Accident to Academics: Amy Bogner Teaches the Next Generation to Keep Showing Up
By: Chasidy Rae Sisk
A wrecked car sent Amy Bogner into collision repair. Two decades in the industry gave her skills, perspective and a few lessons she refuses to let the next generation learn the hard way. Now an instructor and workbook author, Amy talks about finding a new challenge, preparing students for real shop life and making sure the young women following her know someone has their backs.
We call female collision repair instructors “Frame Changers” because they’re helping reshape the industry at its foundation. Drawing on their own experience in the field, they’re passing along far more than technical skills – they’re teaching students how to problem-solve, persevere and build careers of their own. As educators, mentors and visible examples of what’s possible, Frame Changers are opening doors for the next generation while helping shape the culture and workforce those students will eventually enter. Their influence begins in the classroom, but its impact reaches far beyond it!
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Good Company. Bold Moves. All G&G.
Highlights from WIN’s Virtual Conference & the Texas Auto Body Tradeshow
What happens when women share their expertise, own their worth, and show up for each other? From WIN’s 2026 Virtual Conference to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show, we’re catching up with the people moving collision repair forward. Get the highlights on career growth, repair technology, and connections that could open unexpected doors. Then follow G&G onto the show floor, where magazines changed hands and two kangaroos shamelessly stole the spotlight. There’s wisdom to pocket, grit to appreciate, and a networking plan that didn’t account for stroller duty.
September E-News Features:
- Survey: Sound Off DisruptHERs: Call for Submissions
- Pro-Tips & Precision
- Frame of Mind:
- Impact Report FEATURE Article (Subscriber Access Required)
Sound Off, DisruptHERs!
-Call for Submissions–
Want to Have your Tips published in G&G?
Your favorite shop-floor shortcut, a wellness habit that keeps the chaos from chewing through your last nerve, the tool you would absolutely rescue from a burning toolbox—we want the advice women in collision repair actually use.
Share what you know for a chance to be featured in an issue of Glossed & Gritty or on our social channels. The strongest lessons in this industry usually come from somebody who already learned them the hard way.
Building What’s Next: Women, Work and the Future of Collision Repair
WIN 2026 Virtual Conference Recap
The future of collision repair won’t build itself—and the women at WIN’s 2026 Virtual Conference aren’t waiting around for someone else to handle it. From holding boundaries and owning your worth to glue pull repair, AI, and the science behind the shine, these sessions delivered plenty to put to work. Leaders tackled mentorship, career growth, and what it takes to keep talent moving forward. Familiar DisruptHERs shared lessons on stronger associations and smarter shop growth. Catch the highlights, hard-earned wisdom, and practical takeaways helping women shape what comes next.
This two-part follow-up continues that conversation, beginning with a closer look at workplace culture, diversity and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where talent can actually thrive.
Frame of Mind:
Hopping Off the Page & Onto the Floor: G&G at the Texas Auto Body Tradeshow
G&G headed to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show with magazines, loot, and a networking plan—but two kangaroos had their own agenda. Between familiar industry faces, a ladies’ mixer, and stops at the Big Shots Competition, there was plenty worth sharing. One conversation even opened a possible door for a former student, proving that instructor hat still won’t come off. Rusty handled public relations while Patina clocked out early. Catch the connections, laughs, and stroller stops that made this weekend distinctly Glossed & Gritty.
Class is in Session
Issue 3 is here with more conversations about confidence, leadership, shop culture and women claiming space in an industry that still has some catching up to do.
Until then: ask the question, start the conversation, introduce yourself to the person who knows something you want to learn—and stop waiting for permission to belong in rooms you already earned your way into.
STILL WORTH THE READ…
Issue 2 Did Not Expire When the Calendar Flipped
Missed Issue 2: Summer 2026?
Start with the Glossed Preview for a look at the women, careers and conversations driving the movement.
Fair warning: one article has a habit of becoming six open tabs.
