Women in Auto Care announced its 2026 award recipients during the Women in Auto Care Breakfast at AAPEX, recognizing individuals and a company for their leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the automotive aftermarket.

Four women received the organization's Women of Excellence Award, which recognizes rising leaders making an impact in the industry and within Women in Auto Care:

• Allison Moody, senior marketing manager, Snap-on
• Samantha Higdon, marketing manager, Schearer’s Sales & Service
• Caitlin McGill, national sales, WD-40 Company
• Kendra Mitchell, senior key account manager, TERREPOWER

Several recipients emphasized the importance of supporting others and helping women recognize their potential. 

“I really do believe you can have it all, but I don't think you can do it all alone,” McGill said during her acceptance speech. 

The Outstanding Leadership Award went to Jessica Toliuszis, vice president and general manager of Highline Warren. A former Women in Auto Care chair, Toliuszis helped develop programs that build connections and support women across the industry.

“Our greatest potential is not hidden inside of each of us, but our greatest potential is in the sparks among us,” Toliuszis said.

The Shop Owner of the Year Award was presented to Tenise Chapman, owner of Black Hills Tire. Chapman was recognized for her shop leadership and community involvement, including Camp Drive, an automotive camp she launched in 2023 to introduce young people to the industry.

"I promise I will continue to be an advocate not just for women shop owners, but all women in our industry,” Chapman said.

The Champion of the Year Award went to Dawn Fitzgerald, senior manager of marketing communications at Stryten Energy. Involved with Women in Auto Care since its early days as the Women's Board, Fitzgerald called the award the most meaningful honor of her career.

“There's something special about being in a room where women lift each other up, open doors, and drive change for those in the future every day,” she said.

AutoZone received the Company Ally of the Year Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Liz Whalen, founder and president of Whalen Search Group. Whalen has spent much of her career connecting companies with talent and mentoring women across the aftermarket through Women in Auto Care and Young Automotive Network.

“Never compromise integrity for a profit,” Whalen said, sharing one of the lessons she has carried throughout her career. She also encouraged attendees to recognize the impact they can have on others: “Never underestimate the difference that you can make in someone else's life.”