A Sacramento woman details her journey from homelessness to professional mechanic | Opinion

Working as a young woman in a male-dominated, blue-collar field can have more than its share of sexism. Try fixing cars.

It became my love at age 16.

The fascination with how cars worked and the thrill of driving captivated me. By 17, I managed to buy my first car, a 2004 Ford Mustang convertible. However, being homeless and lacking the funds to get it fixed, I had no choice but to learn how to work on it myself. This was the beginning of my journey into the world of mechanics.

With the help of YouTube videos and after countless hours spent researching on Internet forums, I began to understand the intricacies of car repair. I was homeless for about three years before I became a technician.

I taught myself everything I know. I didn’t attend any formal school for mechanics. Instead, I relied on self-study and hands-on experience.

Becoming a mechanic helped me out of homelessness. When I was working at my first dealership, my coworker noticed a clutter of clothes in my car while I was vacuuming it and asked me about my situation. Once he figured out that I was homeless, he let me stay on his couch until I saved up enough money to afford my own apartment at the age of 19.

Becoming a mechanic was the greatest thing I could’ve done for my life.

My first job in the automotive industry was as a detailer at a dealership. It wasn’t long before I moved my way into the shop, starting with cleaning duties. From there, I became an apprentice and then an assistant mechanic. Through hard work and determination, I eventually advanced to a technician, and then, finally, after five years working in the field, a master tech.

Over the years, I began to specialize in gasoline and diesel engine repair, as well as transmission and engine overhaul. I love to work on motorhomes and heavy-duty vehicles.

Being a woman, this job can occasionally be very physically demanding — especially when I’m working on heavy duty vehicles or replacing diesel turbos. Parts can weigh a lot, and, as a woman, I might not have as much physical strength as a man could genetically have. But I use my tools for leverage to be able to finish the job the right way.

I genuinely love my job, but the road to get to where I am now wasn’t easy.

I’ve heard comments like “Are you sure you can lift that? It’s heavy, and you’re a girl,” “mechanics are meant to be men, not women” and “why are you working a man’s job? You should be at home taking care of the house or kids.”

There were many nights when I felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities, but I reminded myself of my passion for cars and the joy I felt when I solved a complex mechanical problem. That kept me going.

Despite setbacks and challenges, I persevered. I was the first female to work in the shop at Sacramento’s Jaguar Land Rover during their 100th year anniversary. This milestone was a significant achievement not just for me, but for all women in the industry.

After working at Jaguar-Land Rover and then at Ford, I’m now at an independent shop called University Automotive. It’s the best place I’ve ever worked, and has won awards for being the best auto repair shop in Sacramento.

One of the most memorable moments in my career was when I successfully rebuilt an engine from scratch. It was a challenging project that tested my skills and patience, but the satisfaction of hearing that engine roar to life for the first time was indescribable — a testament to my hard work and dedication. This experience solidified my confidence in my abilities as a mechanic.

Another highlight was when I started mentoring other young women and men interested in mechanics. Seeing their enthusiasm and determination reminded me of my own journey and inspired me to continue pushing boundaries. I believe that by sharing my knowledge and experiences, I can help pave the way for more women to enter into and thrive in this male-dominated field.

I am so proud of how far I’ve come. From a homeless teenager with a broken-down car to a master mechanic, my journey has been anything but conventional. It has taught me the value of perseverance and self-reliance, and the importance of following one’s passion. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

I plan to open my own garage in Sacramento someday, where I can provide top-notch service and create a welcoming environment for my customers.

This story was originally published January 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.