Behind the Scenes of Local Networking Events
Becky Squyres
VP Sales and Marketing at SeeNoFees
Shasta Haddock
CMO: Epic BDC + SCP Agency
Judy Farcus Serra
COO at Headquarter Automotive
The automotive industry talks about networking constantly, but rarely addresses what women actually need: professional connections that feel authentic, supportive, and free from the subtle competition that thrives in male-dominated spaces. Our stories prove that when women create intentional communities, careers accelerate and confidence soars.
Local Women in Automotive (WIA) Socials are redefining what professional networking looks like. These regional events challenge existing industry narratives while creating space for both career advancement and the emotional support that’s often missing in our field.
Key Insights for Your Growth:
- Local networking creates sustainable professional relationships
- Emotional support accelerates career advancement in male-dominated fields
- Hosting develops leadership skills while building industry influence
- Convenience doesn’t compromise professional value
- Community-driven events challenge competitive networking culture
Meet the Leaders Reshaping Our Industry
Becky Squyres, VP Sales and Marketing at SeeNoFees, transformed post-conference inspiration into Houston’s first WIA Local Chapter—proving that individual initiative can create lasting institutional change. Shasta Haddock, CMO at Epic BDC and WIA Board Member, developed the strategic framework scaling Socials nationwide while breaking down barriers to participation. Judy Farcus Serra, COO at Headquarter Automotive and WIA Board Member, brought comprehensive professional development to underserved markets through innovative event formats.
Their collective experience reveals how intentional community building creates measurable career advancement while fostering the emotional resilience needed to thrive as women in automotive.
From Industry Isolation to Powerful Networks
Women represent only 23% of the automotive workforce, making workplace isolation a daily reality for many of us. Traditional networking often feels transactional and competitive, leaving women without the authentic support systems that accelerate careers.
Becky experienced this disconnect after her first WIA conference. “It was unlike any other event I’d attended. It was genuinely supportive, empowering, and filled with women lifting each other up. I wanted to recreate that feeling locally.”
That inspiration translated into measurable impact. Her October 2024 Houston Social succeeded so thoroughly that it became the blueprint for WIA’s first Local Chapter—creating ongoing professional development opportunities and peer mentoring that extends far beyond single events.
Shasta’s Kansas City experience emerged from strategic partnership with Angela Rizzo, former CMO of Vincue and WIA Board Member. “The motivation behind it was purely getting to have a network of local women in the car business to connect with and learn from.”
This approach has generated tangible results. Attendees report new job opportunities, promotion strategies, and business partnerships that developed through Social connections. Several participants have advanced to management roles after receiving guidance and recommendations from their Social networks.
Building Career-Accelerating Environments
Creating spaces where professional advancement happens naturally requires intentional design that honors both career ambitions and emotional well-being.
Becky’s philosophy addresses immediate belonging: “My goal was to make every woman feel like she belonged the second she walked in the door. That meant keeping things warm, casual, and inclusive. Not stuffy or corporate.”
This inclusive approach produces results. Houston Social attendees have reported receiving job referrals, mentorship connections, and industry insights that directly influenced career decisions. The Local Chapter model now provides ongoing support that sustains professional momentum.
Shasta emphasizes shared humanity over hierarchy: “We want everyone in the room to know that we are all on the same team and all human no matter what our job title is.” Their structured networking activities facilitate natural conversation while reducing anxiety that often prevents authentic professional relationship building.
Judy’s venue selection strategy—using Keiser University’s open auditorium space—enables organic relationship development. “It provided a large open space for everyone to move around and meet each other,” creating environments where career conversations happen naturally.
Documented Success Stories That Inspire Action
The distinction between these events and traditional networking becomes clear through specific professional outcomes rooted in authentic relationship building.
Career Advancement Through Community Judy’s West Palm Beach event connected attendees directly with decision-makers from Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM&A, creating access to opportunities that wouldn’t exist through traditional channels. Multiple attendees reported follow-up meetings that led to new positions and consulting contracts.
Leadership Development in Action Becky’s Houston Social demonstrated career barrier-breaking through keynote presentations. One attendee, inspired by networking conversations, successfully negotiated her first management role within six months of attendance.
Industry Visibility and Recognition Shasta emphasizes lasting professional relationships: “Every event has sparked new friendships, business partnerships, or mentorships. I’ve personally connected with women I now call friends and collaborators.” These connections have
Why Women Need Different Networking Approaches
Traditional automotive networking often reinforces competitive dynamics that hinder rather than help women’s career advancement. WIA Socials challenge these existing industry narratives.
Breaking the Competition Myth Shasta directly addresses competitive fears: “The number 1 reason I think women are hesitant to attend events like this is they’re afraid of running into someone in the same position as them in a different dealership and seeing that person as competition. What we have to change about our mindset is that we have the opportunity to teach and learn from these other women. A scarcity mindset halts growth.”
