Women in Auto Tech
Wendy Cummings
Why did you decide to pursue a career in automotive technology?
A co-worker encouraged me to sign up for Ford’s Industrial Readiness Program for employees interested in learning various skilled trades within the company. I chose the Industrial Truck Mechanic field because I like taking things apart, discovering how they work and rebuilding them.
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a female in a male-dominated industry?
There haven’t been many, but one common misconception is that one must be physically strong to do automotive work. Auto components, equipment and materials can be heavy and hard to maneuver at times, but there are lifts, specialized tools and experienced co-workers who can provide tips on reserving your strength and stamina.
What advice would you give other women interested in auto tech?
Find a great auto technician to mentor you. Shadow them in the field. Choose a great learning center to advance your knowledge and skill set. Most of all, don’t let anyone keep you from pursuing your dream. Being educated, equipped and empowered makes you essential and unstoppable!
What has been the highlight of your automotive career so far?
The fact that my journeyman has gained more and more trust in my ability to handle big and small jobs alone while he observes me applying new knowledge and skills to a repair job. When someone has faith in your ability to complete a task, it boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
What motivates you?
My four granddaughters motivate me to keep learning and pursuing my goals and interests. When I tell them they can do anything, I want to be a living embodiment of those words. "If Nana can do it, so can you!"
Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
I work for Ford Motor Company. I’m 54 years old with 30 years of service at the Cleveland Engine Plant. I’m currently an industrial truck mechanic apprentice.
What are your career goals?
To complete the Ford Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program and earn my journeypersons card. I plan to work an additional 11 years and then retire. I’d also like to mentor new apprentices interested in auto tech.
Why Tri-C?
Because of their partnership with Ford, and because it’s a great choice for advanced automotive technology training. Faculty and staff are what make Tri-C excellent. They’re compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable. They have a willful passion to help each student succeed and thrive in the field.
Cassie Hiner
Why did you decide to pursue a career in automotive technology?
I toured the Auto Tech program at Wayne County Career Center in my sophomore year of high school and fell in love with it. I did a summer internship at a local garage to make sure I liked it before starting classes in fall 2020. I graduated from the program in May 2022.
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a female in a male-dominated industry?
Judgmental customers, though there are very few of them — most love seeing a woman work on their car! Another one would be the anxiety I had going into it. I was scared that people would look down on me because I'm a girl.
What advice would you give other women interested in auto tech?
Do it! It’ll be a little scary at first, but it’s so worth it once you get into it. Keep your mind open as you learn. It’ll be difficult, but the reward is getting to put out quality work that you’re proud of. You may get frustrated sometimes, but completing that difficult job outweighs the frustration in the end.
What has been the highlight of your automotive career so far?
Earning all my entry-level ASE certifications while still in high school.
What motivates you?
Being the best I can be. I want to prove that just because it's a male-dominated field doesn't mean women can't join in the fun.
Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
I’ve worked at Pallotta Ford since April 2021. Prior to that, I completed an internship at Jim's Auto Center.
What are your career goals?
To host free community-based classes for people who want to learn about working on cars in a non-judgmental environment.
Why Tri-C?
I chose Tri-C for the Ford ASSET program. Tuition is affordable, and they work with you to make sure you have everything you'll need.
Raquel Krizan
Why did you decide to pursue a career in automotive technology?
It was the only career I really got invested in and that intrigued me. Vehicles and how they work have always captivated my attention, and I love taking things apart and putting them back together.
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a female in a male-dominated industry?
When males would tell me that I shouldn't be in this field or that it's not “a lady's profession.” I’d just tell myself not to take their words to heart, because they have no say in what I want to pursue or love doing.
What advice would you give other women interested in auto tech?
Don't let others dissuade you from going for it. If you really want it, push yourself and block out all the negativity from others. In the end, it's all for you — nobody else. Don’t let someone stop you from doing what you really want.
What has been the highlight of your automotive career so far?
