On June 2, 2026, the Women Automotive Summit Detroit brought together 235 automotive and mobility companies from 16 countries to share insights, strengthen connections, and collectively shape the future of the industry.
As the flagship U.S. event of the Women Automotive Network, the summit gathered professionals from across the ecosystem (OEMs, suppliers, technology players and partners), reflecting the diversity and complexity of today’s automotive landscape.
Key themes shaping the future of mobility
Across keynotes, panels and workshops, discussions focused on the major challenges and opportunities facing the sector:
- Building resilient and modern leadership capabilities
- Developing the talent and skills needed for the future workforce
- Strengthening collaboration across the value chain
- Navigating industry transformation, from electrification to supply chain complexity
- Driving inclusion, wellbeing and sustainable performance
Takeaways for impactful leadership
Marissa West, OPmobility Executive VP and Chairperson North America, highlighted several key principles shaping today’s leadership during her intervention :
- Invest in strong networks to unlock diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving
- Communicate with clarity and confidence, using intentional language to drive action
- Embrace uncertainty as a space for growth and innovation
- Focus on purpose (“the why”) to align teams and accelerate engagement
- Balance speed and precision, avoiding analysis paralysis to maintain momentum
- Build trust and emotional intelligence as critical drivers of performance and retention
“Ultimately, success is about how leaders show up with clarity, intention, and the ability to create alignment in an increasingly complex environment.”
Marissa West
A shared responsibility for inclusion
Acting also as OPmobility’s DE&I sponsor along with Christophe Marceau, Executive VP and President Exterior & Lighting Business Group, Marissa West reinforced a key message: advancing equity and inclusion is a collective effort.
Initiatives such as the Women’s Automotive Network, Elles Bougent and OPmobility’s WoMen on the Move are open to everyone across genders, roles and organizations to create a more inclusive and high-performing industry.
