Women in the automotive industry took center stage at the NIADA Convention in Denver as the Solera Foundation celebrated a defining milestone for its Women in Dealerships (WIND) movement. Anchored by the story and leadership of Darla Booher, newly installed as NIADA President and only the third woman in 80 years to lead the association, the event highlighted the growing influence of women leaders shaping the future of automotive retail.
WESTLAKE, Texas, July 13, 2026.
The WIND Anniversary celebration brought together a packed audience of independent dealers, BHPH operators, executives, and automotive retail leaders. Booher shared her path to sustained success and the lessons that helped her overcome industry challenges. Her journey demonstrates what becomes possible when organizations intentionally develop and elevate leadership.
In parallel, the Solera Foundation demonstrated how that same intentionality is being institutionalized at scale by Solera Dealer Solutions, the dealership technology arm powering CRM, DMS, inventory, and connected-vehicle software for dealers in 120+ countries. In just one year, WIND has evolved from concept to a global platform activated across NIADA, NADA, FACONAUTO, WOCAN, and other flagship networks, connecting women leaders across regions and industries. This momentum has been recognized globally, including by Actualidad Económica in Spain’s #1 publication “El Mundo”, which named WIND one of the “100 Best Ideas of the Year” for leading the advancement of both cultural and business innovation across the automotive ecosystem.
A defining moment of the forum was the fireside conversation between Jing Liao, Chairwoman of the Solera Foundation and CAO of Solera Holdings, and Darla Booher. The discussion emphasized that intentional leadership creates growth that extends beyond individual success. Booher emphasized mentorship and visibility as critical levers, reinforcing that women already hold meaningful influence across automotive retail. The opportunity ahead is to recognize, promote, connect and scale it.
“I want to focus on celebrating women in the industry… and ensuring I can help mentor other dealers, as I have received so much support and help along the way” said Booher.
Expanding Global Connections for Women in the Automotive Industry
“Darla’s journey reflects what happens when leadership is both personal and purposeful,” said Liao. “At Solera, we are building platforms that intentionally create growth, inside our company and across our global network of partners, clients, and communities. Leadership is influence in action, and when it is shared, the impact becomes exponential.”
To extend this momentum, the Solera Foundation launched the WIND Global Digital Community. The private network connects women leaders worldwide.
Additionally, the Anniversary Forum marked a year of disciplined execution across Solera’s “Paying it forward” global leadership portfolio:
WIND activations at NIADA, NADA, and FACONAUTO, establishing a global presence within 12 months
WIND × WOCAN Leadership Academy, a learning program advancing diverse leadership pipelines
“Stepping Into Your Power” at NADA 2026, convening cross-sector leaders across dealerships, OEMs, lenders, and technology
FACONAUTO partnership, catalyzing European expansion and global recognition
WIINS, extending the model into insurance all over the world as a parallel global network
Looking ahead, the Solera Foundation sees women’s leadership, AI, and sustainable business models shaping automotive’s future. Through WIND and related initiatives, Solera develops leaders, strengthens ecosystems, and drives global impact. Learn more about WIND here: https://www.dealer.solera.com/women-in-dealerships-wind/
About the Solera Foundation
The Solera Foundation unlocks the potential of women as a leading force for change, fosters holistic health and growth, drives sustainable business practices, advances ethical AI, and enhances safety and security for communities. Through flagship programs like Global WIND (Women in Dealerships), Global WIINS (Women in Insurance), the WOMEN Leadership Academy, and the Global Circularity Consortium, the Foundation invests in platforms that enable leadership to scale across industries worldwide.
About Solera
Solera is the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management software-as-a-service (SaaS), data, and services. Across vehicle claims, repair, solutions, and fleet, Solera powers a global ecosystem of over 280,000 customers and partners in 120+ countries through leading brands including Identifix, Audatex, DealerSocket, Omnitracs, LoJack, Spireon, eDriving/Mentor, Explore, cap hpi, and Autodata. For more information, visit www.solera.com. | https://dealer.solera.com
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