BIRMINGHAM, Mich. -

The Women’s Automotive Association International will present six women with its 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award in conjunction with upcoming NADA Convention & Expo activities in San Francisco.

The award recognizes “outstanding professional achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the growth and progress of the automotive industry,” and this year it will honor:

— Celeste Briggs, director of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network

— Luanne Brown, president of eToolDevelopers, a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, and chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee. 

— Ruth Fruehauf, founder and chief executive officer of the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society and author of “Singing Wheels.”

— Debbie Pollack, Luxury Automotive Marketing senior strategist

— Elaine Robertazzi, retired and former owner of Liberty Lincoln-Mercury; current board of trustees member of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, N.J.

— Susan Scarola, former vice chairman of DCH Auto Group and the 2008 recipient of WAAI’s Professional Achievement Award; current president of the DCH Charitable Foundation.

“The women we’ve chosen to honor this year are noted not just for their extraordinary careers, but also as role models and mentors in the automotive industry and their community,” said Lorraine Schultz, WAAI founder and CEO.  “They truly embody the spirit of leadership, and we are proud to recognize their achievements. We also extend deep appreciation to our Diamond Sponsor, Auto Trader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, for their outstanding support of our Spirit of Leadership Awards Reception.”

The 16th Annual Spirit of Leadership Awards Reception will take place Saturday (Jan.24) from 5:30 p.m. PST to 7:30 p.m. at a.Muse Gallery in San Francisco.

The WAAI International Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to qualified students aiming for a career in the car business, will receive a portion of the proceeds.

“On behalf of our collective companies, we congratulate all of the 2015 Spirit of Leadership Award winners,” said Manheim North America president Janet Barnard.  “We are proud to support WAAI’s efforts that recognize the achievements of women in the automotive industry, while helping to create educational opportunities and scholarships for the leaders of tomorrow.”