Cathy Droz is a seasoned automotive expert with over 50 years in business and 30 years specifically in the automotive industry. As Founder/CEO of HER Certified®, she pioneers the industry’s first comprehensive certified dealer program dedicated to serving female car buyers. With a passion for making car buying easy for women, Cathy has test-driven over 700 vehicles, providing unparalleled insight into every make and model on the market. Her expertise extends to educating consumers on enjoyable and rewarding car-buying experiences for both men and women. Through HER Certified®, Cathy leads tailored employee training, marketing, and dealership standards to exceed women’s expectations in sales and service. Her distinctive branding, featuring red high heels, permeates her reviews, social media presence, and HER Studio, where she offers an array of solutions for auto, yacht, and RV dealers and manufacturers. Cathy’s innovative marketing strategies, including unique female events at auto dealerships. When asked what she does her reply is simple “ I am a creator of opportunities.”  Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband Manny, Cathy is also a proud parent of three children and nine grandchildren.

Everyday Driver:  2018 Lexus RX350 – License Plate RDHEELS

Cathy@hercertifiedcom

Melanie Droz Shawcroft, age 43, a proud GenX representative, has immersed herself in the world of test driving since her twenties. Armed with a master’s degree in education, she has imparted her knowledge of English and Journalism at Sunnyslope High School. Currently, she serves as an Instructional Coach for ESL, dedicated to supporting teachers within the Alhambra district in Arizona. Alongside her husband Matt, she navigates the bustling schedules of their two energetic boys, deeply involved in various sports activities. Melanie and Matt epitomize the quintessential working couple, seamlessly balancing family commitments with an active social life. Constantly shuttling her family across town to various games and events, she meticulously assesses vehicles for comfort, cargo space, cupholders, and technological features. Adding to the mix, their 80-pound retriever is a steadfast companion on their adventures.

Everyday Driver: 2023 Toyota 4 Runner

Sofia Serafine, age 14, belonging to the Gen Z cohort, may not be old enough to drive, but her insights into test drives have been invaluable since the tender age of 9. With an unfiltered perspective, Sofia offers a refreshing take on the desires of up-and-coming new drivers. She speaks candidly about the importance of three rows of seating, road trips to Disneyland, cupholders, and captain’s chairs. Her reviews have garnered a significant following on YouTube, becoming favorites among manufacturers. When she’s not critiquing cars, Sofia showcases her talents in piano and guitar, alongside her duties at the family coffee shop. A fervent admirer of Taylor Swift, she infuses her passions into every aspect of her life.

Everyday Driver: A School Bus