Want to move past The Glossed and Get to The Gritty for full access to Issue 2?
Check out our subscriptions below:
Forward this edition to a woman in collision repair who should be in this community.
Great work deserves visibility—and useful information should not be hoarded like the only functioning scan tool.
Member & Subscriber Features: September 2026
Like the clear we lay, this Gloss has coats. You've only just begun to scuff the surface!
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This section is reserved for Subscribers.
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Grab a subscription for as low as $8.99 mo., to unlock subscriber-only features such as: full access to issues (Digital w/Surface Tension Level) or Digital + Print (High Gloss Level or Above), archives, premium guides, roundtables, and the full Gritty behind the bay door. Subscriptions start at ONLY $8.99 mo.
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Fresh Start. Sharper Questions. Zero Patience for Nonsense
August has a funny way of showing up with fresh-start energy while the rest of us are still trying to locate our coffee, our confidence and the email we absolutely meant to answer yesterday. This month, we are talking about the kind of growth that actually changes things: asking for guidance, saying the uncomfortable thing out loud, planning for what comes next and building workplaces where women can do more than survive the shift.
No inspirational wallpaper. No participation trophy for basic professionalism. Just smart women, useful conversations and a reminder that the future of collision repair belongs to the people willing to build it.
August E-News Features:
- Survey: Sound Off DisruptHERs: Call for Submissions
- Pro-Tips & Precision
- Undiminished Value
- Industry News
- Unfiltered Font:
- Impact Report FEATURE Article (Subscriber Access Required)
Sound Off, DisruptHERs!
-Call for Submissions–
Want to Have your Tips published in G&G?
Your favorite shop-floor shortcut, a wellness habit that keeps the chaos from chewing through your last nerve, the tool you would absolutely rescue from a burning toolbox—we want the advice women in collision repair actually use.
Share what you know for a chance to be featured in an issue of Glossed & Gritty or on our social channels. The strongest lessons in this industry usually come from somebody who already learned them the hard way.
The Conversation Women Owners Avoid
Hannah Chalker on family, fairness, succession and letting go with a plan
The hardest part of succession planning usually is not the valuation, the documents or the financial math. It is the family conversation everyone keeps rescheduling until the future shows up uninvited.
Hannah Chalker explains why fair is not always equal, how owner dependency can erode a shop’s value, and why protecting your business and your relationships starts long before anyone hands over the keys.
More Than Scholarships: CREF Helps Drive a More Diverse Future for Collision Repair
The collision repair industry’s future isn’t just growing – it’s becoming more representative of the communities it serves.
As part of its ongoing mission to invest in the next generation of collision repair professionals, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) awarded more than $195,000 in scholarships and tool grants to 102 collision repair students across the country in 2026, and this year’s recipient data tells an encouraging story about the industry’s evolving workforce.
Based on voluntary self-reporting, 80% of scholarship recipients identified as members of diverse populations! More than 30% identified as female, 1.7% identified as non-binary or non-conforming, and nearly 63% identified as a race other than Caucasian. Nearly half (47.79%) of recipients identified as Hispanic or Latino.
For an industry working to strengthen its talent pipeline while broadening representation, those numbers signal meaningful progress.
“These students represent the future of collision repair,” said Melissa Marscin, CREF’s Director of Operations and Impact. “By investing in their education today, we’re helping ensure the industry has the skilled, passionate professionals it needs tomorrow.”
A significant contributor to that progress is CREF’s continued partnership with the Women’s Industry Network (WIN). Now in its third year, the collaboration extends well beyond financial assistance, creating opportunities for students to build meaningful industry relationships and access long-term professional support. In 2026, WIN awarded $29,500 in scholarships, distributed 20 tool kits and provided recipients with complimentary WIN Student Memberships, virtual conference access and eligibility to participate in WIN’s mentoring program, connecting students with experienced collision repair professionals and peers across North America.
While financial support helps remove barriers to education, mentorship and visibility often determine whether students remain in the industry and ultimately become its next generation of leaders.
