About Us

The Queen’s Women in Automotive & Motorsport Industry Conference was founded to drive gender equality and create a supportive space for women in the automotive and motorsport industries. With women comprising only 20% of the automotive workforce and just 5% in motorsport, our mission is to provide aspiring professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to break barriers and excel.

Our annual conference brings together industry leaders, students, and professionals for insightful talks, interactive workshops, and dynamic networking opportunities. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster mentorship, share industry expertise, and champion diverse perspectives that will shape the future of these fields.

By empowering women in automotive and motorsport, we’re not just advocating for equality—we’re driving progress, innovation, and lasting change.

Queen’s Women in Automotive & Motorsport Conference 2025

📅 March 8, 2025 | 📍 Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, 1 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 5H7

Erin Vogel

Driver, Owner & Founder – AE Victory Racing

Erin Vogel is a race car driver, Porsche champion, and founder of AE Victory Racing. She made history in GT World Challenge and mentors women in motorsports through Shift Up Now.

Erin Vogel

Driver, Owner & Founder – AE Victory Racing

Erin is an accomplished racecar driver, business owner, and most recently founder of a racing team, with nearly 20 years of experience in business and racing. Since 2023, her team AE Victory Racing has put more than 15 women in race cars and employed multiple female engineers. This season, the team will increase their crew roster to almost 60% women, including an all-female driver lineup, female engineers, managers, and coaches. In 2021, Erin became the first woman to win a race in the Pro-Am class in GT World Challenge globally. She is a Porsche championship winner and has won or podiumed in numerous races while spearheading all-female driver lineups. Erin has always been passionate about building a world that delivers equal opportunity for women, and today she uses her celebrity, experience, and resources to raise awareness, develop opportunities, and mentor young women in motorsports. In addition to her position as a driver, she is sole owner and CEO of AE Victory Racing, Vice President of Vogel Properties, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Vice President of Vogel Engineers, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and she is also President of Shift Up Now and sits on the board of the Shift Up Now Foundation. In her spare time, Erin teaches Pilates and indoor cycling, is a lifelong student (most recently of exercise science and biomechanics), and enjoys hiking with friends and family alongside her partner and their two dogs. Within the last year, Erika has begun a new project as the founder of Slate Racing, a Canadian racing team comprised of female drivers, engineers, and mechanics.

Jennifer Sykes

Assistant Plant Director – Oshawa Assembly, General Motors

Jennifer Sykes has spent 28 years at General Motors, leading vehicle manufacturing, production, and quality operations. She has managed Cadillac launches and now oversees Chevrolet Silverado production at Oshawa Assembly. With engineering degrees from Michigan State and Purdue, she values innovation, efficiency, and mentorship.

Jennifer Sykes

Assistant Plant Director – Oshawa Assembly, General Motors

Jennifer Sykes has dedicated 28 years to General Motors, building a career marked by diverse roles and increasing responsibilities in vehicle manufacturing. Starting as a Packaging Engineer, Jennifer quickly demonstrated a passion for lean thinking. This led to various positions in Production and Quality Operations, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing processes and ensuring vehicle excellence. As a Manufacturing Operations Launch Manager, Jennifer successfully oversaw multiple vehicle launches including Cadillac brands, ensuring timely and quality-driven rollouts. Her strategic acumen was further recognized in her role as Global Strategic Business Manager, where she contributed to GM’s global manufacturing strategies. In her role as Global Quality Operations Director, Jennifer led initiatives that improved quality processes across GM’s operations worldwide. She currently serves as the Assistant Plant Director at Oshawa Assembly in Ontario, Canada, where she manages complex production operations of Chevrolet Silverado Trucks, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Jennifer is known for her collaborative leadership style. She believes in empowering teams, fostering innovation, and driving efficiency. Her ability to engage and motivate others has been a key factor in her success, creating a positive and productive work environment. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Purdue University, reflecting a strong foundation in manufacturing engineering and management. Outside of work, Jennifer is passionate about leading a fit, healthy lifestyle and traveling. She also enjoys spending time with her family in Michigan and actively supporting her two daughters as they begin their adult careers.

Alana Carter

Canadian Racing Driver

Alana Carter is a Canadian racing driver who’s been quickly rising in the motorsport world. She has become a strong competitor, inspiring others with her dedication to breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport.

Breaking into the Industry – Taylor Lamb

Damper Design Engineer at Multimatic

Taylor Lamb leads this workshop to help aspiring professionals navigate the industry without prior exposure. She will share career strategies, educational opportunities, and accessible entry points. Drawing from her own experience, Taylor will discuss her workplace insights, master’s degree, and current role. As a young female in the field, she will also address industry challenges, growth opportunities, and how the next generation can make a lasting impact. This session aims to inspire and support future automotive and motorsport professionals.

Breaking into the Industry – Taylor Lamb

Damper Design Engineer at Multimatic

Taylor Lamb is an automotive and motorsport engineer with expertise in race car design, performance analysis, high-performance technology development, and automotive manufacturing. After earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Western University, she pursued a master's in motorsport engineering at Oxford Brookes University, specializing in race car design and performance optimization. During a year-long co-op at Magna, she gained hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing while navigating a male-dominated industry. Now, as a Damper Design Engineer at Multimatic, she develops advanced damper technologies for high-performance vehicles, enhancing ride quality and handling dynamics.

Networking Tips and Tricks – Cindy Sisson

Sports Marketing Executive & Advocate for Women in Motorsport North America

Cindy Sisson leads this workshop on effective networking, providing strategies to build meaningful, lasting connections. With years of experience in the motorsport and business industries, Cindy shares insights on making a strong first impression, fostering professional relationships, and leveraging opportunities. Whether you're new to networking or looking to refine your skills, this session will equip you with skills to expand your network and open doors in your career.

Networking Tips and Tricks – Cindy Sisson

Sports Marketing Executive & Advocate for Women in Motorsport North America

Cindy Sisson is a highly accomplished sports marketing executive with a career spanning motorsports, professional sports, fitness, and philanthropy. As the Executive Director of Women In Motorsports North America (WIMNA), she is dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in the industry by fostering connections, advocating for inclusion, and creating impactful initiatives. With a background in fundraising, sponsorship acquisition, and event development, Cindy has raised over $60 million in sponsorships for NASCAR drivers, tracks, and race teams. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, personally completing the cross-country journey on her Harley-Davidson while helping raise millions for children’s charities. She previously served as Director of Marketing for Roush Racing, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the TechForce Foundation. She has made significant contributions to motorsports history by curating the first Women in Motorsports exhibit at the Savoy Museum and co-producing award-winning documentaries, including Boundless: Betty Skelton and Paula Murphy: Undaunted and Shirley, which aired on Fox for Women’s History Month. Her expertise extends beyond motorsports. As a former sports marketing manager for Gatorade, where she negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts across major professional sports leagues. Cindy also held the role of President of HOPSports, securing over $20 million in funding and earning recognition from First Lady Michelle Obama for the program’s impact on childhood obesity. In the nonprofit sector, Cindy was appointed by Congress to serve on the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, where she led a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign for the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. Cindy’s career also includes leadership roles in the LPGA, where she co-developed the inaugural Solheim Cup, launched the LPGA Tour Fitness Van, and co-created the first Women in Golf Summit. She began her career as a logistics manager for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, coordinating international dignitaries. A graduate of Pepperdine University with a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine and a master's degree in Kinesiology from UCLA, Cindy currently resides in Mooresville, N.C. She remains a passionate advocate for women in motorsports, working tirelessly to create opportunities and drive meaningful growth in the industry.