“It is so easy, even she can use it.” I was recently told this by a well-known motorsports parts owner when he was telling my colleagues and I about the OBD-II tuner he invented. I was the only she in the room, and the only trained mechanic. This is what it is like to be a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry, and my goal is to prevent that for the next generation. I was 6 weeks old when I sat in my first Super Comp Dragster, 3 years old when I was wearing a tool belt and plastic heels to go to Kragen Auto Parts, 6 years old when I was interviewed on ESPN with Erica Enders, and you get the idea; I love motorsports and cars. Although I was raised around cars and racing my whole life, I never thought I could have an opportunity in the space. That is until I saw a movie, Fastest Women on Earth, the documentary about Jessi Combs, then everything changed. My whole family watched the movie together, and I asked my parents, “Could I do this, professionally?” and they said if anyone can do it, it is going to be me. Eight weeks later I took my first welding course and registered for two AAs in Automotive Technology degrees. Now I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Weber State University. My goal is to be a Top Fuel Mechanic, and I have interned for Team Napa/ Ron Capps Motorsports working on his Toyota Supra Funny Car focusing on tire and body. I also got to shadow the other crew members and got to disassemble the clutch and flywheels after runs, built racks at night, and pushed the car to the starting line. My plan was to move to Brownsburg, Indiana to work full time on dragsters, but I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. The NHRA reached out to me in regard to a sponsorship position, now I am not a salesperson, but I always dreamed of working in racing. Working with NHRA is so much more than working with one of the largest motorsports properties in the world, I get to help shape racing for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see that. I help host and teach free workshoppes with Real Deal Revolution; founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras, and I was recently elected second chair (wo)man of the American Welding Society - Long Beach/Orange County Chapter. Our chairman was one of my welding professors and SHE is pretty incredible as well. This scholarship helps not only me to complete my degree, but also to invest into tools for the workshops I teach, and the educational content I create online. Help me, help others by showing “it is so easy she can do it to.”

“It is so easy, even she can use it.” I was recently told this by a well-known motorsports parts owner when he was telling my colleagues and I about the OBD-II tuner he invented. I was the only she in the room, and the only trained mechanic. This is what it is like to be a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry, and my goal is to prevent that for the next generation. I was 6 weeks old when I sat in my first Super Comp Dragster, 3 years old when I was wearing a tool belt and plastic heels to go to Kragen Auto Parts, 6 years old when I was interviewed on ESPN with Erica Enders, and you get the idea; I love motorsports and cars. Although I was raised around cars and racing my whole life, I never thought I could have an opportunity in the space. That is until I saw a movie, Fastest Women on Earth, the documentary about Jessi Combs, then everything changed. My whole family watched the movie together, and I asked my parents, “Could I do this, professionally?” and they said if anyone can do it, it is going to be me. Eight weeks later I took my first welding course and registered for two AAs in Automotive Technology degrees. Now I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Weber State University. My goal is to be a Top Fuel Mechanic, and I have interned for Team Napa/ Ron Capps Motorsports working on his Toyota Supra Funny Car focusing on tire and body. I also got to shadow the other crew members and got to disassemble the clutch and flywheels after runs, built racks at night, and pushed the car to the starting line. My plan was to move to Brownsburg, Indiana to work full time on dragsters, but I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. The NHRA reached out to me in regard to a sponsorship position, now I am not a salesperson, but I always dreamed of working in racing. Working with NHRA is so much more than working with one of the largest motorsports properties in the world, I get to help shape racing for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see that. I help host and teach free workshoppes with Real Deal Revolution; founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras, and I was recently elected second chair (wo)man of the American Welding Society - Long Beach/Orange County Chapter. Our chairman was one of my welding professors and SHE is pretty incredible as well. This scholarship helps not only me to complete my degree, but also to invest into tools for the workshops I teach, and the educational content I create online. Help me, help others by showing “it is so easy she can do it to.”

