2024 SHEro AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lyn St. James Nominated Holly because:
Holly Cain is one of the most respected motorsports journalists and has been a friend for many years. Over the years we’ve collaborated on many things related to the sport we love. As often happens, we aren’t always aware of the personal challenges someone in our circle of contacts is going through. Over the last few years Holly has faced some significant challenges (cancer, serious injury to one of her children, and divorce) yet has continued to carry on with the grace, grit and integrity that are authentically who she is. She hasn’t missed a beat, and I believe represents her profession and her gender with the highest degree of professionalism and humanity. She’s my SHEro!
Bob Dickson Nominated Alba because:
Alba has been an inspiration, mentor and guiding light for women and minorities seeking opportunities in motorsports throughout her career. At Hendrick, she has been its NASCAR Cup Program Manager for nearly 30 years; is in her 24th year as GM Program Manager for NASCAR Cup Series; and serves as Hendrick’s Director of Technical Partnerships. She has been the recipient of the Rodica Baranescu Award from SAE International and the Kate Gleason Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Foundation. She sits on the board of directors for STEAM Sports Foundation, which provides scholarships to female minorities seeking engineering careers in motorsports. She is the chairman for SAE Carolinas and volunteers to judge Formula SAE competitions. She is also actively involved in SHPE.
Tom Deery Nominated Cristina because:
Cristina is a thoughtful industry professional that has mentored, encouraged and supported young women as they navigate the world of dirt track racing.
Kristin Labonte Nominated Mary Jo because:
Mary Jo leaves no stone unturned. She is constantly creating new opportunities and bring new ideas to the table in her current role at the American Legion. Leveraging a partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing and her long-standing relationship with Indycar, she played a major role in modernizing the American Legion brand. She is an inspiring teammate to those around her, and takes great pride in glorifying those who have served our country. Mary Jo has spent literally her entire life in racing, yet she never rests on her laurels. She is smart, creative, and intuitive and pushes herself to be the very best she can every day. Mary Jo worked with us (Breaking Limits) during one of the toughest times to be in the event business: Covid. Although I was her boss, I also learned from Mary Jo that year; her infectious humor often kept the mood light (as it could be) as we navigated uncharted territory together, and she played a critical role in us executing 100% of client events that year! She never gave up, even when times were tough. Mary Jo is also a wonderful and dedicated Mother of three boys and a wife to Bobby. Somehow she manages it all. Mary Jo is loyal, kind, and a great role model for us all.
Jody Seidler Nominated Gail because:
Gail has spent a lifetime in Motorsports for more than 50 years. After getting married to her High School sweetheart Mike Gaborsky he convinced her that the money from the wedding would be perfect to buy a dirt bike and so it started. She got a job at a local Yamaha dealer as a parts department manager. Shortly after Mike and Gayle started selling some basic parts out of their van at the local MX track and the Torque Center was born. For thirty five years they built the business to become the largest motocross accessory shop in the country selling more Bell helmets and JT Racing and Moto X Fox than anyone else in the country. From five days a week in the retail store to packing up and settling up at the track on weekends, it was a way of life. Now she heads up Speed Seat Factory and for the past 13 years she has been my partner in building the best and gold standard in custom molded race car seats. With the endless hours and commitment to making each seat as perfect as it can be. She has a eagle eye for detail with a art background and a influential engineer as a Dad she is truly a expert in her field. She works countless hours seven days a week and bar none one of the hardest women in Motorsports. With never missing a deadline and doing whatever it takes to get it done attitude. She is selfless and puts everyone else first and is committed to her values and is the core of our success! He heart is as big as they come and she has a infectious personality and is very generous to her friends and family and customers. I am thrilled and excited and especially honored to nominate my soul mate , best friend and business partner Gayle Gaborsky for this prestigious award! Thank you for recognizing women who have put in countless hours and have devoted their lives to Motorsports. She is also a SCCA Formula Continental Central Division Champion!