I love the automotive industry because you can choose to work in different fields. You could work at a parts store, be a mechanic, or work at a dealership or a small family-owned shop. It gives you options. You're also always learning. Things are always changing, and you're always growing. You never get bored!
What motivates you?
Knowing that my career can challenge me in so many ways keeps me pushing myself forward to succeed. I want to learn about vehicles and how to fix and rebuild them. I’ll never run out of options for where to go in this career, because vehicles will always be around.
Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
I’m coming up on my second year with AutoZone, and I worked as a tech for Walmart prior to that.
What are your career goals?
I hope to work in a shop (or multiple shops) to see where my interest really is. I’m also not afraid to branch out and try other careers, such as diesel or even race cars. Hopefully I can own my own shop someday.
Why Tri-C?
Tri-C has a great automotive program for many different types of people. You could get a degree or a certificate, and they even have a Ford program. They also have some great professors who care and make classes fun.
Alex Soltis
Why did you decide to pursue a career in automotive technology?
Because I enjoy working on cars!
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a female in a male-dominated industry?
I haven’t really encountered any. I let my work speak for itself. Nobody has ever made a big deal about me being a female technician.
What advice would you give other women interested in auto tech?
Just do it. If you have an interest in it, then go for it. There’s no reason you can’t or shouldn’t.
What has been the highlight of your automotive career so far?
The Ford ASSET program at Tri-C. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained have been invaluable in starting and growing my career as a technician. I’m working toward a degree while gaining real-life experience at a dealership and earning Ford certifications.
What motivates you?
My desire to learn and be as proficient as I can in the career I’ve chosen. I’ve come such a long way, but I still have a lot to learn — and that, to me, is very exciting.
Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
I’ve worked for Mike Bass Ford for the last two years.
What are your career goals?
I’d like to become a Ford-certified Master Technician and, after gaining more knowledge and experience, mentor others who want to learn. To me, knowledge is most valuable when it can be applied and shared.
Why Tri-C?
I chose Tri-C specifically for the Ford ASSET program. It had exactly what I was looking for in terms of education and career development opportunities.
Natalia Torres
Why did you decide to pursue a career in automotive technology?
I knew at a young age that I was going to work with cars. My family members are all gearheads too, so it was only natural I’d become part of the automotive world.
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a female in a male-dominated industry?
Not only am I a woman, but I'm a woman with a disability. Having to work twice as hard is an understatement. I fight to feel heard, and I fight to be treated fairly. Every day is a fight — but I've never lost a single one! Speaking up and standing up for yourself is something you'll never regret. When you want something, you can’t give up. I’m also really stubborn, so that helps.
What advice would you give other women interested in auto tech?
Do it — please, please, please do it. We need you! Put your “blinders” on and keep your head high. Ignore the misogyny you encounter and keep in mind why you're in auto tech. Only you can get in the way of your success.
What has been the highlight of your automotive career so far?
I was one of the few students in my class at Polaris Career Center to disassemble and reassemble an entire engine alone. I’m just happy to be back in the garage after my diagnosis. Everyone told me not to continue, but I know what I want. I love proving people wrong.
What motivates you?
Loud noises. I get chills every time I hear a V-8 rumble or a turbo wind up. I want to build my own project car and learn how to drive it to the max. I also love seeing people's faces when I tell them what I do.
Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
Being disabled, I’ve been passed over a lot by employers. I have to be confident in myself and stay patient — the right job will come.
What are your career goals?
I have many. I’d love to run a shop, but I’d also love to teach. I can’t limit myself. I’m still young and have a whole life ahead of me, so I'm keeping an open mind. I’m here to learn all that I can!
Why Tri-C?
I’ll admit that it wasn't my first option. I was accepted to the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, but it wasn’t nearly as accessible as Tri-C. Here, I get to go at my own pace and have a lot of support. The staff has been beyond welcoming. Shout-out to Dr. G., Russ and Nanci — they helped me hit the ground running!