The growing diversity reflected in this year’s scholarship recipients demonstrates that collision repair is attracting talent from a broader range of backgrounds than ever before. As more women and individuals from historically underrepresented communities discover opportunities in the industry, organizations like CREF and WIN are helping ensure those students not only enter the workforce – they also have the resources, support and professional networks needed to thrive!
Scholarships were awarded to high school and post-secondary collision repair students nationwide through support from numerous industry partners, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the future collision repair workforce through education, opportunity and inclusion.
For more information about CREF, visit CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.
Class is Almost in Session
Issue 3 is headed your way with more conversations about confidence, leadership, shop culture and women claiming space in an industry that still has some catching up to do.
Until then: ask the question, start the conversation, introduce yourself to the person who knows something you want to learn—and stop waiting for permission to belong in rooms you already earned your way into.
STILL WORTH THE READ…
Issue 2 Did Not Expire When the Calendar Flipped
Missed Issue 2: Summer 2026?
Start with the Glossed Preview for a look at the women, careers and conversations driving the movement.
Fair warning: one article has a habit of becoming six open tabs.
Want to move past The Glossed and Get to The Gritty for full access to Issue 2?
Check out our subscriptions below:
Forward this edition to a woman in collision repair who should be in this community.
Great work deserves visibility—and useful information should not be hoarded like the only functioning scan tool.
Member & Subscriber Features: August 2026
If Women Can’t Survive Your Shop, Fix Your Shop!
Part 2: Building the Pipeline
In the June 2026 issue of Glossed & Gritty, we explored how leadership in collision repair is evolving through the experiences of Dawn Engel, co-owner of JDs Macomb Auto Collision (Shelby Township, MI); Andrew “Drew” Bryant, CEO of DB Orlando Collision Center (Orlando, FL); and Amber Alley, General Manager of Barsotti’s Body & Fender (San Rafael, CA).
Our cover story focused on leadership, culture and representation, but as often happens when three strong leaders start talking shop, we uncovered far more than could fit into a single feature. Beneath the discussion of leadership titles and organizational charts was a larger conversation about culture, opportunity and the systems that determine who gets to grow, who gets overlooked and who ultimately helps shape the future of collision repair.
In Part 2, we discuss building the pipeline. Recruiting women is not a workforce strategy if the shop culture runs them off before they can build a career. Training, mentorship, competitive pay, visible advancement and basic human decency are not decorative extras. They are the pipeline. Amber Alley, Dawn Engel and Drew Bryant unpack what it takes to grow talent, confront bad behavior, stop overlooking qualified women and build collision businesses people actually want to stay in.
This two-part follow-up continues that conversation, beginning with a closer look at workplace culture, diversity and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where talent can actually thrive.
Unfiltered Font:
Back to School, Back to Ourselves
Confidence does not always arrive carrying a microphone and an impressive five-year plan. Sometimes it looks like asking the question, taking the class, entering the room or admitting you need your people.
Chasidy Rae Sisk takes August’s back-to-school energy straight into the places women in collision repair are still learning to trust their own voices—and reminds us that none of us is supposed to build a future alone.
Like the clear we lay, this Gloss has coats. You've only just begun to scuff the surface!
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Not in yet? Become a free member of the Collision DisruptHERs Community to unlock the next coat of Glossed access: more story, more context, and the parts we don't leave sitting on the surface.
Want the full article, complete issues, Impact Report, archives, and subscriber-only extras? That's the Gritty.
This section is reserved for Subscribers.
The Impact Report Feature is one of the many benefits of The Gritty subscriber experience.
Grab a subscription for as low as $8.99 mo., to unlock subscriber-only features such as: full access to issues (Digital w/Surface Tension Level) or Digital + Print (High Gloss Level or Above), archives, premium guides, roundtables, and the full Gritty behind the bay door. Subscriptions start at ONLY $8.99 mo.
