By Jaclyn Sunseri, 2025 Forum Participant
Participating in the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum was a defining experience in my professional development, one that challenged me to rethink what effective leadership truly looks like. This event is designed to empower women in the automotive and manufacturing industries, and it did that for me.
The program combines tactical leadership sessions with emotional intelligence development, self-reflection and community building. Each segment of the agenda contributed to reshaping how I lead, influence and inspire others within my organization and industry.
The 2025 event opened with an atmosphere of warmth and energy, bringing together an incredible group of professionals. The reception and networking sessions created an immediate sense of connection among professionals who shared a drive to grow and lead authentically.
The first keynote, "Creating Your Community and Finding Inspiration," presented by Brenda Wells, set the tone for the days ahead. She emphasized the importance of cultivating intentional relationships that encourage accountability and growth. Her insights inspired me to redefine how I approach mentorship within my own team, moving beyond guidance to build mutual relationships grounded in trust, feedback and shared purpose.
One of the most transformative moments came from Crystalyn Aucoin's interactive session, "Overcoming, Surviving and Thriving." Her vulnerability and perspective on navigating adversity resonated deeply. It reaffirmed that flexibility, empathy and authenticity are essential components of modern leadership. The session inspired me to create an environment where my team feels safe to share challenges, seek support and learn through vulnerability.
The leadership track sessions led by Julie Couret, including "Unstoppable Teams" and "High-Performance Leadership," offered a powerful framework for sustaining team excellence. Couret's principles reinforced the value of clarity, consistency and empowerment. I returned to my organization with a renewed focus on aligning individual goals to broader company objectives, ensuring that every team member can see how their contribution drives company success.
An impactful inclusion in the forum was Dale Carnegie's teachings on emotional intelligence and engagement. The session "Employee Engagement: You Are the Critical Factor," challenged me to lead with influence rather than authority. It reminded me that great leadership begins with listening and empathy. These lessons prompted me to integrate new recognition practices and to measure success not only by performance metrics but also by morale and engagement.
Brenda Wells' closing keynote, "The Art of Executive Presence," tied everything together. Her insights on presence, poise and vision underscored the importance of leading with both confidence and composure. She encouraged us to "hold the vision and trust the process," a message that continues to shape how I navigate periods of transformation and uncertainty.
The SBN Women's Leadership Forum is a catalyst to executive change and empowerment. It sharpened my leadership skills, strengthened my emotional intelligence and expanded my professional community. Most importantly, it reminds me daily that true leadership isn't about position or title; it's about purpose, presence and the ability to elevate others along the journey.
Registration Now Open for 2026
The SBN Women's Leadership Forum returns in 2026 with all-new programming that will empower women in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success. Taking place March 5–7 in San Diego, California, the Forum will bring female professionals together for dynamic education sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities that will spark new insights on what it means to be an impactful leader.
Early registration is just $799 for SBN members and $999 for non-members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 for SBN members and $1,099 for non-members up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf.
