259.2067, or email to carfink@bellsouth.net.