Anna Lowman Nominated Audrey because:
Since 2021, Audrey has served as the executive champion for AdventHealth’s NASCAR-related partnerships including teams and tracks across the country. Under her leadership, AdventHealth has led the charge in creating programs that directly impact women working in NASCAR and attending races. In 2023, AdventHealth sponsored Hailie Deegan with a special “Women in NASCAR” paint scheme during Women’s History Month featuring the names of the 6,000 women working in NASCAR. In addition, Audrey advocated for women’s nursing rooms to be added at Daytona International Speedway, and in 2024, the two organizations unveiled five dedicated Mothers’ Nursing Rooms. A first of its kind within racing, these rooms provide breastfeeding mothers with a private, clean space and are designed to make the track more inclusive for fans and industry members. As a female CEO, Audrey recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for women to grow and thrive, and her support of the WIMNA partnership is another example of her commitment to the cause. In her role as Executive Vice President and CEO for the AdventHealth East Florida Division, Audrey oversees the strategic development and execution of key initiatives for the area’s largest hospital system, encompassing a growing network of care and seven hospitals across Flagler, Lake, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia counties.
While Audrey’s main job is running hospitals, she has taken a genuine interest in mentoring me and identifying meaningful partnerships in motorsports that not only amplify the AdventHealth brand but help to evolve the sport and make it more inclusive.
Robert Bosworth Nominated Angela because:
Angela has spent her career learning from the top leaders in the NASCAR organization beginning in 2003 as the Executive Assistant for the Chief Financial Officer. Throughout her career, Angela has learned the business workings of a premier sanctioning body in automobile racing. Angela’s experience spans budget, finance and investing leading allowing her keen insight into the business side of racing. Angela moved in 2014 to work as the Executive Assistant for the President of Kansas Motor Speedway only to return in December of 2016 when she was hired as a Member Services Coordinator with the International Motorsport Association (IMSA). In 2020, Angela was selected to oversee Member Services. Angela serves as the Managing Director of Member Services with the distinction of being the first woman to reach this leadership position. Angela exemplifies the importance of teamwork and has built a progressive, customer-responsive department. Her leadership and team building has allowed IMSA to boast the first paperless registration & credentialing system in auto racing for drivers, owners and credential holders (staff and guests). This allows the application process for credentials, entrant and driver applications, driver medicals, etc. to be easier and faster using electronic applications instead of paper. Albeit not as flashy as winning a race, Angela’s contributions to IMSA are best realized in the ease and calm afforded thousands of people who use a computer or smart phone to accomplish the most underappreciated of tasks in racing – administrative requirements.
Darrell LeBlanc Nominated Kim because:
Kim has been supporting and servicing motorsports for decades. Licensed Starter, Turn Marshal, Pace Car Driver, Board Member of multiple racing organizations, as well as corner worker director/registrar for all three US F1 Grand Prix races and MotoGP at COTA. A tireless worker who loves the sport and leads by example.
AdventHealth Nominated Lindsey because:
Lindsey Londono, the nursing manager of the two AdventHealth Care Centers and nine first aid stations at Daytona International Speedway, has led the clinical operations of the care centers for nine years. Her work ensures that NASCAR’s marquee events, along with the number of other annual events at the Speedway, run smoothly. Under her leadership, the AdventHealth Care Centers treat over 5,000 patients each year, free of charge, making quality health care accessible to the community during race weekends and beyond.
Stacy Lovell Nominated Mia because:
Mia is a 17 year old fierce, humble, and passionate for anything on wheels. She loves racing anything. She came into TS racing at 14 and quickly started competing at 15. She won highest finishing female at the first Toyota GR Cup and even earned top 19 spots. She also competed in legends races in Las Vegas and secured a 1st. She is in the middle of her 2nd season with GR cup and has won 2 highest female awards and two top 10 spots. She does this with Grace, humility and being a full-time student in person at the top-rated school in Arizona maintaining straight A’s. She loves learning any thing race cars and studying data to improve. She is a true team player and role model for girls and woman!
Cristina Padilla Nominated Vicky because:
We enthusiastically nominate Vicky Martinez Muela for the WIMNA SHEro Award. Vicky is the President and Founder of Path to the Pits, a non-profit organization whose mission is to pave the way for bright and aspiring individuals in motorsport.
During a chance meeting with Arrow McLaren’s Director of Partnerships in April 2022, Vicky pitched the idea of Path to the Pits. At the time, Vicky was a committed elected city council member for her hometown of El Monte, California, and substitute teaching. She was initially inspired by seeing a female pit crew leader in action! Identifying both a gap and an opportunity led Vicky to present an ambitious idea that day.
