The Women of Worth Award Finalists
The WOW Award aims to honor the exceptional contributions and careers of women in the motor industry or motorsport. This prestigious award recognizes those who have made an outstanding impact.
This year, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) expanded the nomination process to include the entire automotive industry. A total of 30 nominations were expertly narrowed down to ten finalists by three non-voting jury members.
Now, it’s up to 76 jurors from 53 countries to cast their votes for the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. These esteemed jurors will determine who truly deserves the WOW Award 2024, with the winner set to be announced on June 4th, 2024.
Last year’s award went to Dr. Astrid Linder of Sweden, the brilliant mind behind the female crash test dummy.
The WOW Award is coordinated by Sandy Myhre from New Zealand, the founder of the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, with support from Sabrina Parant of Belgium.
Marta Garcia, the Executive WWCOTY President, emphasized the award’s role in promoting women in the automotive industry and motorsport. “We are thrilled the industry has responded so well with so many nominations this year,” she said.
And now, here are the finalists in alphabetical order by surname:
| Lexie Alford American adventure traveller |
USA | At 21 years of age, Lexie shattered the world record for the youngest person to travel to every country by traveling to all 196 countries. |
| Arlena Amiri Head of Polestar Operations |
Sweden | She created the necessary framework conditions so that the research team and partners can build a climate-neutral car by 2030. |
| Jess Bala Managing Director, GM Australia & New Zealand |
Australia and New Zealand |
She played a central role in Cadillac’s transition to an all-EV brand by the end of the decade. |
| Marta Blázquez Faconauto President |
Spain | She is the only woman to lead an association in the automotive sector. |
| Claudia Marquez Chief Operating Officer, Genesis Motor North America |
USA | Under Marquez’s leadership, Genesis has strengthened its position in North America. |
| Luciana Herrmann Regional Communications Director, Latam Nissan |
Mexico | Since its inception, Luciana has dedicated much of her work in communications to seek equity for women in the automotive industry. |
| Asako Hoshino Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor |
Japan | Asako Hoshino acts as brand champion and overseeing Global Marketing & Sales, Global Customer Experience, Global INFINITI and Global Aftersales. |
| Michèle Mouton She became the first president of the FIA’s Women & Motorsport |
France | As the only woman to win a World Rally Championship event and a constant top contender, she redefined expectations for female drivers. |
| Rachel Somaschini Rally and Race Driver |
Italy | She is the first driver with cystic fibrosis to take part in a World Championship rally. |
| Angela Zepeda Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor America |
USA | She is an expert in marketing to women, with a keen understanding their retail habits. |
