WIND is built on a simple belief: women already drive meaningful impact across dealership operations: customer experience, sales, service, finance, fixed ops, marketing, technology, and leadership. Its role is to create the spaces, partnerships, and pathways that make that impact more visible, connected, and attainable.
At its core, WIND defines leadership as influence in action. The program strengthens that influence through practical tools, candid conversations, and access to experienced leaders. Designed as a long-term community, WIND connects women quickly and sustains growth through ongoing dialogue, opt-in groups, and leadership pathways.
Automotive retail is a high-opportunity industry, yet women still face barriers to visibility, advancement, and long-term leadership. Dealerships depend on talent across sales, service, F&I, fixed ops, customer experience, marketing, technology, and executive management—but women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, profit-driving positions, and leadership pipelines.
For many women, the challenge isn’t ambition or capability, it’s access. Access to mentors, sponsors, development opportunities, and strong peer networks is often limited. Without visible role models or intentional support, it’s harder to envision a long-term path in the industry. These gaps can impact confidence, retention, promotion readiness, and the ability to build influence across the business.
WIND was created to respond to these challenges by turning inspiration into action. Through leadership conversations, networking moments, mentorship pathways, and sustained community-building, WIND helps women claim their power, grow their influence, and carry it forward. The initiative is designed to move beyond one-time programming by creating spaces, partnerships, and pathways that make leadership more attainable across the dealership ecosystem.
WIND celebrated its first anniversary at the NIADA Annual Convention in Denver. What was already a meaningful milestone became even more memorable as we celebrated Darla Booher’s appointment as President of NIADA, only the third woman to hold this role in the organization’s 80-year history.
READ MORE
Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN) Leadership Academy, powered by the Solera Foundation, with 60+ women committing to a 6-month journey focused on confidence, presence, and leading boldly in an industry that needs more women owning their power.
“Stepping Into Your Power: A Conversation On Women & Leadership.” WIND promoted a NADA activation as an in-booth happy hour with WOCAN, built around networking with women across dealerships, OEMs, lenders, and technology.
WIND was also introduced in Spain during the FaconAuto Congress. FaconAuto Woman described WIND as an “initiative created to inspire, connect, and strengthen women’s leadership in dealerships and automotive, with a focus on visibility for female role models, community-building, training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.”
Inauguration of Global Women in Dealership Network. WIND hosted Women In Automotive representatives and a room full of fearless women leaders in the dealer business
The Solera WIINS & WIND Leadership Academy is a transformative experience designed for women at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your leadership impact, this program is built to help you grow with intention and confidence.
The mission is simple: know yourself, know your value, and unlock your full potential. Through this academy, you will strengthen critical soft skills, build confidence, and actively challenge imposter syndrome, empowering you to lead with authenticity and clarity.
PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN TOOLS TO:
There is no cost to participate. Spots are limited, so apply early to be considered.
*This is a highly selective program with limited spots, and submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
The Solera Foundation was created to address society’s most urgent challenges by unlocking the potential of women as a leading force for change, fostering holistic health, driving sustainable business practices, and enhancing safety and security for communities. Through these efforts, the Foundation aims to create a vibrant and resilient world for everyone.
These pillars guide initiatives that combine advocacy, leadership, mentorship, innovation, and activism to make a lasting impact. By focusing on empowerment, well-being, sustainability, and safety, the Solera Foundation works to create meaningful change and inspire progress across the globe.
WIND is part of a broader Solera Foundation model that also includes WIINS — Women in Insurance. WIINS is described as a global movement empowering women shaping the future of insurance and insurtech, created by women for women to strengthen female leadership, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. Together, WIINS and WIND show how the Foundation’s approach can move across industries: connecting women, building community, and transforming leadership from an individual aspiration into a shared movement.
