I-CAR: Has it been a good career choice for you so far?

Anna: It has been very rewarding for me to be a part of this industry, and to feel proud of the job that I do. I get to work with and meet a lot of interesting people. While I was in school in 2004, I won a $2,000 scholarship (through the I-CAR Education Foundation) funded by Akzo Nobel as part of their "Most Influential Women" in the collision repair industry program. It was a huge deal for me because I was paying for school and living on my own while trying to work two waitressing jobs to pay for it all. Plus more than just the money, it helped me see that I wasn't the only woman out there. As a past winner, I was asked to go to Las Vegas to be part of this year's ceremony. It was an honor and inspiration to meet and talk with these women.

I-CAR: What are some of your career goals?

Anna: I want to work my way up probably in this company to be an assistant shop manager and then a manager some day. I also hope to one day be in a position to give back to the community and the industry like the women in the collision repair industry who I met in Las Vegas.

I-CAR: So it sounds like you would recommend that others pursue a career in collision repair?

Anna: Definitely. I'd like to inspire more women to become part of this wonderful industry. I'd tell them not to be intimidated because this industry can be very welcoming to women and there is a lot of room for advancement.

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