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The Industry’s Best Advice is Already in the Bay
Collision repair has never suffered from a shortage of opinions. Useful advice, however? That usually comes from the women actually doing the work, solving the problems and figuring out how to keep themselves grounded while the schedule attempts a hostile takeover.
That is why Issue 3 starts with you. We want the pro tips, hard-earned lessons, wellness
habits and favorite tools that make your work better—or at least keep the day from winning. This month, we are also shining a light on technicians worth celebrating, leadership worth examining and the resources built to help women move through this industry with more confidence and considerably less nonsense.
Read it. Use it. Then sound off, DisruptHERs. The floor is yours.
July E-News Features:
- Survey: Sound Off DisruptHERs: Issue 3 Call for Submissions
- Pro-Tips & Precision
- Recalibration: Mind & Body
- Gear & Glam
- Industry News
- Frame of Mind:
- Impact Report FEATURE Article (Subscriber Access Required)
Sound Off, DisruptHERs!
-Issue 3 Call for Submissions–
Want to Have your Tips published in G&G?
Issue 3 is all about learning from the women redefining collision repair every day—and that means you.
Share a shop-floor pro tip, a wellness habit that keeps you grounded or a favorite tool you swear by. Select the column that fits your response and tell us what you have learned along the way.
The best submissions may be featured in Glossed & Gritty Issue 3 and on our social channels.
Because the best advice does not come from a textbook. It comes from women who live it every day.
Industry News
Who Rocks? Maybe It’s You!
Techs Rock Award Return to the SEMA Show
(Deadline-Aug. 3, 2026)
Recognition matters—not because technicians need applause, but because every time a collision professional steps into the spotlight, someone else sees what is possible.
The TechForce Foundation is bringing the 2026 Techs Rock Awards back to the SEMA Show. The Collision, Restoration & Welding category recognizes students and working technicians whose craftsmanship, dedication and leadership deserve a national stage.
Nominations close August 3. Know a woman who mentors apprentices, produces flawless repairs or quietly makes everyone around her better? Maybe it is you. Do not wait for somebody else to tell that story.
AWIA Webinar Highlights Hiring Strategies for Today’s Multi-Generational Workforce
Hiring great people takes more than posting “competitive pay” and hoping the perfect technician materializes by Tuesday. Hiring expert Sara Fraser breaks down what Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z actually want—and how sharper job ads, smarter interviews and a workplace worth staying for can help shops attract talent instead of endlessly chasing it.
STILL WORTH THE READ…
Issue 2 Did Not Expire When the Calendar Flipped
Missed Issue 2: Summer 2026?
Start with the Glossed Preview for a look at the women, careers and conversations driving the movement.
Fair warning: one article has a habit of becoming six open tabs.
Want to move past The Glossed and Get to The Gritty for full access to Issue 2?
Check out our subscriptions below:
Forward this edition to a woman in collision repair who should be in this community.
Great work deserves visibility—and useful information should not be hoarded like the only functioning scan tool.
Member & Subscriber Features: July 2026
If Women Can’t Survive Your Shop, Fix Your Shop!
Part 1: Fixing the Culture
In the June 2026 issue of Glossed & Gritty, we explored how leadership in collision repair is evolving through the experiences of Dawn Engel, co-owner of JDs Macomb Auto Collision (Shelby Township, MI); Andrew “Drew” Bryant, CEO of DB Orlando Collision Center (Orlando, FL); and Amber Alley, General Manager of Barsotti’s Body & Fender (San Rafael, CA).
Our cover story focused on leadership, culture and representation, but as often happens when three strong leaders start talking shop, we uncovered far more than could fit into a single feature. Beneath the discussion of leadership titles and organizational charts was a larger conversation about culture, opportunity and the systems that determine who gets to grow, who gets overlooked and who ultimately helps shape the future of collision repair.
This two-part follow-up continues that conversation, beginning with a closer look at workplace culture, diversity and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where talent can actually thrive.
