GM Women’s Retail Network Expands Scholarship Program

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GM Women’s Retail Network Expands Scholarship Program

Industry-leading initiative recruits and trains women for automotive retail careers

2014-09-05

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OSHAWA – General Motors’ Women’s Retail Network has awarded a record nine scholarships totaling $24,000 for 2014 to women seeking automotive retailing careers as part of its “Drive to Succeed” program.

GM, its dealers and other partners have presented nearly $75,000 in scholarships since 2011 to women in the U.S. and Canada. An industry first, the program has grown steadily and is helping to increase the number of women qualified to enter automotive retailing, including sales, marketing, management and other technical fields.

This year, for the first time, the program includes Canada, while the number of scholarships increased 30 per cent and the financial contribution increased 40 per cent compared to 2013.

The 2014 scholarship winners are:

  • Lisa Bodamer, Eagle River, Wis.
  • Sandra Giron, Downey, Calif.
  • Sara Landry, Bay City, Mich.
  • Alexandra Morse, Orillia, Ontario, Canada
  • Christina Salmon, Midland, Mich.
  • Laura Sandall, Princeville, Ill.
  • Sheryl Sickels, Adrian, Mo.
  • Randigale Smith, Dunlap, Ill.
  • Bethany Toups, Rochester, N.Y.   

The winners include a military veteran, mothers, dealership employees and a few repeat winners, according to Celeste Briggs, director of the GM Women’s Retail Network. Alexandra Morse, a Canadian from Orillia, Ontario, was also awarded a scholarship.

“This effort has expanded and become more inclusive,” Briggs said. “Women with various experiences and interests are welcome. Our candidates reflect the diversity of our female customers, which is a key to the program’s success.”

Two new scholarships were added for 2014, the GM Financial scholarship and the “Patsy’s Promise” scholarship sponsored by Patsy Williamson of Patsy Lou Buick-GMC in Flint, Mich. Ally Financial continued its third year of sponsorship.

More information about the GM Women’s Retail Network “Drive to Succeed” scholarship program is available at http://www.gmsac.com.

About General Motors of Canada

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs more than 9,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada’s largest automotive dealer network. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.  

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