Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) proudly announces the return of its prestigious SHEro Award program for the third consecutive year. Joining AdventHealth and Jostens in 2025, Mazda becomes the newest presenting sponsor, reinforcing WIMNA’s mission to highlight and celebrate the exceptional contributions of women within the motorsports industry.
Since its inception in 2023, the SHEro Award has recognized 36 outstanding women whose remarkable achievements inspire future generations. Each year, an esteemed panel selects one National SHEro Award recipient from among all nominees. The honoree is celebrated at WIMNA’s Women with Drive Summit presented by Mobil 1, scheduled for December 8–10, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Jostens, renowned as the official award provider for NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and numerous other motorsports organizations, returns for the third consecutive year to create the distinctive SHEro Award trophies. “We have had the pleasure of honoring these women since the program’s inception and look forward to meeting the 2025 nominees and learning their inspiring stories,” said Curt Bruns of Jostens.
AdventHealth, which has supported the initiative since 2024, continues its presenting sponsorship this year. AdventHealth nominated three women in 2024, including Audrey Gregory, Ph.D., RN, Senior Executive Vice President and CEO of AdventHealth’s Multi-Division Delivery Network. Gregory was recognized for her trailblazing leadership, notably championing NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan and introducing Mothers Nursing Rooms at Daytona International Speedway.
“Motorsports demand resilience, precision, and teamwork—values we embrace at AdventHealth,” Gregory stated. “The SHEro Award isn’t just a trophy; it’s a tribute to those who break barriers and inspire the next generation.”
Mazda, joining the SHEro Award as a new presenting sponsor, has long supported women in motorsports through initiatives like the Mazda MX-5 Cup and Spec MX-5 Shootout. Mazda has generously donated $25,000 to support the program, announcing this significant contribution during a special Good Morning America segment highlighting their Prime Video docuseries, “First to the Finish.”
“We are proud to support WIMNA’s vital work and thrilled this donation will directly benefit the 2025 SHEro Award,” said Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager, Mazda Motorsports North America. “We share WIMNA’s commitment to empowering women in motorsports and nurturing future female leaders.”
The first SHEro Award winner of 2025 is Sarah Smith, Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Kansas City and a member of the AdventHealth Care Center team at Kansas Speedway.
To nominate an extraordinary woman for the SHEro Award—whether a team member, track official, industry professional, or volunteer—visit womeninmotorsportsna.com/shero-2025. Each nomination includes the purchase of a customized, engraved SHEro trophy for $200 from Jostens, with proceeds supporting WIMNA programs. Nominations submitted by October 31, 2025, will be considered for the National SHEro Award. The selected national winner will receive complimentary registration for the Women with Drive Summit, paid travel and hotel accommodations, and an opportunity to speak at the summit.
Past national winners include Abigail Hempy, Powertrain Engineer at NASCAR’s Research & Development Center (2023), and Vicky Martinez Muella, founder of “Path to the Pits” (2024).
“It’s an incredible honor to recognize the extraordinary women of motorsports through the SHEro Award,” said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of WIMNA. “The continued support from Jostens, AdventHealth, and now Mazda reflects the growing recognition and appreciation of women’s vital contributions in our industry. Celebrating these women is at the core of WIMNA’s mission.”
This story was originally published on May 14, 2025. 
