“You are only as strong as the community you belong to,” said Pastor Bill Ramsey, Met Church. Though likely not the first to say it, he was the first I heard say it, and it has since resonated with me loud and clear. Since announcing the acquisition of Women In Automotive on International Women’s Day in 2022, Community has become the foundation of which we are rebuilding our brand.

From experience, a strong community plays an important role in the success of those in the automotive industry. Whether it’s a community of employees, customers or industry professionals, having a strong network of support can provide numerous benefits.

Support & Resources: Community can provide support and resources to individuals and companies within the automotive industry, whether it’s providing mentorship, offering advice or connecting individuals with industry experts. A social community provides a sense of belonging, a support structure and camaraderie, which can help individuals not just cope with stress, isolation and life challenges, but reimagine them as opportunities. 

Diversity & Cultural Enrichment: Community brings together people from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, allowing for a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity. A strong community celebrates diversity, encourages cross-cultural understanding, and provides a platform for sharing and preserving cultural heritage and traditions. 

Personal Growth: Community provides opportunities for personal growth and development through learning, mentoring and leadership roles promoting increased confidence, skills and self-esteem.

Emotional Well-being: Community provides a sense of purpose, meaningful connections and increased opportunities for social interaction, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and mental health. 

Collaboration & Partnership: Community within the automotive industry provides real channels for innovative thinking and partnership. By working together, companies and individuals combine their talents and resources to achieve common goals, such as developing new technologies, creating new products or solving the complex problems facing this industry.

Knowledge Sharing: Community within the industry allows for the sharing of information and knowledge. Whether it’s discussing the latest trends, sharing best practices or providing new insights, the exchange of information helps individuals and companies stay relevant and competitive.

Socioeconomic Impact: Community brings people together to address social, economic and political issues, giving individuals a collective voice and power. Community provides economic opportunities through local businesses, entrepreneurship and job creation while promoting civic engagement and participation, leading to better governance and enhanced community services. Simply put, having more effective community-led initiatives leads toward a better place to live, work and grow within our individual communities.

Support & Resources: Community can provide support and resources to individuals and companies within the automotive industry. Whether it’s providing mentorship, offering advice or connecting individuals with industry experts, a community can provide the guidance and support needed to succeed. 

Brand Awareness & Reputation: Community within the automotive industry can help to build brand awareness and reputation. By participating in industry events, joining industry associations or collaborating with other companies, individuals and companies can gain exposure and establish themselves as leaders in the industry.

Career Development & Advancement: Community can provide opportunities for career development and advancement. By connecting with industry professionals, individuals can gain insights into career opportunities, learn about new job openings, and receive mentorship and guidance to help them advance in their careers.

In summary, Community plays a vital role in the success of individuals and the automotive industry as a whole. By providing collaborative knowledge sharing, partnership opportunities, a support structure, shared resources, a platform for innovation and creativity, and career development and advancement channels, having a strong sense of Community helps individuals and companies achieve their goals.

I invite each of you to join me at the upcoming Women In Automotive Annual Conference on June 22-24, 2023 at the Renaissance Hotel in Dallas, Texas, where we will have a focus on Community & Mentoring. Come meet your next mentor or make that decision to become a mentor. For more information, email [email protected]  or visit www.womeninautomotive.com.