The first winner of the new category at the Collision Repair Awards, the ‘Woman in Automotive’ Award, has been announced.
Sarah Karavasilias from MPSR Group was announced as the first ever winner for the Collision Repair Woman in Automotive Award.
Sarah Karavasilias who holds multiple management roles at MPSR Group in Marrickville NSW brought a decade in criminal law to the family business and says the industry has good support networks and this enabled her to keep challenging herself and her staff.
New to 2024, the Woman in Automotive Award seeks to honour a female professional in the industry who has been a promoter of positive change.
Recipients not only showcase their own contributions to diversity and inclusion but also exemplify the skill to inspire more women to embrace opportunities in the field.
“That’s one of the benefits of being a female is that you have that sympathetic ear and you’re able to manage personal interests with business interests as well,” Karavasilias told NCR during a recent forum about life in the repair industry.
“You’ve got to have a thick skin. I always, try and challenge myself and lead by example. But we are at work more than we are at home, so you’ve also got to really enjoy it as well.”
Global coatings giant PPG is a Gold Sponsor of the awards night and a special sponsor of the category.
PPG Sales Director Australia with John Hristias said the awards were an important recognition of outstanding figures in the repair industry.
“Today’s robust, tech savvy collision repair industry has been made possible by people across the country who have literally put their blood, sweat and tears into it,” Hristias said.
“To help recognise that, PPG is proud to support the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards. As one of the longest serving suppliers to the local industry, PPG has built its success on establishing long term relationships and that has brought us into contact with individuals who have dedicated themselves to making the industry stronger. Whether these industry achievers are front and centre or operate quietly in the background, the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards provide a valuable way to recognise them.”