“It is so easy, even SHE can use it.” By Isabel Tuman “It is so easy, even she can use it.” I was recently told this by a well-known motorsports parts owner when he was telling my colleagues and I about the OBD-II tuner he invented. I was the only she in the room, and the only trained mechanic. This is what it is like to be a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry, and my goal is to prevent that for the next generation. I was 6 weeks old when I sat in my first Super Comp Dragster, 3 years old when I was wearing a tool belt and plastic heels to go to Kragen Auto Parts, 6 years old when I was interviewed on ESPN with Erica Enders, and you get the idea; I love motorsports and cars. Although I was raised around cars and racing my whole life, I never thought I could have an opportunity in the space. That is until I saw a movie, Fastest Women on Earth, the documentary about Jessi Combs, then everything changed. My whole family watched the movie together, and I asked my parents, “Could I do this, professionally?” and they said if anyone can do it, it is going to be me. Eight weeks later I took my first welding course and registered for two AAs in Automotive Technology degrees. Now I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Weber State University. My goal is to be a Top Fuel Mechanic, and I have interned for Team Napa/ Ron Capps Motorsports working on his Toyota Supra Funny Car focusing on tire and body. I also got to shadow the other crew members and got to disassemble the clutch and flywheels after runs, built racks at night, and pushed the car to the starting line. My plan was to move to Brownsburg, Indiana to work full time on dragsters, but I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. The NHRA reached out to me in regard to a sponsorship position, now I am not a salesperson, but I always dreamed of working in racing. Working with NHRA is so much more than working with one of the largest motorsports properties in the world, I get to help shape racing for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see that. Since I am not full time working on vehicles, I am spending every last minute of my day creating, building, and fabricating. I recently bought a Ford Bronco Heritage; I am completing long travel for my Senior Capstone project to show students what other opportunities they have in the automotive space. I also help host and teach free workshoppes with Real Deal Revolution; founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras, and I was recently elected second chair (wo)man of the American Welding Society - Long Beach/Orange County Chapter. Our chairman was one of my welding professors and SHE is pretty incredible as well. This scholarship helps not only me to complete my degree, but also to invest into tools for the workshops I teach, and the educational content I create online. Help me, help others by showing “it is so easy she can do it to.”

“It is so easy, even SHE can use it.” By Isabel Tuman “It is so easy, even she can use it.” I was recently told this by a well-known motorsports parts owner when he was telling my colleagues and I about the OBD-II tuner he invented. I was the only she in the room, and the only trained mechanic. This is what it is like to be a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry, and my goal is to prevent that for the next generation. I was 6 weeks old when I sat in my first Super Comp Dragster, 3 years old when I was wearing a tool belt and plastic heels to go to Kragen Auto Parts, 6 years old when I was interviewed on ESPN with Erica Enders, and you get the idea; I love motorsports and cars. Although I was raised around cars and racing my whole life, I never thought I could have an opportunity in the space. That is until I saw a movie, Fastest Women on Earth, the documentary about Jessi Combs, then everything changed. My whole family watched the movie together, and I asked my parents, “Could I do this, professionally?” and they said if anyone can do it, it is going to be me. Eight weeks later I took my first welding course and registered for two AAs in Automotive Technology degrees. Now I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Weber State University. My goal is to be a Top Fuel Mechanic, and I have interned for Team Napa/ Ron Capps Motorsports working on his Toyota Supra Funny Car focusing on tire and body. I also got to shadow the other crew members and got to disassemble the clutch and flywheels after runs, built racks at night, and pushed the car to the starting line. My plan was to move to Brownsburg, Indiana to work full time on dragsters, but I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. The NHRA reached out to me in regard to a sponsorship position, now I am not a salesperson, but I always dreamed of working in racing. Working with NHRA is so much more than working with one of the largest motorsports properties in the world, I get to help shape racing for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see that. Since I am not full time working on vehicles, I am spending every last minute of my day creating, building, and fabricating. I recently bought a Ford Bronco Heritage; I am completing long travel for my Senior Capstone project to show students what other opportunities they have in the automotive space. I also help host and teach free workshoppes with Real Deal Revolution; founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras, and I was recently elected second chair (wo)man of the American Welding Society - Long Beach/Orange County Chapter. Our chairman was one of my welding professors and SHE is pretty incredible as well. This scholarship helps not only me to complete my degree, but also to invest into tools for the workshops I teach, and the educational content I create online. Help me, help others by showing “it is so easy she can do it to.”

