passion, with a goal to develop a well-rounded community of women to encourage, educate, assist and create a positive impact for the women of tomorrow. Their website offers a multitude of resources that will continue to grow, but the biggest thing they offer is something that cannot be found on Google: The support system and references from members makes the most impact. For example, if there is a girl looking into different schools, the members will coach them on what to look for and give first-hand insight on what schooling will be like.
opportunities than challenges for women in the industry. People’s way of thinking is evolving and the more we move forward in the industry, the less of a topic of interest it will become; it will be the norm, and the world will be onto something else.” In everything that she does in her job and projects at home, Victoria strives to help other women achieve their goals within the industry — to be the push that helps them on a bad day and to help direct them to their future; this is how the International Women’s Automotive Society was formed. The International Women’s Automotive Society was officially established in 2014 (informally since 2013). It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization driven by 14 GIRLS N’ GARAGES JUNE 2016
“We work in three countries, so it’s difficult to get everyone in the same place at the same time,” she said. There is a promising future waiting for the International Women’s Automotive Society and its members. Plans include arranging school seminars to talk to kids and show girls how fun the industry is. Nowadays, finding a good technician is not easy, so
the growing passions of young minds and giving them the tools they need in the industry to take it to the next level will help the industry as a whole. As Victoria reminds us all, “Let’s face it, the younger generations will be the ones creating the Hellcats and Mustangs of the future that we will be driving when we can actually afford them!”
“It’s a family with the most incredible support system I have ever seen, because let’s face it, girls aren’t always the nicest,” Victoria said, “I think the best part of our organization is seeing the girls interact and their enthusiasm for helping each other succeed within the industry.” The organization has hosted several educational events that highlight many different areas within the industry. “Truthfully, a success for me is to be able to help a female looking to start her career by giving her the support, resources, and advice she needs,” Victoria said. Often, the organization is able to match a girl up with a mentor to share in the experience by helping with any struggles and celebrating successes.
To learn more about the International Women’s Automotive Society, visit their web page: http://www.womenofautomotive.com/
According to Victoria, the biggest challenge is working worldwide. JUNE 2016 GIRLS N’ GARAGES 15