Car Buyer's Notebook.com

Roberts was presented with the WAAI's "Spirit of Leadership" award at a luncheon held in New Orleans, La. in conjunction with the annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention. The annual award recognizes professional women in the automotive industry for their significant accomplishments in their profession, community and family. Recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to their profession and to giving back to others.

"Patricia Roberts really exemplifies what the Spirit of Leadership award is all about," said Lorraine Schultz, founder, WAAI. "During her distinguished career she has championed the advancement of women in all facets of the auto business. In her current position leading the GM Women's Retail Initiative, she is responsible for recruiting, training and appointing female GM dealers and has worked with dealers to attract more women into automotive retailing positions. She has been a great role model and mentor to many women who have achieved success in this industry."

Throughout her career, Roberts has held a wide variety of financial, sales and marketing positions. Immediately prior to her current assignment, she was manager of diversity marketing for General Motors' Western Region. In that position she was responsible for the development and execution of a strategic plan for diverse markets within the western region.

"I very much appreciate receiving this award from WAAI, an organization I greatly respect and admire," Roberts said. "It is particularly gratifying to be recognized by my colleagues in the automotive industry. We've made a lot of progress in recent years in terms of increasing the representation of women in the industry; however, there is still much we can do to ensure that our business reflects our customer base and that women have every chance to succeed."

The seventh annual Spirit of Leadership award ceremony was held on Jan. 29. A total of 14 women have received the award since 1999.