Two students from Kettering University were recently recognized for their academic achievement and future potential in the mobility industry during the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF) 30th Anniversary Gala, where London Parker (‘29, Industrial Engineering) and Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez (‘27, Mechanical Engineering) were awarded scholarships supporting the next generation of automotive leaders.
The gala brought together executives, engineers, innovators, and advocates from across the automotive and mobility sectors to celebrate the foundation’s 30 years of advancing opportunities for women in the industry.
The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports women pursuing careers in automotive, mobility, engineering, and related fields through scholarships, mentorship, networking, and professional development initiatives. Since its founding, the organization has awarded scholarships to nearly 300 women, distributing more than $1m in educational support.
“It was an inspiring evening surrounded by powerhouse leaders in the automotive industry,” Parker said. “As a student at Kettering University, meeting so many successful alumnae was a highlight for me—seeing their impact firsthand has fueled my excitement for my own future in engineering.”
As the automotive and mobility industries continue to evolve through advancements in intelligent systems, electrification, software-defined vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, recognition like this highlights the growing impact students can have in shaping the future of engineering and mobility innovation.
“Scholarships like these create more than financial support,” said Venetia Petteway of Kettering University, who serves as Co-chair of the Mentorship Program and STEM Committee member. “They create access to relationships, mentorship, and experiences that help students envision themselves as future leaders shaping the industry.”