Vicky proposed the creation of a program that would bring new faces to the industry, as both fans and teams crew. She described a program that would inspire a new generation, beyond the traditional motorsports fan. Vicky wanted young people, particularly women and folks from underrepresented communities, to have impactful and educational opportunities on-track. From this conversation Path to the Pits was created.
The 2023 season saw the Path to the Pit’s first full year in operation. The non-profit hosted participants at 6 trackside events, where they gained behind-the-scenes access, met with Arrow McLaren team members from across all departments, engaged in professional development exercises and enjoyed the energy of watching on-track events. Of the 450+ Path to the Pits participants, 87% came from underrepresented communities including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or military personnel.
Tony Parella Nominated Kim because:
Kim has made a huge impact on Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) and made a huge impact to drive diversity across motorsports. Kim was hired as the Chief Marketing Officer of PMH. In her first year we have seen huge growth in our gate sales at all of our events. Our Social Media numbers have almost doubled in the past year and Kim has driven several successful marketing initiatives to elevate our business. Kim is a highly respected executive in and outside of our company. Kim also is the leader of the PMH diversity scholarship program. Thanks to Kim’s efforts, PMH has awarded 14 driver 2024 season scholarships to advance diversity across all of our racing platforms. Finally, Kim is a judge at the Pebble Beach Concours as well as a participant. Kim is truly a SHERO for PMH and also for motorsports in general. Thank you for your consideration.
Matt Moore Nominated Mia because:
Mia is an all-around Renaissance Woman – devoted wife and mother of two, in addition to serving as the Technology Curriculum Specialist at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, Maryland. For sport, Mia races Porsches on American road circuits and is the Membership Director for the Porsche Club of America. Mia is deserving of recognition for tireless advocacy for all women in racing, especially: Women in Motorsports North America – Women with Drive – Porsche Club of America – Shift Up Now, and many side passion projects. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm fill every encounter, you can’t leave her presence without a boost to your day.
Lauren Belk Nominated Sydney because:
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB voted for Sydney Price to be nominated because she is leading the way for women in engineering and motorsports.
Sydney Prince is a trailblazer for women in the world of not only NASCAR, but motorsports. She graduated from UNCC in 2022 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. A racer herself, she earned the name “Smoke Jr.” after Tony Stewart. She interned with Spire Motorsports and upon graduation, she joined Petty GMS and was then promoted to engineer on the No. 24 Craftsman Truck team with Rajah Caruth. In 2024, she was then moved up to be on Jimmie Johnson’s part-time team – the No. 84 as a second engineer. Her determination and willingness to be successful and a team player is inspiring to not only women, but to everyone around her. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is proud that Sydney calls the CLUB her home and we are all supporting her and can’t wait to see how she changes the landscape of motorsports.
Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR Nominated Rachel because:
Rachel Reile, Manager of Venue Operations at Daytona International Speedway – with the team for almost 2 years. Has been a behind-the-scenes player that is an unsung hero to our success. From an Operations standpoint, she helped lead the installation of Mothers’ Nursing Rooms at Daytona International Speedway and continues to help get the facility into working order for every event that takes place at the Speedway, big or small.
Lime Rock Park Nominated Emily because:
Emily Riess is Director of Events & Experience at Lime Rock Park, having been twice promoted internally into this leadership role. These promotions were exceptionally well-deserved as Emily has consistently driven and delivered results over her three + years working at Lime Rock Park. Emily always prioritizes patrons’ needs and expectations and works tirelessly with a “can do anything and everything” attitude to make it happen. No job is too big or too small for Emily, as they all contribute to what makes Lime Rock Park special. The results of Emily’s work have made her an indispensable element of the Park’s positioning to all of its partners, as it seeks to be the home away from home for all participants and attendees at major public-facing events, community & philanthropic efforts, and as an Ambassador of Good. Emily truly embodies the spirit of Lime Rock Park’s mission to be a “Timeless Destination of Motoring Experiences Beyond the Expected.”
