RVWA Concludes Educational Symposium with Annual Awards – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
Inspiration Abounds at RV Women’s Alliance Awards Event
Capping off two days of education and networking, on Thursday, October 17, the RV Women’s Alliance Awards were presented in four categories: Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement, Leader of Tomorrow Award, Champion of Women—Individual, and Champion of Women—Company. The winners were announced from an impressive list of award finalists.
“The RV Women’s Alliance is proud to honor the remarkable women and companies who are making a difference in our industry. By celebrating these champions, we’re building a brighter future where women can thrive,” says Monika Geraci, RV Women’s Alliance Board Member and Award Taskforce Lead. “Their leadership and dedication are an inspiration to us all.”
The night’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award of Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Lori Severson, Owner of Severson and Associates.
“Lori’s impact extends far beyond her own achievements,” Geraci continues. “She’s not only reached incredible heights in her career but paved the way for countless women in the campground industry. That’s true leadership.”
Recognizing the impact she is already making on the industry through her efforts to create a positive impact beyond the workforce, Grand Design’s Analli Munoz was presented with the Leader of Tomorrow Award. Forest River’s Kelly Mosher took home the Champion of Women Award for an individual and RV Trader was recognized with the Champion of Women Award for a company. Both Mosher and RV Trader have made it a part of their daily efforts to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry.
“These awards celebrate the remarkable women shaping the RV industry,” said RV Women’s Alliance President Susan Carpenter. “Congratulations to all 23 finalists, and especially to our winners, Lori, Kelly, Analli, and RV Trader, all who exemplify the strength and leadership of women in our community.”
A full description of the awards and the winners is below.
Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement
The RV Women’s Alliance Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the RV industry’s advancement while also paving the way for other women to follow in her path. The RV Women’s Alliance’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
Winner: Lori Severson, Severson and Associates
Lori, a driving force in the Wisconsin camping industry, wears multiple hats as the executive director of Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), owner of Campground Owners Expo (COE), and a campground owner herself. She tirelessly advocates for industry members, working with legislators, vendors, and state departments to facilitate positive change. Lori’s dedication extends to empowering women in the field, offering guidance, referrals, and support to aspiring “girl bosses.” She fosters an environment for growth and success, shaping countless individuals into capable campground owners, managers, and businesswomen. Her contributions make her an invaluable asset to the industry.
Finalists:
- Cammy Pierson, Curtis Trailers
- Jennifer Zachary, Transport US
- Lori Severson, Severson and Associates
- Stacy Setty, Optronics INT
Leader of Tomorrow Award
The RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes women who are making a big impact on the RV industry during the beginning stages of her career. The future of the RV industry depends on the cultivation of strong, creative, and hardworking women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the RV industry. Recognizing the up and comers in the industry, the Leader of Tomorrow Award is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
Winner: Analli Munoz, Grand Design RV
Analli is a dedicated and impactful leader who fosters an inclusive environment. She’s highly reliable and strategically focused on overall business success. Her bilingual skills greatly enhance workplace culture, enabling her to lead initiatives like Hispanic Heritage celebrations and facilitate understanding. Analli is also instrumental in employee well-being, overseeing a new clinic and collaborating with healthcare professionals to improve the physical work environment. As a member of the Women’s Inclusion Network leadership team, she actively supports women’s professional development and advocates for greater female representation in leadership. Analli’s ability to listen, problem-solve, and identify skill gaps makes her a valuable asset who consistently contributes to a positive and successful workplace.
Finalists:
- Alicia Gewinner, General RV Center
- Amelia Sheckler, Winnebago
- Analli Munoz, Grand Design RV
- April Clark, Alliance RV
- Becky Sheats, Thetford
- Lindsey Bradley, Grand Design
- Stacey Curtis, General RV Center
Champion of Women Awards (Individual & Company)
The RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Awards recognize those who embody our mission to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry. Recipients of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.
Individual Winner: Kelly Mosher, Forest River
Kelly is a driving force at Forest River, embodying the mission of elevating, educating, and promoting women in the RV industry. As the leader of the Customer Service Department, she has developed a successful training hub, providing vital resources to both new and seasoned employees. Her dedication to supporting and mentoring women, including advocating for leadership and educational opportunities, has made a profound impact on countless careers. Kelly’s unwavering commitment to growth and inclusivity has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, making her an inspiring leader.
Finalists:
- Alissa Reyes, Thetford
- Angie Biritz, Lippert
- Ashley Hand, General RV Center
- Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Winnebago Industries
- Kelly Mosher, Forest River Inc.
- Laura Dobbs, General RV Center
- Renee Jones, THOR Industries
Company Winner: RV Trader
RV Trader actively champions women in the RV industry through various initiatives. The company provides educational resources and insights into the growing demographic of female RVers, including safety tips and travel advice tailored to women. RV Trader’s leadership includes diverse female executives who play key roles in shaping industry strategies and serving as role models. By offering targeted content and promoting female stories through various media, RV Trader addresses the unique needs of women RVers and champions inclusivity within the industry.
Finalists:
- Broadmoor RV Superstore
- Byerly RV
- Century Chemical
- Grand Design RV
- RV Trader
About the RV Women’s Alliance
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 2,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.rvwa.org.
