March 2026 was a powerful month for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)—a month defined by connection, leadership development, and the celebration of women shaping the automotive aftermarket. With the successful return of the Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF), meaningful observances during Women’s History Month, and a high-impact virtual education session, SBN members had no shortage of opportunities to grow, engage, and feel inspired.
Women’s Leadership Forum: Three Days of Impactful Learning and Community
2026 SBN Women’s Leadership Forum attendees
Held March 3–5, the Women’s Leadership Forum brought together 77 attendees for an immersive leadership experience packed with networking, professional development, and actionable tools. Members kicked off the event with a speed networking session that connected with peers and potential mentors through rapid-fire conversations designed to build confidence and expand professional communities.
Over the next two days, attendees engaged in a robust lineup of keynote sessions, workshops, and roundtables. Highlights included:
- Opening Keynote: United We Rise, where Emily Miller explored resilience, unity, and women’s leadership in the industry.
- New Power Leadership, examining how transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose are reshaping modern influence for women leaders.
- Workshops ranging from emotional intelligence, AI, and leadership boundaries to personal presence and strategic communication. These hands-on sessions empowered attendees to navigate uncertainty, lead authentically, and develop practical tools for career advancement.
- Round Table Sessions where members delved into topics like F1 basics, professional presence, communication, and technical skills—all designed to foster candid conversation and real-world learning.
“The power of this network comes from the conversations we’re willing to have and the stories we dare to share,” said SBN events committee co-chair Paris Hull of Yokohama Tire.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Forum reinforced one clear outcome: when women gather with purpose and support, the industry moves forward.
Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day: Honoring the Trailblazers
SBN is proudly celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by spotlighting the builders, drivers, and leaders who continue to push boundaries in the automotive world. As part of our Women Who Drive the Industry social media recognition series, SBN is amplifying stories of female innovators whose passion and talent are shaping the future. These spotlights serve as a reminder that representation matters and that today’s leaders are creating tomorrow’s opportunities—powerful tools for leaders balancing multiple priorities. Watch it on SBN’s YouTube Playlist here.
Virtual Education: The Maven Mindset – How to Go From Stuck to GSD
On Tuesday, March 10, SBN hosted a virtual session with entrepreneur and strategist Jeni Bukolt, helping attendees break out of the “busy but stuck” cycle and gain clarity on their goals. Members explored why motivation isn’t enough, how values alignment creates momentum, and strategies for turning long-term vision into achievable action. The session emphasized resetting, refocusing, and building accountability.
Looking Forward
March showed what happens when women come together to learn, support one another, and lead boldly. SBN looks forward to carrying this momentum into the months ahead.