By Love Lontoc
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) made a powerful impact at the 2025 SEMA Show with a full week of education, engagement and celebration that showcased the innovation, leadership and community of women across the automotive aftermarket. From thought-provoking panels to hands-on workshops, SBN’s programming offered inspiration and actionable insights for professionals at every career stage.
Empowering Leadership: Women’s Leadership Symposium
SBN and SEMA Education co-hosted the Women’s Leadership Symposium: Leading for Success, designed to equip women with strategies and confidence to lead with impact. Moderated by Beth Brennan (Kahn Media), the session featured Nicole Longhini (Maserati N.A.), Kay Sanchez (Toyota) and Sarah Sumrall (Nissan).
Panelists discussed how to lead authentically, foster collaboration and balance short-term pressures with long-term vision while navigating organizational change. Topics included effective communication across diverse and global teams, building trust, mentoring others and creating inclusive team environments. Attendees gained practical tools for improving decision-making, motivating teams and fostering resilience in fast-moving industries.
Intrapreneurship in Focus: Internal Innovator Session
In partnership with the Future Leaders Network (FLN), SBN hosted Internal Innovator: Intrapreneurship in Action. Moderated by Tiffanie Hartenstein (Oracle Lighting), the panel featured Alison Kelsey and David Buckley (Race Winning Brands), Kirstin Backes (Cobb Tuning), Heather Tausch (Corsa & Volant) and Lauren Osina (Malco Automotive).
The discussion focused on how employees can adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to spark innovation from within their organizations. Panelists shared examples of successful intrapreneurial initiatives, discussed how leadership can provide support, resources, and autonomy, and explored how risk-taking and “failing fast” can accelerate learning and growth. The session highlighted how fostering intrapreneurship can create strategic advantages, drive retention and deliver tangible business results.
Hands-On Connection: The SBN Booth Experience
The SBN booth returned larger than ever with partners Autofluencer, HAVEN Creative and Real Deal Revolution, providing interactive learning and networking opportunities:
- Mindset & Goal-Setting Workshops by HAVEN Creative helped attendees focus on personal and professional growth.
- Live Podcasts highlighted brand-building, marketing strategies and women-led crews driving change in the industry.
- Real Deal Revolution Workshops offered hands-on instruction in pinstriping, leatherwork, plastic welding, carburetor rebuilds and gold leafing.
- Creator Educational Panels and Female Builder Interviews provided mentorship insights, career advice and guidance on building brand partnerships.
- “Man on the street” sessions, Mavens on the Mic, captured attendee reflections and shared insights about their SEMA experiences.
Celebrating Excellence and Emerging Talent
The annual SBN Reception recognized standout women shaping the industry:
- SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year: Kirstin Backes, COBB Tuning
- Member Impact Award: Hayleigh Keelin, Oracle Lighting
At Gear-Up Girl, students and professionals connected through mentorship and shared passion for the automotive aftermarket. Kristy Rubino (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) earned the Rising Star Award for the second year in a row.
Key Takeaways
SBN’s presence at the 2025 SEMA Show highlighted the intersection of leadership, innovation and community. Attendees walked away inspired to:
- Lead authentically and build trust across teams
- Embrace intrapreneurship to drive innovation from within
- Foster inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive
- Apply hands-on skills, mentorship and collaboration to advance professional growth
Through education, interactive experiences and recognition, SBN reinforced a single message: when women lead, the industry moves forward.