LORRAINE H. SCHULTZ:
 
LORRAINE H. SCHULTZ




 
 
 
 
 
is founder of the Women’s Automotive Association International, www.waai.com. Schultz founded the organization in 1995 after 18 years as executive director of the Autoleather Guild of America, an association promoting the use of leather in the auto industry. Schultz moved to the Detroit area with her family while in grade school and later graduated from Detroit Pershing High School and Alma College. She was an airline stewardess and worked for American Express and the Detroit Free Press. She was a pioneering woman in the auto industry and founded WAAI when she noticed more and more women entering the industry. The group aims to recognize women for their contributions to the auto industry. She has also served on the boards of Ferris State University and the Kendall School of Art and Design in Grand Rapids.


WHERE BORN: "North Tonawanda, N.Y."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "My husband – it’s kind of corny, but it’s true. And my predecessor at the Autoleather Guild, Philip Sweeny. He was the promoter, he was the founder of the guild, and he was the one who brought the tanners together to promote the use of leather in the industry. We had a lot of events, a lot of promotions, to make that happen. He taught me how to run an association very well."

LAST BOOK READ: "True Colors, by Patricia Hill Burnett, the artist. She’s a friend of mine, and we’re doing an event together at the Kendall School of Art and Design. I wanted to reread the book so I could get the information straight in my head."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "I’m a pioneer, I’m tenacious, I’m driven, I’m determined, I’m steadfast, and I guess I can be pretty stubborn. But I have a good sense of humor that gets me through most of the stuff."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "It’s headed for change, and we have to learn to change with it. We have to continue to work toward the goals of having women who are so intelligent and creative recognized for their ability. The auto industry has changed somewhat, but it’s not there yet."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "I love the navigation system in my Chrysler Pacifica. It tells me how to get everywhere."

FAVORITE PLACE: "Venice. It is so beautiful, and I think we were extremely lucky the three times we’ve been there. We’ve made some good friends, it is so romantic, the food is excellent, the hotels are charming, and the art is wonderful. It is like a piece of heaven surrounded by water."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "My husband and I are auto collectors. We belong to about seven or eight car clubs, and we try to go to most of the events, especially in the summertime. And I like to read."

FAVORITE FOOD: "Pasta, any kind."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I don’t think there’s anything hidden about me. I am who I am. I guess I could say I’m a good driver, and I thought at one time I could sing, but it turns out I can’t."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "That I made a difference for the betterment of some people’s lives, and as a true friend."

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.