WINning for Collision: The story of the Women’s Industry Network
In an industry historically dominated by men, the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has been a beacon of change, fostering an inclusive environment for women in the collision repair sector.
Founded nearly two decades ago, WIN has remained steadfast in its mission to attract, develop, and promote women within this field, making significant strides in an industry where female representation remains low.
A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
"Our mission is very simple. We want to attract, develop, and promote women in collision repair professions,"says Liz Stein, vice president of strategic initiatives at Certified Collision Group and current WIN chair.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and fostering a network among women who are shaping the industry.
Since its inception, WIN has focused on addressing the cultural and social stigmas that have traditionally kept women out of the collision repair industry.
"The women who founded WIN had a clear mission and goals in mind, and it's exciting to see that almost 20 years later, the foundation of WIN is still living strong," says Cheryl Boswell, CFO and partner for DCR Systems and a past WIN chair.
Challenges and Barriers
According to the 2024 FenderBenderIndustry Survey, seven percent of those who took it identified as female. Meanwhile, women make up 47 percent of the employed population, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are not positive realities about the industry, especially with an ongoing tech shortage.
Boswell points out that part of the solution lies in education and awareness.
"As an industry, we need to promote how diverse this industry is and how many opportunities there are within the collision repair industry," she explains.
WIN recognizes that attracting more women to the industry requires a multifaceted approach. This includes promoting the industry to educators and schools, highlighting the various career opportunities available, and emphasizing that a college degree is not always necessary for a successful career in collision repair. "There are so many different types of positions and opportunities for people," Boswell notes.
Initiatives and Support Systems
WIN has implemented several initiatives to support women entering and advancing in the collision repair industry. One of the most impactful is its scholarship program. In the past year alone, WIN has awarded 32 scholarships totaling over $50,000, along with providing tools to the recipients. "Tools are essential when you're going into a body shop, and we gave that first set to those women to help them start their careers," Stein explains.
Professional development is another cornerstone of WIN's efforts. The organization offers webinars, educational series, and an annual conference designed to help women develop both soft and technical skills. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and multitasking to technical subjects like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). "We want to elevate women, whether it's through soft skills or technical classes," Stein says.Conferences and Networking
WIN's annual conference is a highlight for many members, providing a platform for education, networking, and recognition. Unlike other industry conferences, WIN's events focus heavily on educational opportunities and addressing current industry topics. The conference also includes the celebration of the Most Influential Women awards, a tradition inherited from AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes. "One of our nights at the conference is dedicated to celebrating our Most Influential Women," Stein said.
Networking is a crucial component of WIN's conferences and regional events. These gatherings help women build connections, receive mentorship, and develop their careers. "Making connections with other businesses and individuals I might not have crossed paths with has been invaluable," Boswell says.
The opportunities will continue this year with the next WIN conference, themed “Creating Your Own Magic,” at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Last year, the conference had a scholarship fundraiser walk that raised nearly $10,000. That amount, along with general fund commitments, helped WIN raise $30,000 in total in 2024.
Aside from networking and fundraising, conferences are a great tool to find a mentor.
Mentorship and Personal Growth
Mentorship plays a significant role in WIN's impact on its members. Both formal and informal mentorship opportunities are available, helping women navigate their careers and personal lives.
"The mentorship I’ve received from women in WIN has been a huge part of my success," Stein says.
WIN's mentorship extends beyond professional development, offering support for personal challenges as well.
Boswell recalls advice from a mentor that resonated with her: "Give yourself grace."
Generational Shifts and Future Outlook
As WIN approaches its 20th anniversary, the organization continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its members. While many challenges remain the same, there are notable generational shifts.
Younger women entering the industry today often have more confidence and are more likely to advocate for themselves. Stein observes this change in her own daughters, who exhibit a level of confidence she didn't have at their age.
Despite these positive changes, the need for advocacy and support remains. Women in the industry still face challenges in promoting their achievements and advocating for themselves.
This issue is even highlighted in a 2019 Harvard study titled “The Gender Gap in Self-Promotion.” The study was also mentioned in a 2022 blog post by the Professional & Executive Development wing of the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.
“If you don’t self-promote, your contributions will probably not be visible nor recognized, which will limit your ability to get a promotion, a raise, or important projects that will help you advance in your career,” Areen Shahbari, CEO of Shahbari Training & Consultancy and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School and Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development, wrote in the blog post.
“You work for a company; you want to bring value to the company; and you want to show that value so your manager can understand better how to utilize and maximize the knowledge and skills you bring in a way that benefits the company further and helps it move forward,” she said. “Staying in the shadows does not serve you, your manager, your team, or your company.”