“It is so easy, even SHE can use it.” By Isabel Tuman “It is so easy, even she can use it.” I was recently told this by a well-known motorsports parts owner when he was telling my colleagues and I about the OBD-II tuner he invented. I was the only she in the room, and the only trained mechanic. This is what it is like to be a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry, and my goal is to prevent that for the next generation. I was 6 weeks old when I sat in my first Super Comp Dragster, 3 years old when I was wearing a tool belt and plastic heels to go to Kragen Auto Parts, 6 years old when I was interviewed on ESPN with Erica Enders, and you get the idea; I love motorsports and cars. Although I was raised around cars and racing my whole life, I never thought I could have an opportunity in the space. That is until I saw a movie, Fastest Women on Earth, the documentary about Jessi Combs, then everything changed. My whole family watched the movie together, and I asked my parents, “Could I do this, professionally?” and they said if anyone can do it, it is going to be me. Eight weeks later I took my first welding course and registered for two AAs in Automotive Technology degrees. Now I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Weber State University. My goal is to be a Top Fuel Mechanic, and I have interned for Team Napa/ Ron Capps Motorsports working on his Toyota Supra Funny Car focusing on tire and body. I also got to shadow the other crew members and got to disassemble the clutch and flywheels after runs, built racks at night, and pushed the car to the starting line. My plan was to move to Brownsburg, Indiana to work full time on dragsters, but I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime. The NHRA reached out to me in regard to a sponsorship position, now I am not a salesperson, but I always dreamed of working in racing. Working with NHRA is so much more than working with one of the largest motorsports properties in the world, I get to help shape racing for the next generation, and I cannot wait to see that. Since I am not full time working on vehicles, I am spending every last minute of my day creating, building, and fabricating. I recently bought a Ford Bronco Heritage; I am completing long travel for my Senior Capstone project to show students what other opportunities they have in the automotive space. I also help host and teach free workshoppes with Real Deal Revolution; founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras, and I was recently elected second chair (wo)man of the American Welding Society - Long Beach/Orange County Chapter. Our chairman was one of my welding professors and SHE is pretty incredible as well. This scholarship helps not only me to complete my degree, but also to invest into tools for the workshops I teach, and the educational content I create online. Help me, help others by showing “it is so easy she can do it to.”

My name is Isabel, I am going to be a senior in Fall 2026, and I am an automotive technology student. Serving my community is very important to me, and I have served in several different ways. I have done a few local beauty pageants that were part of Miss America and Miss USA organizations. These foundations have helped me get the tools I needed to serve my community. I have cooked breakfast at my local Ronald McDonald House, sold raffle tickets for the local concert in the park, donated funds to “Bradley’s House” in Long Beach, CA; and helped our local Kiwanis Club with their annual pancake breakfast. I have also served the automotive community on a much larger scale. I have travelled around the nation teaching free workshops at car shows, automotive trade shows, and more. My goal is to get tools in the next generations hands to help them find a love for the trades and motorsports. Growing up I never thought there would be an opportunity for me to join motorsports and foundations such as Real Deal Revolution, and The Jessi Combs foundation has taught me that. If I can help open the doors and make the entryway into the trades and motorsports more accessible, then I have achieved everything I have dreamed of. This scholarship will help me pay for next semesters tuition, so then I can keep gaining knowledge to share with the next generation. Accessibility to trade and shop classes has decreased in many areas, and being able to offer FREE workshops for a day allows young students to find a passion and a love. We have taught classes such as pin striping, welding, leatherwork, and much more. I cannot wait to see what I can teach after I complete this semester of automotive courses. As a girl I loved race cars, my father was always building them, and I was right next to him helping, but I never thought I could succeed as well. I want to show women the options they have for careers in motorsports including not sitting behind a desk. Women are just as capable to build cars, fabricate chassis, do bodywork and painting. Once we normalize women in the trades, we will be able to shrink the gap from the lack of people joining the trades. Help this girl, help out other little girls create their dreams in motorsports.

