June 2, 2026 - Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi, MI
Women Automotive Summit: Detroit
Supporting Women | Empowering Teams | Redefining Workplaces
On June 2nd, 2026, the Women Automotive Summit: Detroit returns to Novi, Michigan for its third year as the flagship US gathering of the Women Automotive Network.
This one-day hybrid event brings together a highly engaged, global community of automotive and mobility professionals, both in person and online. In 2025, more than 500 attendees joined us in Detroit, with 224 participants tuning in live online from 14+ countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the UK, France, India, and beyond.
The Summit attracts professionals across all career stages, creating a rare space where perspectives are shared across experience levels. Last year’s audience included CXOs (28%), Directors (23%), Managers (32%), and early-career professionals (16%), reflecting the full talent pipeline shaping the industry.
You’ll be part of a room that spans the automotive ecosystem. Attendees represented OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, technology providers, consultancies, and mobility innovators. Roles ranged across sales and business development, engineering, executive leadership, HR, marketing, and technology, ensuring conversations are grounded, multi-disciplinary, and relevant.
This year, the 2026 program is built around three core themes: Collaborative Leadership, Future-Ready Workforce, and Thriving Together. These themes reflect the realities the community is navigating. Increased complexity, pressure to perform, and the need to lead sustainably while driving progress.
Across the day, you can expect:
✓ Insight-led keynotes from senior industry leaders
✓ Panels bringing together OEM, supplier, and technology perspectives
✓ Interactive workshops focused on practical application
✓ Intentional networking designed to support meaningful, long-term connections
Featured 2026 Speakers
Tracy Mack-Askew
Chief Engineer
Daimler Truck
Kim Ito
VP, Chief Marketing Officer
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Matthew Stich
VP Purchasing
Toyota North America
Michelle Andersen
VP of Corporate Strategy
General Motors
Alisha Bellezza
SVP, Automotive and Packaging Coatings
PPG
Amy Sgrignoli
VP Connected Vehicle Business
Subaru of America
Stephen Livingston
Co-Chair Women of Ford
Ford Motor Company
Laura Baetens
Talent Management Director
Stellantis
A Partnership Celebrating Women in Automotive Innovation
The AutoTech & Wards 10 Best Awards are proud to partner with the Women Automotive Network for two special categories at this year's ceremony.
This collaboration recognizes the vital contributions of women leaders and innovators who are driving transformation across the automotive industry. Together, we're committed to elevating diverse voices, celebrating excellence, and inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals.
Celebrates an outstanding woman who exemplifies leadership excellence in the automotive industry.
This award recognizes a leader who is shaping the future through impact, innovation, and the ability to inspire others, while championing progress and positive change.
Award Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Strong, visible leadership and influence
- Delivery of meaningful outcomes or transformation
- Ability to motivate and develop others
- Strategic and forward-thinking mindset
- Role-model behaviors that reflect inclusive leadership
Recognizes a company demonstrating outstanding commitment to building an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplace.
This award celebrates organizations that place people at the heart of their strategy, foster a strong culture, and actively create environments where employees can thrive, grow, and succeed.
Award Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Clear commitment to people and culture as a strategic priority
- Inclusive and equitable workplace practices
- Strong employee engagement, wellbeing, or retention outcomes
- Investment in learning, development, and career progression
- Leadership behaviors that reinforce positive culture
About Women Automotive Network (WAN)
With a 50,000+ global community across 139 countries worldwide, and flagship summits in Europe, the US, Mexico & Japan, the Women Automotive Network (WAN) is a trusted global platform for organisations across the automotive and mobility ecosystem.
Unlike traditional conferences, WAN’s power lies in its network, an active, year-round platform where women and allies connect, learn, and lead together. The Detroit Summit is where this community comes to life, bringing year-round conversations, relationships, and shared priorities into the room for deeper connection, practical insight, and collective momentum that extends well beyond the event itself.
Corporate Member List
Through summits, mentorship, and actionable resources, Women Automotive Network (WAN) enables organizations in creating stronger teams, workplaces, and industry impact.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Freya Smale who will assist you.