Driving innovation through diverse perspectives: Shannon Spano
As part of International Women’s Day 2024, AIA Canada is recognizing women from across the auto care industry, highlighting their experiences, achievements, and success in their careers. Throughout her career, Shannon Spano has championed women in the industry, promoted inclusivity, and aims to show why working in the auto care industry is so rewarding.
Shannon Spano, vice president of sales, Wakefield Canada
Shannon Spano joined Wakefield Canada in 2006, and since then, she has held many progressive positions within the company, and currently leads the organization as Vice President of Sales. In 2018, Shannon was recognized as AIA Canada’s Young Leader of the Year for her strong leadership and contributions to the auto care industry. In 2024, she was recognized as a Notable Champion of Diversity by Automotive News and Accelerate Auto for her outstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and wider communities.
“Wakefield’s customer-centric culture is fostered through our talented and passionate team members, with a common goal to continuously improve and provide exceptional experiences for our customers.” says Spano. “By aligning goals, encouraging diverse perspectives to fuel innovation, leaning on individual unique talents and skills, all team members can have a voice and feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
This International Women’s Day, Shannon recognizes women from across Wakefield and the industry.
“I feel very fortunate to work with such talented women in our organization and I see many strong examples of their leadership, perspectives, and talent—both internally and in the marketplace with our customers.”
With the auto care sector going through immense change at the moment, organizations will continue to require highly engaged, talented, and growth-mindset individuals to help change the status quo—and women will be at the forefront.
“This sector values relationships, and there are many outlets and avenues for women to broaden and deepen their skills, perspectives, and networks as they advance their careers.” says Spano. “I am inspired to see more women continue to shine and thrive in auto care careers every year, as well as witness and learn from talented, authentic and powerful women in leadership positions across out sector.”
About Shannon Spano
Shannon Spano is Wakefield Canada’s vice president of sales and has been the AIA Canada Chair since 2023. Throughout her career, Shannon has been passionate about engaging with members, listening to unique voices, mobilizing change, and supporting advocacy initiatives to ensure a sustainable and inspiring future for the auto care industry.