Creating Collaborative Professional Culture Becky identifies the cultural shift these events enable: “They’ve created a space where women don’t have to compete to be heard. Instead, we collaborate, amplify each other’s voices, and show that there’s room, and need, for all of us at the table.”
This collaboration produces measurable results. Social attendees report sharing job leads, providing references, and creating informal mentoring relationships that support long-term career growth.
Strategies for Maximizing Professional Development
Strategic participation enhances both immediate experience and long-term career benefits. These leaders share actionable approaches for professional growth.
Conversation Starters That Create Opportunities Becky advocates for curiosity-driven interactions: “Ask someone what they do and why they love it. Offer to help someone else make a connection. And if you see someone standing alone, go be their person.”
Follow-Through That Builds Networks Shasta emphasizes preparation and sustained engagement: “Take notes, play the networking games, connect on social media with as many attendees, sponsors, and speakers as possible. Follow speakers on social media ahead of time if you can.”
Career Development Through Relationship Building Judy highlights advancement potential: “Meeting new people who can potentially offer career advice, learning from their story, finding a new employer, help figure out your short- and long-term career goals.”
The Leadership Opportunity: Why You Should Consider Hosting
Hosting a WIA Social offers professional development opportunities that extend far beyond community service. Consider the career benefits:
Industry Leadership and Visibility Hosting positions you as a community leader while expanding your professional network exponentially. Hosts report increased industry recognition, speaking opportunities, and board considerations.
Skill Development That Advances Careers Event planning, stakeholder management, and community building are transferable skills that enhance your professional profile. Hosting provides concrete examples of initiative and leadership for performance reviews and job applications.
Network Expansion and Influence Hosts connect with WIA board members, industry executives, and emerging leaders across markets. This expanded network creates opportunities for career advancement and business development.
Creating Change While Advancing Your Career As Becky notes: “Start small and start with heart. You don’t need a big budget or fancy venue, just a sincere intention to bring women together.” This intention translates into professional recognition and career advancement.
How to Take Action: Your Next Steps
Ready to Attend Your First Social?
- Visit Women In Automotive to find upcoming events
- Connect with hosts on LinkedIn before attending
- Prepare conversation starters about your career interests
- Plan follow-up strategies for meaningful connection
Interested in Hosting a Social?
- Contact us for information on how to proceed
- Identify 2-3 team members for event support
- Research local venues that encourage networking
- Set date 3-4 months in advance for optimal planning
- Connect with nearby dealerships and automotive businesses to invite women to the event
Breaking Through Networking Anxiety
Professional networking anxiety affects countless women, particularly in automotive where we’re significantly outnumbered. These hosts normalize these feelings while providing practical solutions that work.
Becky reframes the entire experience: “You won’t walk into a room full of strangers. You’ll walk into a room full of women who want you there. It’s not about being extroverted or impressive; it’s about being yourself and being open.”
Shasta admits ongoing nervousness: “I myself have attended 4 WIA Socials and each time I, too, get nervous and scared.” Her honesty creates permission for vulnerability while maintaining professional engagement.
Judy offers concrete starting strategies: “Promise yourself that you will introduce yourself to at least 3 people. Once the three introductions are made, it will be much easier to keep networking and meeting new people.”
Shifting Industry Culture for Sustainable Change
These local events address fundamental challenges in automotive while creating systemic change that benefits individual careers and industry culture broadly.
Male Ally Development Judy demonstrates how these events influence male colleagues: “Our dealer principal attended ours and he was blown away. It allowed him to see the benefit of supporting these events. Our FADA President (Ted Smith, male) was also blown away and this has opened doors at FADA as well.”
Challenging Transactional Networking Judy addresses misconceptions directly: “Networking isn’t just about selling. This is true to the core at WIA Socials. People are meeting other people, staying connected, helping each other and growing as a result.”
Creating Scalable Impact National and international interest continues expanding. Shasta reports inquiries from multiple states and other countries, with state associations actively exploring their own events. “The opportunities for growth are endless.”
Your Professional Community Is Waiting
When asked to describe WIA Socials in three words, our hosts chose:
Becky: “Empowering. Welcoming. Real.” Shasta: “Necessary. Impactful. Strength-in-numbers.” Judy: “Safe. Informative. Motivating.”
These words capture events that combine professional advancement with emotional support—addressing what women in automotive need most to thrive.
Your difference is your strength. Never apologize for bringing a unique perspective to the automotive industry. The professional relationships and career advancement you’ve been seeking exist—often closer than you think.
Whether you attend your first WIA Social or step up to host one in your area, remember that your unique experience strengthens our entire industry. The change you want to see is happening in community centers and meeting spaces across the country, wherever women choose to create professional environments that honor both career ambitions and authentic connection.
Ready to accelerate your automotive career within a community that understands your journey? Explore upcoming WIA Socials and connect with women who are reshaping our industry at Women In Automotive. Your next professional breakthrough is waiting—and it might be in your own backyard.