About Us

THE WOMEN AT AWiA

WELCOME TO AWiA

Where We’re All About Celebrating the Amazing Women in Automotive!

Founded in 2020

Our inspiring journey began in March 2020, thanks to the pioneering vision of Maylan Newton, the CEO of Educational Seminars Institute. You might wonder what sparked this idea. Well, it all started when one of our clients, a co-owner of an automotive business alongside her husband, courageously raised her voice in a 20-group meeting. Unfortunately, her well-intended contribution was met with disdain from a facilitator who suggested she step back simply because she was a woman. This painful experience left her feeling isolated, outnumbered, and deeply upset, shedding light on the urgent need for a supportive community of women in this field. If she had a circle of like-minded women behind her, the narrative could have been so different. And that’s precisely the gap we aim to fill at AWiA!

Bridging The Gap

Our inspiring journey began in March 2020, thanks to the pioneering vision of Maylan Newton, the CEO of Educational Seminars Institute. You might wonder what sparked this idea. Well, it all started when one of our clients, a co-owner of an automotive business alongside her husband, courageously raised her voice in a 20-group meeting. Unfortunately, her well-intended contribution was met with disdain from a facilitator who suggested she step back simply because she was a woman. This painful experience left her feeling isolated, outnumbered, and deeply upset, shedding light on the urgent need for a supportive community of women in this field. If she had a circle of like-minded women behind her, the narrative could have been so different. And that’s precisely the gap we aim to fill at AWiA!

Creating and Connecting Our Community

In our first year, COVID-19 became a hurdle to our in-person interactions, but it didn’t dampen our spirits or deter our mission. In fact, the shared challenge of the pandemic turned out to be a powerful bonding experience. We saw firsthand how the power of unity can thrive even in adversity as our members pooled their wisdom to keep their shops afloat, navigate the uncertainties, and tackle the paperwork for PPP and other government aid. These collective efforts solidified our base, turning us into a resilient and tightly-knit community.

Our current facilitator, Tiffany Scherado, a committed member of the AWiA community since 2021, along with Melissa “Birdie” Patterson of Bird’s iSocial, and our inspiring board of unstoppable women, continue to amplify our impact. Together, they are dedicated to expanding our community and making the automotive industry a more welcoming space for women. We’re here to change the narrative, proving that when women stand up, they should be heard, respected, and valued.

Women Supporting Women

Come join us on this empowering journey, and let’s drive towards a brighter, more inclusive future in the automotive industry together! Because here at AWiA, we believe that behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.

Cindy Barlow's picture

Cindy Barlow

Board President

Cindy Barlow is the Director of Industry Relations for WyoTech. Cindy has always had a strong passion for trades. She is…

Tiffany Scherado's picture

Tiffany Scherado

AWiA Coordinator

Tiffany Sherado’s favorite part of working in the auto industry is working with the high schools and tech colleges in…

Melissa

Melissa “Birdie” Patterson

Bird's iSocial

Melissa “Birdie” Patterson comes to AWiA with a long history (over two decades!) of working in the automotive body repair…

Maryann Croce's picture

Maryann Croce

Board Treasurer

Maryann enjoys being a grandmother, life long learner and co-owner of Croce’s Transmission Specialists since 1999 with her husband. She…