Auto Women has announced the recipients of its Round 2, 2025 Professional Development Scholarships, recognising two women committed to advancing their careers in Australia’s automotive industry.
Kameka Little from Milini’s Panel, Paint and Towing has been awarded the Leading Edge Scholarship, while Briohny de Vere, owner of Accelerate Auto Electrics, received the Executive Ready Scholarship.
The scholarships are supported by MTA Queensland, Care Super, and Women & Leadership Australia, targeting women in both early-career positions and leadership roles within the automotive sector.
Leading Edge Scholarship supports early career development
The Leading Edge Scholarship, valued at over $4500, is designed for women in early-career positions to develop essential leadership skills. Little, who serves as Head Spray Painter at Milini’s Panel, Paint and Towing, completed her Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology just two years ago.
Since then, she has progressed into a leadership role, managing a small team and providing guidance to an apprentice and fellow tradesman.
“As a woman in a male-dominated trade, I am also passionate about showing what is possible through hard work and determination,” Little says.
“I want to be a role model for other young women considering a career in automotive, demonstrating that leadership is about skill, attitude, and the willingness to step up.”
Executive Ready Scholarship targets senior leadership
The Executive Ready Scholarship, valued at over $10,000, supports women in mid to senior positions to develop leadership skills for high-performing teams and senior roles.
De Vere, Co-Founder and Owner of Accelerate Auto Electrics and Accelerate Off-Grid Touring, has built systems, teams, and partnerships that have positioned her company as an industry leader. She was also a 2025 MTA Queensland Women in Industry Award finalist.
Her career progression spans from answering phones as a teenager to co-leading one of Queensland’s automotive businesses, while championing diversity and mentoring young women in the industry.
“The Auto Women Executive Ready Scholarship presents an opportunity for me to take my leadership to the next level,” de Vere says.
“With this Scholarship, I will be better equipped to guide my team of 25 through the next phase of growth, embrace emerging technologies, and advocate more powerfully for diversity in automotive.”
Auto Women Co-Founder Kellie Dewar highlighted the importance of continuing investment in women’s professional development, noting that industry transformation relies on diversity and equitable access to training.
“Every woman who applied is contributing to change in our industry,” Dewar says.
“Our scholarship recipients have shown incredible passion, drive, and commitment to building their skills, and we’re proud to support their journey. These scholarships are not just about training – they’re about creating opportunity, confidence, and long-term impact.”
The 2026 Round 1 Auto Women Scholarships will open on 1 March 2026.
Join the conversation