Brian Grumbach Nominated Brielle because:
An outstanding woman who has gone above and beyond in her career in motorsports is Brielle Stern. Brielle is a mature young lady of 14 years old who has lofty goals of achieving greatness in motorsports. Her current goal is to be not just the top woman driver, but the winningest of all drivers in the 410 sprint cars in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. For such a young driver, she has a deep love, dedication, and passion for her craft that motivates her to work toward her goals every day. Even her choice in education is directed towards improving her understanding of racing by applying for vocational school in the areas of metal machining and engineering. Brielle not only works at her driving skills by seeking as much guidance and direction as possible, but she also is dedicated to the other aspects of motorsports that most her age struggle with. For example, she is able to run her social media while promoting her sponsors and interacting with fans. In addition, she is diligent in finding ways to finance her dreams and continuously seeks sponsorship. Brielle Stern works on her own car alongside her crew so she knows her machine inside and out. She also prepares her own body for the physical demands of racing by working out in a gym with a trainer. Brielle is not a selfish driver either. She takes time at the track to help other drivers, has many younger fans of both genders that she takes time to talk to, take pictures with, and encourage in his/her own driving careers. She is a SHEro for all of these reasons and much more.
Lauri Eberhart Nominated Jeanie because:
Jeanie has been an outstanding professional marketing executive in our sport for over 25 years. She has worked diligently through many significant management charges at Laguna Seca Raceway and she holds a senior leadership position in the organization as its Director of Marketing. Jeanie is dedicated to her craft as a true marketing professional, as she has continued to evolve as a marketing professional as marketing tactics change almost daily.
Rebecca Vollmann Nominated Paris because:
Paris is a fantastic example of someone who is able to bridge the gap between technical prowess in engineering and masterful artistry in marketing. As an associate editor for Grassroots Motorsports, she shares stories that educate and inspire, providing a unique perspective targeted at younger audiences to usher in the next generation of motorsports fans. In her free time, she serves as the director of communications for SAE Florida, a volunteer role where she manages web and social media presence to engage with the section audience and grow industry partnerships, positioning her home state of Florida as a mobility hub, highlighting the state as an amalgamation of motorsports, from cars to planes. She has a powerful voice in public relations for herself, evident in her work, volunteerism, and her own marketing company, with unparalleled storytelling ability.
DR. JULIA VAIZER
Methodist Hospital, IndyCar
Tegan Turner Nominated Julia because:
When I saw this award, I immediately thought of Dr. Vaizer. The first graduate of the Indianapolis Motorsports Medicine Fellowship and now medical chief/first woman in this role for IndyCar, in an early career she has already given women in motorsports a significant role model to follow. For myself, she has been a mentor now for 3 years – she goes above and beyond answering questions to building opportunities, experiences, recommending projects and assisting in networking to build a potential career I initially never thought possible but dreamed of. She has allowed me to join her in Indianapolis on multiple occasions and consistently embraces me as part of the team. Beyond that, she mentors as an empathic leader and proves that being yourself is the best way to succeed in your goals. Having a female figure like her in a position like medical chief, so early on her in her career, is inspiring for all women with goals of careers in motorsports. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done to inspire me (and continue to inspire me) in medicine and her continued mentorship and friendship. She would be absolutely deserving of such an award.
Paris Van Gorder Nominated Rebecca because:
It’s been my pleasure to work with Rebecca for the past couple of years through the Society of Automotive Engineers. She has been a light to the community of students not only within the state of Florida (her presiding territory) but beyond for students all over the U.S and Canada, connecting them to career opportunities in all fields of mobility, from automotive to aerospace, and motorsports to marine. When she isn’t tirelessly volunteering her time for SAE, she is working for ABB, the title sponsor for the Formula E race series, in the E-mobility business unit, using her engineering skills and business prowess to build out our nation’s EV charger network. Overall, Rebecca is well-deserving of this award because she is my hero and I think the many of those who she’s inspired would agree.
Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR Nominated Jennifer because:
Senior Director of Operations at DIS. Almost a 20 year employee that has involvement in just about every event at DIS. She is a behind-the-scenes person that has worked on all AdventHealth signage at the facility and helped coordinate the operational logistics for a majority of AdventHealth’s “Special Events” held at the track during non-major event time.