On April 10, Canada’s auto industry experienced more than just another networking night — it experienced a movement.
Hosted by the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO) at the sold-out Village Loft in Toronto, the association representing Ontario’s car dealers held the latest of its Women Driven events.
It brought together automotive professionals of all genders to champion change, build community, and amplify women’s voices in an industry historically dominated by men.
From the moment attendees walked in, the energy was electric. Laughter, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations flowed freely during an opening networking session that set the tone for the evening. With dinner and drinks in hand, guests gathered to connect and contribute — as ticket sales proceeds went toward scholarships for aspiring automotive students.
The event’s hostess, Edith Pencil, Director of Employment Services at Performance Auto Group, and Founding Member of Accelerate Auto, welcomed the crowd, leading into a powerful workshop delivered by best-selling author and customer experience expert Katie Mares. Her session, The Power of Her, inspired attendees to own their worth and challenge the limiting beliefs often internalized in male-dominated fields.
“Tonight is a symbol of women coming together and stepping into their power, regardless of industry,” said Mares. “We all lack confidence at times, we all juggle countless responsibilities, but nights like these remind us we’re not alone — and that confidence can be cultivated together.”
From left to right: Deloitte’s Prerna Gulati, Edith Pencil (Performance Auto Group), Patricia Graham (Don Valley Toyota), Katie Mares (Best-selling author and customer experience expert), Carrie Leung (Lexus Downtown), Christina Morris (Subaru Canada).
A significant highlight of the evening was the unveiling of key findings from the 2025 Automotive Retail Employee Engagement Study, presented by Deloitte.
Moderated by Deloitte’s Prerna Gulati, the panel discussion that followed brought raw, personal insights from four powerhouse leaders: Patricia Graham (Don Valley Toyota), Carrie Leung (Lexus Downtown), Christina Morris (Subaru Canada), and again, Edith Pencil.
Each panellist shared their journeys — the obstacles they faced, the progress they’ve seen, and the work that remains. Graham recalled entering boardrooms as the only woman in her early career and needing to “be okay with hearing things I didn’t agree with, just to be part of the conversation.”
For Carrie Leung, the evening was emotional. “Eighteen years ago, this would never have happened. To be in a room like this, filled with women — and men — who want to push for real change? It gives me goosebumps. It’s so empowering.”
She passionately called for more women in automotive trades, reflecting on her own struggles to recruit female technicians. “We need to make this industry more accessible for women in every role — from the front office to the service bay.”
Christina Morris echoed this sentiment, describing the night as a moment where the seeds planted by women in years past were finally blossoming. “Events like this are living proof of progress. We’re reaping the benefits of hard-won battles — and now, it’s our turn to pave the way for those who come next.”
Liz Kearney, Project Development Manager at the MVRO, the event’s organizer, summed it up best: “It’s about creating a space where people can have honest conversations and not feel isolated. This community is growing — and everyone is welcome.”
As the automotive industry shifts gears toward a more inclusive future, Women Driven is proving that progress isn’t just a goal — it’s already in motion. The next Women Driven event is in Barrie on May 21. You can register here.
