History in the Making

Reflections from the WIND Anniversary in Denver

"I feel like I'm in a TV show."

That was the sentiment shared by many as we celebrated the first anniversary of WIND (Women in Dealerships) at the NIADA Annual Convention in Denver. What was already a meaningful milestone became even more memorable as we celebrated Darla's appointment as President of NIADA; only the third woman to hold this role in the organization's 80-year history.

It felt like history in the making. And it felt like the beginning of something even larger than the room we were standing in.

A room built by women who build the industry

In an industry defined by constant challenges, tough decisions, and relentless problem-solving, those extraordinary women; dealers, executives, operators, and leaders; came together to invest in something just as important as business success: us and one another. We laughed. We celebrated. We shared our stories. Some tears were shed. Most importantly, we experienced the power of genuine connection, care, support, encouragement, and community.

Some of the women in that room had been running dealerships for thirty years. Others had walked onto their first showroom floor within the last twelve months. The generations sat side by side, and the conversation moved easily between them because the questions we were asking one another were the same ones our industry is asking itself: how do we lead through change without losing what makes us human, and how do we make room for the leaders coming up behind us?

The afternoon was a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than selling and serving cars. It is about resilience, authenticity, and lifting others as we climb. As our industry evolves through digital transformation, shifting customer expectations, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), these human qualities will become even more valuable. The future of business will belong to organizations that successfully combine innovation with empathy, technology with trust, and data-driven decisions with strong leadership.

A fireside chat that felt like a doorway

The fireside chat between Jing and Darla was a lot more than an inaugural address; it was an honest and inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, and leadership. Through personal stories and a compelling vision for the future of NIADA, Darla encouraged everyone in the room to think bigger, lead boldly, and create opportunities for those who follow. Her openness made the conversation deeply personal, and her warmth made everyone feel part of something special.

There is a particular kind of leadership that only shows itself in moments like this one: unrehearsed, unguarded, and generous. Darla brought all of it to the stage. She spoke about the value of mentorship in her own career, and about her intention to take her platform as President and use it to open doors for other dealers. She spoke as an operator who has lived every challenge our industry faces, and as a leader who has decided the next chapter must look different from the last.

"I want to focus on celebrating women in the industry. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge them and the contributions they make."; Darla Booher, President, NIADA

Technology accelerates. People decide.

As we navigate an era shaped by AI and rapid change, one message stood out clearly: technology may accelerate progress, but people remain at the center of it. AI is transforming how businesses operate, creating new opportunities to work smarter, serve customers better, and unlock growth in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Yet the greatest opportunity is not the technology itself; it is empowering people to use it to create value, solve problems, and expand what is possible.

The dealerships that will win the next decade will not be the ones with the most tools. They will be the ones whose leaders know which tools to trust, which problems to solve first, and which parts of their business must remain unmistakably human. That judgment is a leadership discipline, not a technology feature. It is developed in rooms like the one we shared in Denver.

An industry that has already made room and can make more

The independent dealer community has created remarkable opportunities for women leaders, and it is our responsibility to continue building on that momentum by embracing diverse perspectives, challenging bias, and ensuring talent has every opportunity to thrive. As new technologies reshape our industry, women will play a critical role in helping organizations adapt, innovate, and lead through change.

Darla's election is a signal, not an exception. It is the visible marker of a community that has been quietly promoting, mentoring, and elevating women for years. The work now is to make what has been quiet, loud; to make what has been individual, collective; and to make certain that the next woman who walks into an NIADA meeting can see the seat she is walking toward.

A network that reaches beyond a single event

Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so meaningful. The conversations, connections, and inspiration from that afternoon will stay with us for years to come. This was not only a celebration of how far we have come; it was a celebration of what is possible and a glimpse into the future we are building together.

As the first and only global network of its kind within the dealer community, WIND is creating connections that reach far beyond a single event or geography. By bringing together exceptional women from across the industry and around the world, it strengthens the collective voice, influence, and impact of the NIADA community. Through Darla's leadership and the power of this growing network, new opportunities are emerging to share knowledge, accelerate innovation, support one another, and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

The women who stood on those steps in Denver did not just celebrate an anniversary. They marked the beginning of a second year in which WIND will grow deeper roots in North America, extend further across Europe and beyond, and continue to prove that a global community of women in dealerships is not only possible; it is already here.

Congratulations, Darla. Congratulations, WIND.

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