Patrice Banks is Shaking Up the Auto Industry by Empowering Women Mechanics

In the US, women impact up to 85% of car purchases yet make up less than 2% of mechanics and auto technicians. Patrice Banks is set to change that.

Banks, a former "auto airhead," founded Girls Auto Clinic to create a supportive space for women to learn how to enter the male-dominated automotive industry. Through different workshops and classes, Banks helps women to overcome intimidation and stigmas surrounding car maintenance. In order to get rid of the manipulation and discrimination women face during auto repair, Banks encourages women to become knowledgeable.
Banks explains why she became a certified mechanic at TEDxWilmington:



"I couldn't find a female mechanic, so I became one," says Banks in her TED Talk.

Check out the Girls Auto Clinic Facebook page for updates!

Joneka Percentie is a rising junior studying Mass Media Communications, Africana Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies at UNC Charlotte. When she’s not working with SPARK Movement, or tweeting @jpercentie, she enjoys singing, reading, and sleeping. Email her at joneka.percentie@forharriet.com

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