My goal is to inspire women to join the trades, specially automotive and motorsports. I was raised in the automotive industry but never felt there was a place or opportunity for me besides behind a desk. I then learned about Jessi Combs and everything she accomplished in her short time on earth. If I can make a quarter of the impact she did, my life goal is accomplished. My goals post graduation is to work in the world’s fastest motorsport. I want to work on Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars that are breaking world records weekend after weekend. I was an intern for Ron Capps Motorsports when NHRA was racing in Southern California at our local Pomona Winternationals. I worked tire and body but also learned how to disassemble the clutch, flywheel and built fresh blocks every night to prepare for racing the following day. I never felt so alive and at home ever in my life. Pushing the car onto the drag strip and running back into the tow vehicle while watching my hard work speed down towards the finish line is a feeling I will never forget, and I cannot wait to be able to feel that once again when I graduate. Once I accomplish those goals as a successful mechanic, I would like to work my way into a crew chief position and be one of the few female crew chiefs in NHRA history. Being able to have a platform that is recognized on national TV gives young girls and all children a goal to one day achieve. Although I was raised in the sport of drag racing, I was never taught how to get into the professional leagues, and I’d love to open the doors for the next generation. This scholarship will allow me to complete my degrees to go after these goals and make an impact. I love sharing my knowledge with the next generation and I do so by teaching workshops through nonprofits such as Real Deal Revolution. I have travelled around the nation volunteering my time teaching welding, suspension and many other workshops. Being able to focus my spare funds on that allows me to have to worry about paying my tuition. I want to carry on the legacy of Chip Miller and I will use my platform to do so. Please help me put tools in the next generations hands by funding my current degree.

My goal is to inspire women to join the trades, specially automotive and motorsports. I was raised in the automotive industry but never felt there was a place or opportunity for me besides behind a desk. I then learned about Jessi Combs and everything she accomplished in her short time on earth. If I can make a quarter of the impact she did, my life goal is accomplished. My goals post graduation is to work in the world’s fastest motorsport. I want to work on Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars that are breaking world records weekend after weekend. I was an intern for Ron Capps Motorsports when NHRA was racing in Southern California at our local Pomona Winternationals. I worked tire and body but also learned how to disassemble the clutch, flywheel and built fresh blocks every night to prepare for racing the following day. I never felt so alive and at home ever in my life. Pushing the car onto the drag strip and running back into the tow vehicle while watching my hard work speed down towards the finish line is a feeling I will never forget, and I cannot wait to be able to feel that once again when I graduate. Once I accomplish those goals as a successful mechanic, I would like to work my way into a crew chief position and be one of the few female crew chiefs in NHRA history. Being able to have a platform that is recognized on national TV gives young girls and all children a goal to one day achieve. Although I was raised in the sport of drag racing, I was never taught how to get into the professional leagues, and I’d love to open the doors for the next generation. This scholarship will allow me to complete my degrees to go after these goals and make an impact. I love sharing my knowledge with the next generation and I do so by teaching workshops through nonprofits such as Real Deal Revolution. I have travelled around the nation volunteering my time teaching welding, suspension and many other workshops. Being able to focus my spare funds on that allows me to have to worry about paying my tuition. I want to carry on the legacy of Chip Miller and I will use my platform to do so. Please help me put tools in the next generations hands by funding my current degree.

