THE 2024 Barbara Cox Award, sponsored by Cox Automotive Australia has been won by the automotive product manager for TAFE New South Wales, Shai Copelin. 

The award recognises high-achieving women in Australia’s automotive industry.

Ms Copelin was recognised for playing an important role in training Australia’s future product experts, giving her a real influence in a fast-changing industry.

The judging panel for the award comprised of four Cox Automotive Australia team members (L-R): Matt McAuley, director of strategy & marketing; Olivera Tomic, sales enablement manager; Shai Copelin, winner Barbara Cox Award 2024; Silvia Balovcikova, head of people solutions and Elizabeth Lalor, organisational capability and culture partner

She was chosen by a Cox Automotive Australia jury from four worthy finalists:

• Chelsea Bowers – Mechanic at John Edwards Automotive
• Shai Copelin – Product Manager of Automotive at TAFE NSW
• Blaire Race – National Marketing Manager at IVECO Trucks
• Odette Winnington – National Head of People & Culture at Autopact

This annual award is named for the late Barbara Cox, a business pioneer who was an owner and member of the board of directors of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive Australia’s parent company.

It recognises women who demonstrate business leadership and community advocacy, as well as a commitment to advancing our industry. Nominations are open to any woman working within the automotive industry across Australia.

The company said that Cox Automotive Australia “is all about helping foster an environment where all perspectives are respected and all people feel a sense of belonging”. 

(L-R): Shai Copelin, winner Barbara Cox Award 2024 and Silvia Balovcikova, head of people solutions

“It is this attitude that drives innovation. 

In addition to gaining recognition, the winner receives $5000 to spend on her personal development. 

Shai Copelin rose through the ranks to get to where she is today, starting as an apprentice before being promoted to workshop controller and service manager roles at a busy multi-franchise dealership.

She has won a sequence of 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 coalface of training and shaping tomorrow’s automotive repairers. 

Her key focuses include leadership of TAFE’s electric vehicle service course, as well as driving the creation of mentorship programs.

Shai Copelin, winner Barbara Cox Award 2024

In her free time, she works on old Minis with her father and competes in go-kart racing with the Racechix team.

Ms Copelin said in a statement: “As I reflect on my personal journey, I remember back to my first year where there was an absence of female restrooms at the learning facility.

“I see young girls in race suits and women creating elite automotive businesses and I’m really proud to be a part of the positive shift within the industry’s culture.

“I’m dedicated to igniting the hearts of young girls, making pathways and sparking a lifelong connection with automotive.”

Ms 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.

Cox Automotive Australia strategy and marketing director Mathew McAuley said in a statement: “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.” 

Cox Automotive Australia HR director Silvia Balovcikova added: “It’s a privilege to be able to recognise and encourage contributions from women across the automotive industry, something from which we all benefit. We have room for improvement but are on the right path.”