Where did you go to learn about auto technology?
I had never so much as touched the hood of a car before I came to Skyline. I learned everything I know here.
What did you do before beginning your automotive career?
I earned a BA in International Relations from SFSU in 1995 and worked in a variety of different industries – International Trade, civil rights advocacy, several non-profits, I had my own dog walking business. I was a certified Personal Trainer at a gym for a few years and did a long stretch as a stay-at-home-mom.
What made you decided to pursue automotive technology?
I have always been interested in cars, but I was too intimidated to learn more when I was younger. My attempts at learning on the driveway with friends or family usually resulted in me handing tools to someone under the car and not knowing what they were doing with those tools. I put my interest in cars aside for many years and didn’t think about it again until a Skyline class schedule appeared in my mailbox one day. I tried the “Automotive Principles” class and discovered that a) it was not that hard and b) I enjoyed it! I took that class twice and decided that I wanted to apply to the program.
Were you the only female in your classes?
I was almost always the only female in my classes. I felt like the new kid in school for a while, but despite the fact that I’m female and almost 20 years older than my classmates, I was able to make friends. I came into the classes with the attitude that I was here to learn. I quickly found out that my classmates didn’t know any more than I did and that put us on the same plane.
I also discovered that being a female in a male-dominated industry can be an advantage! I applied for and won 9 scholarships while I was in school and attracted a lot of attention from the local employers who were eager to hire me right out of school.
What was your career path?
I worked in an independent repair shop and for the State of California in the Smog Referee program. I was giving seminars to women and girls after my first semester and I started teaching weekend classes for women my second year in school. 2 months after I graduated from the Auto Tech program, I was hired by the Auto Department at Skyline to teach the Fundamentals class. Since then, I’ve added several new classes and begun writing grants and recruiting for the department.
What certifications, licenses or special training do you have?
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in Engine Repair (A1), Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3), Suspension and Steering (A4), Brakes (A5), Automotive Electrical Systems (A6) , Engine Performance (A8)and California Enhanced Area Smog License
What advice would you give to women interested in an automotive career?
Is there anything that you are especially proud of accomplishing in this field?
Yeah, here’s a few:
