Cox Automotive Australia (CAA) congratulates Shai Copelin on winning the 2024 Barbara Cox Award, which recognises high-achieving women in the local automotive sector.
As Automotive Product Manager for TAFE New South Wales, Copelin trains Australia’s future product experts, giving her real influence in a fast-changing industry.
The CAA jury chose Copelin from three other finalists: Chelsea Bowers – Mechanic at John Edwards Automotive, Blaire Race – National Marketing Manager at IVECO Trucks and Odette Winnington – National Head of People & Culture at Autopact.
It recognises women who demonstrate business leadership, community advocacy, and a commitment to advancing industry. Nominations are open to any woman working within the automotive industry across Australia.
For Cox Automotive, it’s about helping foster an environment where all perspectives are respected and everyone feels a sense of belonging. This attitude drives innovation.
In addition to gaining recognition, the winner receives $5000 to spend on her personal development. Cox Automotive proudly sponsors the Award.
Copelin rose to where she is today, starting as an apprentice before being promoted to workshop controller and service manager at a busy multi-franchise dealership.
She has won several awards, including the Long Tan Leadership Award, NRMA Star, and Regional Apprentice of the Year.
As Product Manager of Automotive at TAFE NSW, she is at the forefront of training and shaping tomorrow’s automotive repairers. Her key focuses include leading TAFE’s electric vehicle service course and driving the creation of mentorship programs.
In her free time, she works on old Minis with her father and competes in go-kart racing with the Racechix team.
“As I reflect on my journey, I remember my first year when there were no female restrooms at the learning facility,” says Copelin.
“I see young girls in race suits and women creating elite automotive businesses, and I’m proud to be a part of the positive shift in the industry’s culture.
“I’m dedicated to igniting the hearts of young girls, creating pathways, and sparking a lifelong connection with automotive.”
Copelin follows in the footsteps of 2023 Barbara Cox Award winner Eleni Mitakos, founder of Galmatic, an organisation that runs car maintenance courses for women and teenagers.
“It’s important to increase the recognition of the contributions of women in the automotive sector, which remains some way off when it comes to equal representation,” says CAA Strategy and Marketing Director Mathew McAuley.
“It’s a privilege to recognise and encourage contributions from women across the automotive industry, something we all benefit from. We have room for improvement but are on the right path,” says CAA HR Director Silvia Balovcikova.
Cox Automotive Australia is a subsidiary of Cox Automotive US, an automotive services and technology provider. The local team of more than 500 people works with 26 automotive OEMs, dealers, insurers, financiers, and private and public fleet sectors.
The parent company has 29,000 employees on five continents and a family of global brands. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with US $22 billion in annual revenue.
Brands in Australia include Manheim Auctions (passenger, industrial and salvage), Kelley Blue Book, Sell My Car, and digital retailing solutions, including LeadDriver and Xtime, an aftersales customer-management platform used by Australia’s top OEMs in their networks.
