Best in Craft Media Award Jill Ciminillo, automotive content creator, Rebelle Rally competitor, NACTOY juror, WWCOTY juror, launched her career in 2001 as the auto editor for Pioneer Press Newspaper. She soon began to write reviews with a female perspective and a keen eye toward the interests of many general consumers, covering topics such as driving position, cargo space, vehicle amenities and seat comfort. She went on to work for many other outlets, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and Sinclair broadcast group. Today, Ciminillo is the managing editor of Pickup Truck + SUV Talk and works with Consumer Guide Automotive, writing reviews and hosting podcasts and radio shows. Ciminillo was the first female president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). She is a Juror of the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY) and the Juror of the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY). A great significance is Ciminillo’s role as an early adopter of new technology and social media platforms, embracing X, Instagram and Facebook, as well as podcasting and TikTok. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of a lot of people,” said Ciminillo. “There were not a lot of us 20 years ago … all of these people who have supported me, I really appreciate it. If anybody out there needs help or advice or needs anything from me, I definitely want to pay that forward, and I would like to help!” Best in Craft Media finalists included Abigail Bassett, freelance journalist and podcast host; and Elana Scherr, senior features editor, Car and Driver. Automotive Ally Wendy Orthman, executive director marketing, Genesis Motor America, has been a visionary throughout her two-decade career, cutting her teeth in marketing and PR at GM and FCA before breaking out at Nissan. She and her family moved to Japan in the middle of the pandemic, taking a leap of faith for Orthman’s new job at Infiniti. Two years later, they returned so she could move into her current position at Genesis. Orthman is both adored and successful because she is a force of nature. She knows how to push the envelope without ripping it to shreds, pursue new ways of working with the automotive journalism field and market cars with style. Orthman was unable to attend and sent a video message in her absence stating, “If it wasn’t for the grace of the incredible pioneering women that were helping me along the way, to mentor, develop and guide me, I would not be here today. So, it is definitely my life’s mission to make sure I am paying that back and paying it forward.” Automotive Ally finalists included Dean Case, communications consultant; and Cheryl Thompson, founder, Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement. 10 CATA UP TO SPEED
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