Many of us might think twice when we talk about a car mechanic that’s women as it was never in practice before modernization. In reference, there was just about 2% of females engaged in the teardown and build cars activity in 2013, out of the total automobile mechanics in the USA.
Different people present different opinions on the matter. Some claim it’s due to the availability of better work opportunities for ladies in the job market, whereas others may assert that females aren’t technically equipped to handle the task.
To everyone’s surprise, the majority of women buy automobiles more than male as per the reports from widely acknowledged web pages like Chicago Tribune and Forbes.
According to the research conducted by HOT CARS in 2019, it is learned that women would prefer to have skills to repair their own automobiles but the only issue is that they hesitate. Yet, the main excuse is that the women stated they want a real tie or passion for the role.
Meanwhile, some women have proven that there is nothing wrong with working as a car mechanic, and some are even into car racing. They have proven their interest in the field by repairing different models of vehicles, even far better than some male counterparts.
Below, we have listed some strong-headed ladies who can tear down and build automobiles; they are:
● Susan Sweeney
Susan Sweeney is a female mechanic who has been working in the automotive field for more than 2 decades. As a vehicle technician, Sweeney has served in both independent garages and dealerships.
According to her profile on the official website of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Susan made her way into auto care during high school and eventually joined the shop classes to discover what they were about.
So, she later joined Lincoln Technology Institute, where she attended every automotive lecture available to gain basic knowledge about the business.
In her 26 years of career, Susan has served at fifteen different mechanics. She was formerly employed by Chevrolet and GM automobile centers.
Likewise, she worked at six independent car maintenance shops, particularly for the leading auto clinic center, Girls Auto Clinic. At present, she serves at Ciocca Chevrolet, situated in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
● Madalena Antas
Portugal native Madalena Antas possesses adequate mechanical expertise leaving behind most men in the industry. She is a race driver highly proficient to participate in rally-raid events.
Antas also raced in the Lisboa-Dakar Rally in 2007. She began her racing car journey with two National Off-Road Championship victories.
In this sport, Madalena is inspired by her mom Theresa, who had also raced in the Paris-Le Cap Dakar race; however, couldn’t complete the race. Antas is hopeful that one day she will earn the title and fulfill her mother’s dream.
● Audra Fordin
Audra Fordin, who is a 4th generation vehicle owner of Great Bear, has earned a name for herself in the male-dominated field. Growing up, she learned most of the tear-down and car-building skills from her father, while also working with him side by side.
In 1998, she took over her family venture; it was a challenge for her to consistently operate their business during the 2007 economic crisis. But, she never gave up and continued it even in the Great Recession of 2008.
Moreover, Audra is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women Auto Know. She has also published a book titled End Auto Anxiety, which is available for sale on Amazon. She is well-recognized as the owner of Great Bear Auto Repair, based in Flushing, New York.
● Yui Mitsuhashi
It wasn’t easy for Yui Mitsuhashi to establish herself as a race car designer in her native land Japan, as the country’s automakers had real issues with female engineers.
In 2018, Mitsuhashi (then 24) led the team that developed racing automobiles at the renowned Osaka University. Her skills would be honored recruits for big car companies like Nissan Motor and Toyota Motor if she wishes to serve them. She is a rare gem in the ocean of male-dominated industry.
● Teresa Aquila
Teresa Aquila’s work in the automobile industry is appreciable. As a lady who has been working as a mechanic for more than 4 decades, Aquila has proved no work is based on gender.
Today, she is working as the presenter of Teresa’s Garage, a weekly radio program. She is responsible for dealing with a variety of car maintenance problems, as well as, discussing the topics about women empowerment in the automobile sectors and other workplaces.
● Stephanie Lopez
Stephanie Lopez runs Wooster’s Garage, which is located in Weston, Wisconsin. From her high school days, she was always passionate about working in the automotive sector.
Coming from an automotive household, Lopez was fascinated with everything from racing to developing cars. Upon completion of her high schooling, she installed herself with adequate knowledge in the field.
Then, she joined NorthCentral Technical College in 2012 and earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Now, she is among the list of female automotive repair store operators. Additionally, she has also published a book for people relating to the automotive sector.
● Pippa Mann
Breaking all the stereotypes, Pippa Mann developed herself as a prominent fixture on the race tracks since 2011. She is no less than a male racing driver and has recorded numerous career records.
The 39-year-old racer is openly about using her gender as the main element while gaining sponsorship funding. At the end of the day, it’s all about business; each dollar’s value in the racing world when it relates to owning the best tools.
During the 2016 Indianapolis 500, Mann placed 18th, setting her career best. Following that, she was nominated as one of the top 100 British Women in the automobile field by Autocar.
● Mary Marchetti
Mary Marchetti is another promising lady in the automobile business. By operating Breathe Easy Automotive, she has set an example that women are no less than a man.
The main motive of her business is to offer clients an experience of a relaxed garage atmosphere. She has 2 decades of knowledge as a contractor.
In 2018, she alongside her friend, Deirdre Margolis, and a third lady, founded the business, Breathe Easy Automotive. They offer services like oil changing, engine repairing, and many more.
● Natacha Gachnang
Despite being a female race driver, Natacha Gachnang is no less than any male racer. In 2002, she began her racing career; since then, she has been climbing a ladder of success.
Gachnang is fortunate to be born into an open-minded household that supported her decision to pursue a career in the automotive field.
As a child, she learned basic racing skills from her grandfather, dad, and her cousin Sebastian Buemi (a pro-racer who is the three-time winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans). At the same time, Natacha’s dad runs a kart manufacturing company.
Gachnang was placed 4th out of 64 competitors during the 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Meisterschaft test. She was the first woman to drive in the Formula One feeder series in the 2008 FIA Formula Two Championship.
● Nadine Callaghan
Nadine Callaghan is an aspiring figure in the motor business. In October 2017, the Moynalty native graduated from the Cavan Institute with a degree in Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Technology.
While pursuing the above-mentioned course, she got a work placement opportunity at Ireland’s popular retailer called Colm Quinn BMQ for 2 weeks. After the completion of her tenure, the firm hired her to train as a BMW technician under a four-year contract.
With that offer, Callaghan’s dream finally came true for which she had worked very hard. She acknowledged her dad, James, and her lecturer, Robert Ledwith, who have a great role in her success.
