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Sabrina Mendoza

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Computer Science
  • List
  • Cars and Automotive Engineering

Bio

Receiving a scholarship would allow me to continue focusing on my education and developing the skills I need to succeed in the automotive industry. My goal is not only to become a skilled transmission technician, but also to open a shop that creates opportunities for other women who are just beginning in this career. I want to prove that women belong in every part of the automotive industry and help build a future where young girls who share this passion are encouraged to chase their dreams. The city I live in does not have an all-female automotive shop and I hope to become the first to build one.

Education

Other Schools

High School

2026 – 2026

St Philip's College

Associate's degree program

2025 – 2027

Majors:
  • Engineering Mechanics

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Associate's degree program
Majors of interest:
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • manager

    Restaurants · whataburger

    Jan 2009 – Jan 2016

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Automotive
Work experience:
10+ years
Has nursing license:
No
Tinkerer’s Path Scholarship
I’ve always been the type of person who looks at something old and broken and doesn’t just see what it is, but what it could become. One of the projects I’m most passionate about is taking a 1980’s square body chevy and preserving its classic exterior while completely transforming the inside into a modern 2026 experience. I want the outside to tell a story of history and toughness, while the inside reflects innovation, comfort and technology. That means updating the wiring, adding modern electronics, installing AC system, and creating a space that feels like brand-new car hidden on the inside. To me, this project is more than just a build, it represents how I approach problem solving. I don’t believe in choosing between old and new. I believe in combining them. Instead of replacing something just because it’s outdated, I ask how it can be improved, upgraded and given new life. This mindset pushes me to think creatively and not settle for standard solutions. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to design something better. Another idea I am excited about is creating a rat-rod with the same new innovations. I also am contemplating the idea of installing a hellcat engine in a Chrysler pacifica. It sounds crazy to some people, but to me it’s a perfect example of thinking outside the box. A minivan is seen as practical and ordinary, but with the right vision, it can become something powerful and unexpected. The project represents my willingness to challenge assumptions and push limits, both in mechanics and in life. As an automotive student, I’m constantly learning and growing through hands-on experience. I enjoy the process of figuring things out, whether it’s diagnostics or building something from the ground up. My curiosity pushes me to keep improving and never settling for average. My goal is to use this mindset to make a positive impact on the automotive industry. I want to create a space for women to feel safe and comfortable. I want a shop that is run by women and owned by a woman. I want to show that you don’t have to follow a traditional path to succeed. You can take something old and broken, rebuild it and bring it to life. These projects reflect who I am: creative, determined, and always thinking ahead. I don’t want to just fix things; I want to transform them and inspire others to see what’s possible.
Sabrina Mendoza Student Profile | Bold.org