What you will learn:
• Many women of the automotive industry are not only equal in talent to their male counterparts, but they've also excelled beyond
• Pursuing one's passion takes conviction but if you follow through, you cannot be deterred
• Hard work and consistent training refine one's abilities and pushes them to the cutting edge of technology
“A woman, performing a man’s job...” It's embarrassing to even speak of that caveman mentality. However, learning to accept females in what used to typically be a male’s role, is not only commonplace. These mighty women of the automotive industry are outperforming many of their male counterparts.
I remember only back in 1999, I attended technical school for automotive technology with three females. All were equals to the males in our class. However, that was not the norm. Many women (even today) are looked at as “sub-par.” Some shops only hire a woman to perhaps meet a quota. It’s a shame because these women are sometimes looked at as being ones who couldn’t possibly understand what needs to be known, as automotive technicians. Many times, it’s their tinier stature. Sometimes, it’s the mentality that men are stronger than women and these females aren’t physically capable. Well, none of those characteristics have ever stopped any of the female techs/shop owners/industry leaders I’ve come to know.
Just recently, I was fortunate to teach a diagnostic class at the STX2022 event, put on by Worldpac Training Institute/Carquest Technical Institute. Shortly before class began, and the seats began to fill, in walks a tiny young woman. As she approached the front of the classroom, I offered her a seat in the front row. My goal in each class is to always make people laugh, so that offer came with a promise that I would challenge her, should she choose to take that seat. Her immediate response was, “Bring it on, Pal!”
This young lady’s name is Dannielle Vaclavik. I was impressed by her for multiple reasons. For one, she looked me in the eye and spoke loudly (and with conviction) as she was almost always the first to respond to my questions, in class.
Secondly, although she didn’t always have the answer I was looking for, after a quick explanation, she grasped the point and lesson I was attempting to make. The entire duration of the class captured her attention, and she was very interactive. For those of you fortunate enough to stand in front of a class, you likely can relate to that feeling, as it is the ultimate compliment.
During a brief 15-minute break, we introduced ourselves. Dannielle’s’ handshake was amongst the best I’ve encountered. In fact, I almost experienced a shoulder separation. During our few minutes of engaged conversation, I learned that not only is Dannielle only 26 years of age. She is both a technician and an extremely talented airbrush artist. As well as she excelled in class, it was only secondary to what her true passion is, and where her talent lies.
So, the next time you see a woman in our industry, I ask you to please consider how talented she may be. I mention this because the young lady I met (Dannielle) is not only keeping up with the men in her arena, but she has also far acceded many of them (in talent, knowledge, assertiveness, and physical strength).
