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20 GEORGIANVIEW 2024 PRINT EDITION AUTOMOTIvE BUSINESS SCHOOL OF CANADA (ABSC) On the road to a successful career When Shannon Willsher (class of 2015) started thinking about postsecondary education, she wasn't exactly thinking about pursuing automotive studies. Learning about the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) at Georgian, its student-run outdoor auto show and the industry support for its students impressed her but she still felt it would be a gamble. "There was something telling me, 'Shannon, girls aren't doing that. Don't do that. People will judge you.' But there was nothing like it in the postsecondary space and I went with my gut thinking this is such a risk, but I'm going to take it, because this is so up my alley. It was the best decision I ever made," she recalls, adding that her dad had a lot to do with her decision. "He inspired and instilled his love of cars in me." Listening to her instincts in 2011 led Shannon to being one of only two females in the 2015 ABSC graduating class. Fast forward to 2023, and now, as the General Manager of Audi Newmarket (Pfaff Auto), she was recently named the 2023 ABSC Alumni of the Year. "I was absolutely and completely shocked that I would be considered for this," she says. "I feel I have only started giving back to the school in a way that I intend to, and I just scratched the surface on the support that I plan to give back, so it was certainly a surprise." Chris Pfaff, owner of Pfaff Auto knew Shannon was a natural fit for ABSC Alumni of the Year and it's why he nominated her. "Shannon continues to be an influential female in the automotive industry encouraging other female graduates to expand into senior roles within (the auto sector)," he said in his nomination. "She is a positive role model to other graduates and is continuously involving herself in community events and engaging with other Georgian students and programs." Shannon started out as a co-op student with Pfaff Auto and after graduating, decided to take a leap of faith and join the team in a sales role at Audi Newmarket. "As a young person looking for security, being on 100 per cent commission is very daunting," she says with a laugh. "It's an intimidating thing, but I am so glad I got the experience. That was the second-best decision I ever made." Shannon admits she was challenged, but she excelled in the team environment and felt she fit in 'to her core'. After a few years in the sales role, she decided to take on a management position where the previous general manager of Audi Newmarket mentored her. When the general manager position at the dealership opened up, she was ready. "It has been such a rewarding, incredible experience in my career," she says. "I'm so excited to continue growing in this role and look forward to what the future holds." | Learn more about the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC).