Join Us For The 3rd Annual "What Drives Her" Luncheon and Networking Event at The Chicago Auto Show Friday, Feb. 8th

Chicago Auto Show Announces 3rd Annual 

"What Drives Her" 

Luncheon and Networking Event

I've been attending The Chicago Auto Show since the early 90's and covering it during the media preview days for a decade. 2019 is no exception. I'll be back out shooting original photo filled features, and working on sponsored posts with A Girls Guide to Cars. RSVP and join me at the What Drives Her luncheon & panel or follow along vicariously on social media by watching for the event hashtag #WDH2019. We'll be live streaming and covering the event on social media in real time.

Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive, announced the third annual What Drives Her luncheon and networking event during the show's Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 8 at McCormick Place. 

Influential women will come together to highlight industry trends and share personal experiences surrounding the impact that females have on the automotive industry. The overarching theme this year will focus on the major shifts that are taking place in the automotive industry, including the ways that women are shaping its evolution.  

"General Motors CEO Mary Barra is often quoted as saying the auto industry will see more change in the next five years than the last 50," said Autotrader Executive Analyst Michelle Krebs. "Whether it is five years or more, the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles as well as new ways to acquire personal transportation is occurring now, generating tremendous opportunities for creative women to reinvent what has been a male-dominated business." 

The 2019 What Drives Her event will feature a robust lineup of female speakers who will discuss the integral role women play within the auto industry as contributors, consumers and drivers of purchasing decisions. 

"Women buy or influence 85 percent of all vehicle purchases and hold the keys to $450 billion in spending each year, yet the biggest challenge is educating them as consumers and users of new technology," said Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars. "The most powerful way to change this is by engaging them as employees, leaders and innovators."

Autotrader's Krebs will moderate the first panel discussion surrounding how females are driving change in the auto industry. Panelists include Jessica Petty, manager of customer data analytics, Hyundai; Jeneen Rippey, vice president of global quality, electronics division, ZF; and Edie Wines, instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association.

Between the first and second panel discussions, Leah Marshall, director, influencer marketing, with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), will present ANA's female-focused #SeeHer initiative. 

The second panel discussion topic will be centered around work, life and creating balance while building a career. Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman will moderate the panel of women including Kathy Gilbert, global director of sales & business development, CDK; Laurie King, SVP, global operations & strategic solutions, Turtle Wax; Subi Ghosh, senior director of dealer strategy, Stream Companies; Lauren Brandt, Facebook client solutions manager and Returnity Project co-founder; and Kerri Wise, vice president, industry education and relations, TrueCar.

The What Drives Her event continues to be one example of how Chicago Auto Show organizers actively engage the female demographic. Foresight Research reports the Chicago Auto Show has an almost even split of male and female attendees: 45 percent of which are female.  

"As the nation's largest consumer auto show, one can argue the Chicago Auto Show is the perfect place to assess trends - not just locally but on a national level as well," said Kelly Webb Roberts, a board member for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show. "We're thrilled to continue to host this event to bring together some of the most influential women in the industry who are at the forefront of this change."

Pre-registration for What Drives Her on Friday, Feb. 8 is required. Please click here to register. What Drives Her begins at 11:15 a.m. with a coffee networking event at the Grand Concourse Media Stage (inside McCormick Place) and concludes in Hyundai's exhibit at 2:30 p.m. with a wine and dessert reception. Attendees are encouraged to use event hashtag #WDH2019 when posting on social media. 

Event sponsors include Autotrader, Facebook, Hyundai, Lot Linx, TrueCar, Turtle Wax and ZF. 

For more information on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. 



About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2019 public show is Feb. 9-18. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

About Turtle Wax
The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever liquid auto polish in 1944. Nearly 75 years later, the Most Innovative Brand in Car Care(tm) is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance category as the No. 1 selling brand in spray wax, car wash, carpet & fabric care, and more. With product distribution in more than 90 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates around the globe, but the brand's heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is developed to this day. For an inside look at the brand's breakthrough product development process and how Turtle Wax supports car culture worldwide, visit YouTube.com/TurtleWax.





Disclosure: I have been compensated for sharing this information with my readers and covering The Chicago Auto Show media preview days. As always, all opinions are my own.