Frame of Mind:
School, Shop, or Both?
Picking a Collision Repair Path Without Wrecking Your Future
Collision repair has more than one way in: earn a certificate, pursue an associate degree, go directly into a shop or combine school with hands-on work. None is automatically the “right” choice, no matter how much the brochure resembles a hostage negotiation conducted by smiling stock photos.
This Frame of Mind feature breaks down program structure, cost, lab time, transferability, shop experience and timing—because paying tuition first and discovering the fine print later is a very expensive way to learn how course catalogs work.
Make sure to download our free guide at the end of the article!
Like the clear we lay, this Gloss has coats. You've only just begun to scuff the surface!
Already a member? Log in and keep reading.
Not in yet? Become a free member of the Collision DisruptHERs Community to unlock the next coat of Glossed access: more story, more context, and the parts we don't leave sitting on the surface.
Want the full article, complete issues, Impact Report, archives, and subscriber-only extras? That's the Gritty.
This section is reserved for Subscribers.
The Impact Report Feature is one of the many benefits of The Gritty subscriber experience.
Grab a subscription for as low as $8.99 mo., to unlock subscriber-only features such as: full access to issues (Digital w/Surface Tension Level) or Digital + Print (High Gloss Level or Above), archives, premium guides, roundtables, and the full Gritty behind the bay door. Subscriptions start at ONLY $8.99 mo.
You found the good door.
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You found the good door.
This content is part of the Glossed & Gritty member and subscriber experience, built for Collision DisruptHERs doing the damn thing in the collision repair industry.
Create a free account to access member previews and community perks, or log in to continue reading from this page.
Too Glossed to Care, Too Gritty to Quit:
To the Future Collision DisruptHERs
By Jannifer Stimmel-Watkins, Technical Editor
If you knew how much the concept of “frame of mind” affects me from the bottom of my soul, you would probably be surprised. I have been in the Graduation season is officially here, which means another wave of brilliant, vibrant minds is preparing to trade peaceful school labs for the fast-paced jungle of a live production facility. As a former instructor, I always loved this time of year – mostly because it was so rewarding to watch the hesitant, unsure students who first entered my lab transform into absolute powerhouses ready to launch into their futures. Whether my apprenticeship students were transitioning to full-time hours or my standard-track students were stepping into a commercial shop for the first time, the shift from classroom theory to real-world production is unmatched. Congratulations to all of you! Your hard work and dedication has prepared you for this next terrifying and exhilarating step.
This installment of Frame of Mind is dedicated entirely to the next generation of Collision DisruptHERs. Whether you are currently weighing your educational options, entering the workforce as a new apprentice or throwing your cap in the air this semester, you are on the cusp of an amazing new chapter. Take a deep breath and stop stressing – this is the launchpad you’ve been working toward, so you might as well embrace the excitement!
Let’s be real: the collision industry requires significant dedication and hard work, but for those who actually want to be here, it is a phenomenally rewarding career path. If you’ve evaluated your future and felt the magnetic pull toward this field, I dare you to take the leap. One of the best perks of this industry is the low-risk test drive; you can get your hands dirty and see if you love it without draining a massive bank account on a four-year degree first. I wish I had started in this industry, or any trade for that matter. If I had, I may not have to check from time to time to see what my kidney will go for on the black market. Student loans are not something to take out lightly; trust me, I would know.
If your graduation is still a year away, don’t just sit there… Go tour your local technical school. Better yet, demand a hands-on preview. In my teaching days, we used to host a special interactive day for young ladies to come in, grab the tools and crush some real repair objectives. While people like me get easily distracted and excited just by staring at a shiny layout of brand-new spray guns, a lot of future pros need that physical, hands-on experience to realize they actually love the rhythm of the trade.
A quick note to the tech schools/instructors out there: if you aren’t actively offering these try-out days for young women, you are completely missing the boat – and losing your next generation of rockstar students to an industry that doesn’t appreciate their drive as much as we do.
