Circles will provide important networking and connection opportunities for women in the Australian automotive aftermarket

AAAAWomen held its inaugural Connection Circle on the 27th of February with 20 passionate participants taking part.
The AAAAWomen’s Connection Circle program is based on the US Autocare’s Connection Circle concept, which bring together groups of women to share experiences, connect, and find opportunities to discuss common challenges.
The inaugural Circle focused on explaining what a Connection Circle is, discussing themes for future circles, and elicited feedback on proposed circle timing/duration and technology.
From this inaugural Circle, it has been confirmed that three virtual Circles will run across 2025.
Each of these three Circles will be conducted bi-monthly for one hour during a typical ‘lunch hour,’ starting from May 2025, utilising the Mighty Networks connection platform.

The three Circles will focus on the following topics:
• Changing the perception of the industry: how can women amplify their role and strengthen their visibility in the predominantly male-dominated automotive industry? Participants will discuss and share strategies to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.
• Women Senior leaders in the industry: connecting and supporting women through the myriad of leadership challenges we face every day. Participants will learn, grow, and navigate challenges together, with the insights of seasoned female leaders within our industry.
• New Women in the industry: designed to build a connection between existing and new women within the industry.

“The AAAAWomen are so excited to commence our connection circles,” AAAAWomen Steering Committee Member and GPC Chief People Officer, Aileen Hayes, said.
“These casual, self-sustaining Circles will empower participants to learn from each other, engage in meaningful discussions, and expand their networks.”
Dates are currently being finalised and will be communicated through a variety of channels including AAAA e-news and other AAAA publications.
In the meantime, interested participants are invited to reach out to Ange Wall at ange@accelerateauto.com to join AAAAWomen’s Mighty Networks site.
AAAAWomen operates with an overarching goal of supporting and retaining women employees and increasing the participation of women in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.

To learn more about AAAAWomen, please email Lesley Yates on advocacy@aaaa.com.au