HELP OUT: ChiIL Mama's Adventures With Hyundai Hope On Wheels

Pediatric and cancer are two words no one should ever have to hear together, but the reality is, a child is diagnosed with some form of cancer every 36 minutes in the US! That's why we jumped at the chance to partner up with Hyundai Hope on Wheels for this sponsored post. 

Kids Are The Big Winners With 

Hyundai Hope On Wheels

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and it was our great pleasure to join Hyundai Hope On Wheels last Thursday at the Park Hyatt in Chicago, for the "Celebration of Life" dinner, honoring pediatric cancer researchers and families of survivors. 

At the banquet, it was such fun to see these survivors just goofing around and being kids, playing with silly props in the colorful photo booth, sharing drinks, and wrestling siblings.







We enjoyed meeting actress Jennifer Freeman, and being serenaded by recording artist, Luke Wade (NBC's The Voice). Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a non-profit organization devoted to funding pediatric cancer research and they've been traveling the country giving grants, raising awareness, and supporting families struggling with pediatric cancer. 



All Additional Non Watermarked Photos by David Alexander 



Here at ChiIL Mama we were happy to meet some of these resilient children and their families, as well as researchers, tirelessly searching for less toxic, more effective treatments. Kudos to Hyundai for donating a portion of their sales for research funding for nearly two decades now. 




Check Out ChiIL Mama's Full Photo Recap from the Chicago "Celebration of Life" Dinner Here:
More favorite shots are embedded below 



We were captivated by the winning grin and boundless energy of cancer survivor, Chase, and his family. His mother gave a heart wrenching yet hopeful account of what living with childhood cancer entails. It's helpful to put a face and a story behind the statistics. And his is one adorable face! This kid is a fighter and perpetually in motion, charming everyone he meets.

We heard an excellent panel of speakers, all doctors in the field. I hadn't realized that pediatric cancer responds differently to treatments than the same cancers in adults, so different studies need to be done. Survival rates for some aggressive forms of cancer are still grim, and even with great overall recovery rates of 80%, many children face a lifetime of debilitating consequences from the toxic treatments used to save their lives. We so thankful to know Hyundai has these kids' backs and is stepping up with significant levels of funding, to find a cure, and work toward advancements in treatment options. When one in five kids with pediatric cancer doesn't survive, that's still too high. 

More than a photo op:
We love that Hyundai Hope On Wheels not only helps financially, but they also give out medals and paint the hands of these brave cancer survivors, and lets the kids make their mark on vehicles, doctors' scrubs, and more. They also invite siblings and special guests to join in the colorful fun!

More of ChiIL Mama's Photo Favorites:

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS 

TO AWARD 40 RESEARCH GRANTS DURING NATIONWIDE TOUR 
IN HONOR OF 

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Hyundai’s nonprofit organization to contribute $8.5 million to pediatric cancer research in September, surpassing $130 million in total giving since 1998

‘Every Handprint Tells A Story’ campaign aimed at generating awareness and additional research funds for pediatric cancer

All Additional Non Watermarked Photos by David Alexander 

Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, a nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 dealers, launched its annual campaign in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout the month of September, Hope On Wheels will award 40 research grants to children’s hospitals across the country, adding $8.5 million in critical funds to the field of pediatric cancer research. Since joining the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998, Hyundai has funded over 840 research projects totaling more than $130 million.

“While great strides have been made in the fight against pediatric cancer research over the last 19 years, pediatric cancer sadly remains the leading disease-related cause of death for children in the U.S.,” said Jerry Flannery, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “It is a terrible disease that impacts far too many kids each year and robs them of their youth. As part of our mission at Hyundai to be a better company, we remain committed to bringing hope to families faced with this disease and to helping close the gap in funding for critical cancer research.”

Hope On Wheels will travel the country visiting children’s hospitals to present research grants and to honor the brave children battling cancer. As part of these visits, Hope On Wheels will host its signature Handprint Ceremony. During each ceremony, local children battling cancer will dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams. Hope Vehicles travel across the country to commemorate these children and their battles with cancer and to spread hope.



“September is a special time for all of us at Hyundai because it’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time when we honor the courageous children battling cancer while also funding the doctors and researchers that are working tirelessly to provide care and develop new treatments,” said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. “Throughout the month, we will share stories of young cancer fighters as part of our ‘Every Handprint Tells A Story’ campaign and we encourage the public to share these stories and join our fight.”

