WOMEN IN AUTONOMY (WIA) AND WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY (WAT) MERGE TO CREATE POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
Combined Resources and Programming Ensure Women’s Voices Shape the Future of Automotive Technology
February 29, 2024 - Silicon Valley, CA - Women in Autonomy (WIA) and Women in Automotive Technology (WAT) today announced they are combining forces in order to multiply their impact. Both organizations bring extensive expertise in automotive and mobility technology with a profound understanding of the space. The merged organization, operating as Women in Automotive Technology, combines the two groups’ resources to serve their shared mission of amplifying women’s voices to shape the future of automotive technology.
“While the industry has made progress, there are still far too few women visible in automotive tech, especially in public-facing forums as subject matter experts and in leadership roles,” said Michelle Avary, founder of WAT and VP of External Affairs, North America at Einride. “In order to have the best transportation, which is safe, affordable, and equitable, women need to have a voice in shaping the future. This merger creates a powerful force to do that - by elevating women’s voices, strengthening their networks and providing learning opportunities designed to help women rise in their careers.”
The newly merged organization incorporates WIA's lauded mentorship program and speaker’s bureau, while continuing to offer female-led panels in partnership with leading technology and automotive companies. By connecting, educating, and empowering women in the industry, WAT aims to cultivate a new generation of change-makers in automotive and autotech.
“As female technologists, Michelle and I have lived being the ‘only woman in the room,’ and share the strong desire to inspire a new, more inclusive, generation of automotive leaders,” said Indu Vijayan, founder of WIA and director of product management at AEye. “I’m thrilled to combine with Women in Automotive Technology to advance networking, advocacy, education, and the exchange of ideas in order to ensure women have their rightful place at the automotive table.”
Women in AutoTech invites women from all backgrounds and expertise levels. Membership is at no cost, reflecting the organization's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. To join the WAT community, sign up for membership: https://www.womenautotech.org/membership
Companies interested in sponsoring Women in AutoTech are encouraged to contact them.
About Women in Automotive Technology
Women in Automotive Technology (WAT) was founded in 2012 to connect, educate, and drive the future of automotive. The organization is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and offers programs and events for women to raise their profile throughout the automotive industry, fostering leadership, deepening industry expertise, and facilitating meaningful connections. For more information, visit https://www.womenautotech.org/.