At just three months old I sat in the cockpit of a race car, at eight years old; I saw Top Alcohol Driver, Ashley Sanford sponsored by Gelish Nail Polish, at 15 years old; I saw Courtney Force, Top Fuel Funny Car Driver, had her car covered in Taylor Swifts Reputation album, now at 22 years old, I travel the nation teaching little girls how how to join motorsports and the trades. My entire life I wanted to be hands on in motorsports, but never knew how to dive in the deep end. I want the entry to the trades to become more accessible for women and girls, and I want to be the one who opens those doors. I was blessed to be raised by a father who was involved in racing his whole life, and he never once questioned whether his daughter could do it or not. In 2021 I had a client tell me about a movie, and after that my life changed. “Fastest Woman on Earth”, the Jessi Combs documentary. Jessi Combs broke the industry for so many women around the world, from being a star on Mythbusters to being the first female Grand Marshal at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, she taught me what women can and will do. In 2023 I attended the NHRA Pomona drag races as I do semi-annually with my father, later that evening he said to my mother “I’ve never seen anyone, man or woman, mechanic or not look at engine the way I do, except for Isabel.” This is when it hit me, I can build cars and race for a living, I can do my life long passion of automotive and inspire others to do the same. Jessi Combs, who I mentioned earlier, in 2014 co-founded a 501c3 non-profit, Real Deal Revolution with Theresa Contreras. Real Deal Revolution travels all over the nation attending car shows, motorcycle rally’s, car races, and so much more. Their mission is to put tools in peoples hands so they can try a new trade, they also like to emphasize women’s parts in the trades and motorsports. All of the workshops are taught by women who excel in their trades. Last year I reached out to Theresa Contreras and asked how I can help Real Deal Revolution. I attended the Belmont Car Show in Long Beach, CA with them and was able to assist passerby’s in learning pin striping and leather working workshops. I then was able to spend a week in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show, which is one of the largest automotive trades shows in the world. We taught pinstriping, leatherwork, carburetor rebuild, plastic welding, and automotive jewelry. I was able to see hundreds of women; either students, spouses or mechanics/builders try a new skill and excel at it as well! Unfortunately in 2019 Jessi Combs passed away breaking the world land speed record. Although she passed, she still broke the record at 522 MPH. This shattered the automotive industry, but thousands of people are still brought together due to her legacy. I always knew my mission on this planet is to make an impact, I never knew what it was until recently. My life’s purpose is to inspire others to build and create. I want to break boundaries and I want young girls to know they can as well. If I can leave half the impact Jessi did, my life is complete. I am willing to sacrifice as much as I can so women do not question their dreams, and are able to dive in and complete them.

At just three months old I sat in the cockpit of a race car, at eight years old; I saw Top Alcohol Driver, Ashley Sanford sponsored by Gelish Nail Polish, at 15 years old; I saw Courtney Force, Top Fuel Funny Car Driver, had her car covered in Taylor Swifts Reputation album, now at 22 years old, I travel the nation teaching little girls how how to join motorsports and the trades. My entire life I wanted to be hands on in motorsports, but never knew how to dive in the deep end. I want the entry to the trades to become more accessible for women and girls, and I want to be the one who opens those doors. I was blessed to be raised by a father who was involved in racing his whole life, and he never once questioned whether his daughter could do it or not. In 2021 I had a client tell me about a movie, and after that my life changed. “Fastest Woman on Earth”, the Jessi Combs documentary. Jessi Combs broke the industry for so many women around the world, from being a star on Mythbusters to being the first female Grand Marshal at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, she taught me what women can and will do. In 2023 I attended the NHRA Pomona drag races as I do semi-annually with my father, later that evening he said to my mother “I’ve never seen anyone, man or woman, mechanic or not look at engine the way I do, except for Isabel.” This is when it hit me, I can build cars and race for a living, I can do my life long passion of automotive and inspire others to do the same. Jessi Combs, who I mentioned earlier, in 2014 co-founded a 501c3 non-profit, Real Deal Revolution with Theresa Contreras. Real Deal Revolution travels all over the nation attending car shows, motorcycle rally’s, car races, and so much more. Their mission is to put tools in peoples hands so they can try a new trade, they also like to emphasize women’s parts in the trades and motorsports. All of the workshops are taught by women who excel in their trades. Last year I reached out to Theresa Contreras and asked how I can help Real Deal Revolution. I attended the Belmont Car Show in Long Beach, CA with them and was able to assist passerby’s in learning pin striping and leather working workshops. I then was able to spend a week in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show, which is one of the largest automotive trades shows in the world. We taught pinstriping, leatherwork, carburetor rebuild, plastic welding, and automotive jewelry. I was able to see hundreds of women; either students, spouses or mechanics/builders try a new skill and excel at it as well! Unfortunately in 2019 Jessi Combs passed away breaking the world land speed record. Although she passed, she still broke the record at 522 MPH. This shattered the automotive industry, but thousands of people are still brought together due to her legacy. I always knew my mission on this planet is to make an impact, I never knew what it was until recently. My life’s purpose is to inspire others to build and create. I want to break boundaries and I want young girls to know they can as well. If I can leave half the impact Jessi did, my life is complete. I am willing to sacrifice as much as I can so women do not question their dreams, and are able to dive in and complete them.

