AkzoNobel’s Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry program (MIW) has partnered with the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) as a means to develop the FIT Sustainability Awards program.
“As a gold sponsor and dedicated supporter of the Women’s Industry Network, AkzoNobel is honored and pleased that WIN has agreed to take the leadership role for MIW," said Laura Costello, director of marketing, AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas. "It is a logical progression for the program to evolve and grow under the guidance of WIN. More than 30 percent of the former MIWs are currently, or have previously been, WIN members.
“Fourteen years ago, AkzoNobel was the first in our industry to elevate the societal issue of the advancement of women in the collision repair industry," she continued. "The Most Influential Women in Collision Repair has become an institutional pillar. FIT has followed in the tradition of MIW. Our hope is that the FIT Awards, as well as future initiatives and innovations delivered by AkzoNobel, will be as successful in promoting the reduction of the industry’s carbon footprint as MIW has been in advancing diversity and building the contributions of a valuable talent and resource pool.”
The Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry was established by AkzoNobel in 1999 and has recognized more than 75 women over the past 14 years. The program aims to recognize women who have enriched the industry with their leadership, vision and commitment to excellence, according to the company.
“The MIW program aligns perfectly with WIN’s mission, which is to engage women in the collision repair industry” said Margaret Knell, WIN’s board chair and MIW 2001. “We are thrilled that AkzoNobel has chosen WIN to carry on this tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of women in our industry and look forward to fostering the program for years to come.”
AkzoNobel has funded annual scholarships for prospective female students who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. In addition, special events have been held to recognize the MIW recipients. WIN expects to follow the basics of the program but will add the organization’s “signature” to make the transition complete.
“AkzoNobel’s MIW program raised the awareness of the amazing contributions from women in the collision repair industry,” said Trish Serratore, MIW 2000, senior vice president, ASE and president, NATEF/AYES. “I am proud to have received that recognition and to be a member of WIN. I know WIN will build on what AkzoNobel started and will empower and recognize women working in all facets of our industry — a win-win for everyone.”
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