In addition to its nationwide tour, Hope On Wheels is kicking-off a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and additional research funds for pediatric cancer during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Details can be found below or by visiting HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.


Hyundai Hope Scholar and Young Investigator Research Grants
Hyundai Hope On Wheels offers four different types of research grants for pediatric cancer. Earlier this year, the organization announced twenty-five (25) winners for its Hyundai Impact Grant. During the month of September, the organization will award fifteen (15) Young Investigator Grants ($150,000 each) and twenty-five (25) Hope Scholar Grants ($250,000 each). These September grants totaling $8.5 million will fund peer-reviewed U.S.-based research projects led by pediatric oncologists at Children’s Oncology Group institutions. Each grant is funded for two years, and is focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches or translational research for pediatric cancer. A list of the 2017 Hyundai Hope Scholar and Young Investigator grant-winning institutions is attached.

Every Handprint Tells A Story Campaign and Website Experience
Ineffortto increasepublicawarenessabouttheimportanceofthecause,HopeOnWheelsishostingits annual Every Handprint Tells A Story Campaign. The organization will donate one (1) or more pediatric cancer research grants every day during the month of September. Each grant will be presented at the children’s hospital along with a Handprint Ceremony. This campaign theme is designed to bring awareness to the month of September as a national event and to recognize the many hands that help in the fight against pediatric cancer. From the child cancer fighter to the parents, family members, doctors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, and supporters, there are many hands in the fight and every handprint tells a story of hope.

To help give a hand, the public is invited to visit a unique Hope On Wheels website experience at HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/September. While on the website, visitors can view and share stories of children battling cancer, view a map showing grant winning hospitals, read about research summaries from doctors, and participate in an innovative digital handprint wall. Website visitors can also add their digital handprint to the Virtual Wall of Hope, change their Facebook profile photo, or post/share message to their own social media community. Hyundai Hope On Wheels will donate $1 for every virtual handprint added from September 1s t through October 1s t , to a children’s hospital from among 2017 Hope On Wheels grant winners. The website will also include videos of the grant ceremonies of each grant winner during the month.



Additionally, Hope On Wheels has developed a special message that will air on over 14,000 movie theatre screens across the U.S. in the month of September. This along with other social media activities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, are all designed to increase public understanding about the importance of the fight against pediatric cancer. Every 36 minutes, a child in the U.S. is diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Sadly, one in five kids won’t survive the disease. Working together through research, we can ensure no child ever hears the words, ‘you have cancer.’

Hyundai DC Days
Each year during September, Hope On Wheels gathers in Washington, D.C. with elected officials, advocates and supporters, doctors and researchers and child cancer survivors with the goal of increasing awareness about the importance of pediatric cancer research. This year, Hyundai DC Days is taking place on September 13t h and 14t h. Activities will include a Hill Welcome Reception, National Press Conference, and a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

This articulate, young cancer survivor is speaking out about his experience, and inspiring others.

Regional Celebration of Life Galas
Celebrating the lives and victories of brave children fighting cancer across the nation, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will host a series of gala dinner and award events in several cities. Grant winning doctors from throughout the region will attend and be presented their research grant awards. The event will be hosted by actor Jennifer Freeman, and entertainment will be provided by recording artist Luke Wade. Events will be held in San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Run for Hope 5K & 10K and Benefit Concert
On September 31s t and October 1s t , Hope On Wheels will host its 7t h Annual Superheroes Run for Hope 5K & 10K in Fountain Valley, Calif. Proceeds from the event will benefit pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC Children’s). On September 31s t , Hyundai will host a Night Under the Stars Benefit Concert. The special one-night event will feature food, fun for the entire family and a special performance by Luke Wade. Event registration information and race registration can be found on our website, HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/run-for-hope.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and to view a complete list of this year’s grant winners, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/research . Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. HHOW is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook 



It's such a pleasure to join other bloggers and members of the press to help share what Hyundai Hope On Wheels is accomplishing. I encourage you to find a way to help out, too.




Disclosure: Thanks to Hyundai for inviting ChiIL Mama to partner up with them on this sponsored post. It was our great pleasure to come out and shoot photos at their banquet in Chicago, meet some fabulous families, and spread the word about this stellar program. As always, all opinions are my own.