At just three months old I sat in the cockpit of a race car, at eight years old; I saw Top Alcohol Driver, Ashley Sanford sponsored by Gelish Nail Polish, at 15 years old; I saw Courtney Force, Top Fuel Funny Car Driver, had her car covered in Taylor Swifts Reputation album, now at 22 years old, I travel the nation teaching little girls how how to join motorsports and the trades. My entire life I wanted to be hands on in motorsports, but never knew how to dive in the deep end. I want the entry to the trades to become more accessible for women and girls, and I want to be the one who opens those doors. I was blessed to be raised by a father who was involved in racing his whole life, and he never once questioned whether his daughter could do it or not. In 2021 I had a client tell me about a movie, and after that my life changed. “Fastest Woman on Earth”, the Jessi Combs documentary. Jessi Combs broke the industry for so many women around the world, from being a star on Mythbusters to being the first female Grand Marshal at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, she taught me what women can and will do. In 2023 I attended the NHRA Pomona drag races as I do semi-annually with my father, later that evening he said to my mother “I’ve never seen anyone, man or woman, mechanic or not look at engine the way I do, except for Isabel.” This is when it hit me, I can build cars and race for a living, I can do my life long passion of automotive and inspire others to do the same. Jessi Combs, who I mentioned earlier, in 2014 co-founded a 501c3 non-profit, Real Deal Revolution with Theresa Contreras. Real Deal Revolution travels all over the nation attending car shows, motorcycle rally’s, car races, and so much more. Their mission is to put tools in peoples hands so they can try a new trade, they also like to emphasize women’s parts in the trades and motorsports. All of the workshops are taught by women who excel in their trades. Last year I reached out to Theresa Contreras and asked how I can help Real Deal Revolution. I attended the Belmont Car Show in Long Beach, CA with them and was able to assist passerby’s in learning pin striping and leather working workshops. I then was able to spend a week in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show, which is one of the largest automotive trades shows in the world. We taught pinstriping, leatherwork, carburetor rebuild, plastic welding, and automotive jewelry. I was able to see hundreds of women; either students, spouses or mechanics/builders try a new skill and excel at it as well! Unfortunately in 2019 Jessi Combs passed away breaking the world land speed record. Although she passed, she still broke the record at 522 MPH. This shattered the automotive industry, but thousands of people are still brought together due to her legacy. I always knew my mission on this planet is to make an impact, I never knew what it was until recently. My life’s purpose is to inspire others to build and create. I want to break boundaries and I want young girls to know they can as well. If I can leave half the impact Jessi did, my life is complete. I am willing to sacrifice as much as I can so women do not question their dreams, and are able to dive in and complete them.

