By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding people in the automotive specialty-equipment market who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association's growth.
This Women's History Month, SEMA recognizes women who have been inducted into its Hall of Fame for their contributions, integrity, and leadership. Get to know them below, and if you know someone worthy of being inducted into the 2026 SEMA Hall of Fame class, nominate them by March 13 at sema.org/hof.
Women of the SEMA Hall of Fame
Luanne Brown, 2025
Fueled by entrepreneurial drive and deep technical expertise, Brown founded eTool Developers in 2001, building proprietary platforms that filled critical gaps in website development and product data management. Her work empowered manufacturers, resellers, solution providers, and rep agencies to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape, streamlining operations, improving data exchange, and driving real business growth.
Gigi Carleton, 2017
"I was only doing my job" is how Carleton described her 50-plus years of working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation. As Petersen's executive assistant and special events coordinator--and in later years a party planner for trade show exhibitors and advertisers--Carleton played a pivotal role in the marketing and promotion of motorsports across the United States. Her dedication and perseverance were instrumental in organizing and successfully launching the inaugural SEMA Show.
Jessi Combs, 2021
Combs built an accomplished career in the automotive industry as the host of several television programs, founder of a variety of businesses, and an accomplished fabricator and racecar driver. Combs inspired women through the launch of The Real Deal, an organization co-founded alongside Theresa Contreras, that inspires confidence, breaks stereotypes and motivates women to pursue their automotive passions. In 2019, Combs set a land speed record for women, 522.783 mph, on a dry lakebed in Oregon--a feat that resulted in an accident that led to her untimely death at the age of 39.
Amy Faulk, 2002
Fueled by a keen interest in automotive technology that started in her preteen years, Faulk held management roles at Racing Head Service/Competition Cams and TCI/Fel-Pro/Federal-Mogul throughout her career. She is currently the CEO at Hypertech and a former distinguished drag racer, earning the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) title "The Winningest Woman in Racing." Faulk devoted much of her time and talents to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)--now the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council.
Donna Imrie Foulger, 1982
Foulger began her automotive career working at SEMA as a young college student. With a very small staff, Foulger and then-CEO Eric Grant spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization. It was during Foulger's tenure that SEMA grew from a fledgling group into an internationally recognized trade association. She wore countless hats during her time--from membership liaison to communications director to operations director--and was often referred to as the "glue" that held SEMA together during its initial growing pains.
Marla Moore, 2019
Moore was known across the aftermarket for her tireless work as a business leader, industry advocate, and mentor to many. She chaired countless SEMA councils and committees and spearheaded numerous special projects that have helped advance the industry, which SEMA recognized through numerous awards. As co-founder of Autofluencer, Moore played an instrumental role in shaping the way brands and influencers connect in the automotive space. Prior to her work at Autofluencer, Moore served as the marketing director for Legendary Companies from 2019 to 2023 and held a similar role at Coker Tire Company, a subsidiary of Legendary Companies, from 2013 to 2019. Moore passed away in 2025.
Charlie Van Cleve, 2004
Van Cleve was the first woman in SEMA’s history to be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1999.
Van Cleve got her start in the automotive aftermarket as an inside salesperson at Hedman Hedders. Her ever-growing interest in specialty cars and all things performance related--along with her affinity for the people in the business--compelled her to become even more involved in the industry. She rose to prominence during her time as vice president, Sales for Hedman Manufacturing, and her contributions are matched only by the benefits and successes realized by the industry as a result of her efforts.
Linda Vaughn, 1985
Nicknamed "The First Lady of Auto Racing," Vaughn established a successful career as one of the most famous personalities in motorsports. She began her career as a beauty queen in 1961; the following year, she was named Miss Pontiac, followed by Miss Atlanta Raceway and Hurst Golden Shifter Girl. Vaughn also held the position of vice president of public relations for Hurst. She is recognized for her volunteer service to industry causes and is a founding member of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).
To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, see a list of inductees, or nominate for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, visit www.sema.org/hof.