DUI’s affect more than just the victim and their families. It affects the families of the suspect, the officer who came across the scene, and so many more. Unfortunately DUI’s are not taken seriously enough until it is too late. Many DUI accidents when there is a fatality involved is not from a first time offender. DUI check points are very useful, but cities tend to warn citizens of facebook or twitter prior in attempt to prevent drunk driving. The issue with these posts though, many drivers now avoid those checkpoints intentionally. Recently my father had a coworker who admitted to driving under the influence. My father was beyond livid, because the time he left the bar, was when I was leaving my night welding class, and we drove the same streets. My dad’s first thoughts was “my coworker put my daughter’s life in danger”. A strategy that often left an impact on me in high school was “Every 15 Minutes”. It was presented against Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and instilled in all of us high school students the effects of drunk driving. I have attached the link the video my school made in 2017 from my freshman year that I think about every time I go out with my friends. The car accident that was staged in the video took place in front of my school where everyone was able to watch paramedics and officers try to “save” our fellow students. When a student apply’s to participate in every 15 minutes they must not tell anyone, including family. When you are selected, and you “die” in the car accident, police officers from our local station tell your family you have been in an accident. You’re then in a hotel room not being able to contact friends and family to keep this as realistic as possible. At the end of the week our school hosted a mock funeral where the parents of the “deceased” students spoke about how it felt losing their children. As an automotive student, my whole life is surrounded by cars and driving. I have seen dozens of cars that have came in for repair due to DUI accidents, and there is a piece of me that struggles to work on them, because now it’s more than just a car. People were hurt or died on this car, and it is not my responsibility to put it back together, but I cannot put together the life that was lost due to one persons selfish decision.

At just three months old I sat in the cockpit of a race car, at eight years old; I saw Top Alcohol Driver, Ashley Sanford sponsored by Gelish Nail Polish, at 15 years old; I saw Courtney Force, Top Fuel Funny Car Driver, had her car covered in Taylor Swifts Reputation album, now at 22 years old, I travel the nation teaching little girls how how to join motorsports and the trades. My entire life I wanted to be hands on in motorsports, but never knew how to dive in the deep end. I want the entry to the trades to become more accessible for women and girls, and I want to be the one who opens those doors. I was blessed to be raised by a father who was involved in racing his whole life, and he never once questioned whether his daughter could do it or not. Growing up, I was always an outsider, I wore motorcycle jerseys, and rode BMX bikes to school with all of the neighborhood boys, and I struggled to make female relationships. In 2021 I had a client tell me about a movie, and after that my life changed. “Fastest Woman on Earth”, the Jessi Combs documentary. Jessi Combs broke the industry for so many women around the world, from being a star on Mythbusters to being the first female Grand Marshal at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, she taught me what women can and will do. In 2023 I attended the NHRA Pomona drag races as I do semi-annually with my father, later that evening he said to my mother “I’ve never seen anyone, man or woman, mechanic or not look at engines the way I do, except for Isabel.” This is when it hit me, I can build cars and race for a living, I can do my life long passion of automotive and inspire others to do the same. A few weeks later I enrolled in my first welding course at Orange Coast College. Jessi Combs, who I mentioned earlier, in 2014 co-founded a 501c3 non-profit, Real Deal Revolution with Theresa Contreras. Real Deal Revolution travels all over the nation attending car shows, motorcycle rally’s, car races, and so much more. Their mission is to put tools in peoples hands so they can try a new trade, they also like to emphasize women’s parts in the trades and motorsports. All of the workshops are taught by women who excel in their trades. Last year I reached out to Theresa Contreras and asked how I can help Real Deal Revolution. I attended the Belmont Car Show in Long Beach, CA with them and was able to assist passerby’s in learning pin striping and leather working workshops. I then was able to spend a week in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show, which is one of the largest automotive trades shows in the world. We taught pinstriping, leatherwork, carburetor rebuild, plastic welding, and automotive jewelry. I was able to see hundreds of women; either students, spouses or mechanics/builders try a new skill and excel at it as well! This Scholarship provides more than just education for me, it will allow me to share my knowledge with others and inspire the next generation of builders.