For those of you who are ready to make the leap or who are transitioning into full-time roles right now, taking your education into the workforce as a woman requires a distinct strategy. It means looking at the industry through a lens of high-gloss precision and absolute self-worth. Here is the unfiltered advice I used to bark from the front of my classroom or lab on how to navigate this male-dominated trade, command respect, and map out your legacy.
Choosing Your Career Path Blueprint
When you step past the threshold of an educational institution, the architecture of your career changes overnight – in a technical school lab, the goals are cleanly outlined on a syllabus, and your instructor is there to act as a safety net, but once you enter the real-world workforce, the metrics shift toward flat-rate hours, production speed, key performance indicators (KPIs) and cycle times. For a female technician entering this intense ecosystem, this transition requires an assertive, tactical approach. You cannot afford to passively wait for an opportunity to fall into your lap; you must actively construct your own path.
The baseline of this strategy begins with your first employment decision – finding the right workplace is just as critical as finding the right training program!
Not all shops are created equal. It is an unfortunate reality that structural and cultural quality varies wildly from shop to shop. Some businesses are light-years ahead, operating with clean, well-lit bays, advanced tooling and progressive leadership; others are still anchored to a bygone era, where safety protocols are ignored, and a female technician is viewed with an outdated sense of skepticism. They are still structurally anchored to 1985, where the safety protocols consist of “just don’t breathe too hard” and the shop floor looks like a crime scene littered with broken clips and ancient beef jerky wrappers.
This is why you must approach the job hunt with a selective mindset: you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.
When you tour a potential shop, apply a rigorous cultural and technical filter. Look past the polished front office where customers wait, drinking complimentary coffee that tastes remarkably like battery acid, and demand to see the back of the house. Step into the production bays and observe. How are the vehicles flowing through the stalls? Are the technicians working in a state of chaotic frustration, throwing wrenches at the drywall…or is there a rhythmic, collaborative flow? Are tools scattered haphazardly across body filler caked floors like an obstacle course…or does the shop implement an organized system that respects its assets?
The “Surface Tension” Facility Filter
- Operational Safety: Are local exhaust systems, eye-wash stations and structural safety gear fully operational and regularly checked, or are they holding up old calendars?
- Infrastructure Investment: Does the shop utilize modern measuring systems, clean downdraft spray booths and advanced spot welders?
- Team Communication: Do the estimators, parts managers and technicians speak to one another with professional clarity, or is it mostly grunting and pointing?
Crucially, evaluate their commitment to industry evolution. A shop that refuses to invest in modern frame machinery, aluminum repair spaces or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration tooling is a shop that is slowly dying. If a facility is unwilling to invest in its own technical infrastructure, it certainly will not invest in your continuing education or career advancement.
Be direct with shop owners and production managers during your tours. Ask them how they handle the apprenticeship path: Do they have a clear, documented timeline for moving an apprentice from an initial teardown or prep role into a flat-rate stall, or do they simply use cheap entry-level labor to haul scrap and sweep floors indefinitely? Ask how they handle continuous training through organizations like I-CAR or specific vehicle OEM certifications.
Pay close attention to how they respond to your presence. If a shop owner seems overly fixated on your gender, drops condescending remarks under the guise of humor (like asking if you need a pink toolbox), or acts as if hiring you is a public-relations stunt rather than a strategic business decision based on your technical merit, walk away. While you’re walking the floor, do a thorough vibe check on the technicians currently in the stalls. There is a massive strategic advantage to doing this.
For starters, miserable techs are like a glowing check engine light—if they hate the shop, they will practically trip over themselves to dump their diagnostic codes on you. Your job is to filter the raw data: are they exposing legitimate operational bottlenecks (like broken equipment and parts delays), or are they just chronic grumblers who hate their lives and the flat-rate system in general?
Secondly, this interaction gives you an immediate preview of how they’ll treat you on a random Tuesday. If a tech decides to fly his caveman flag right in front of you during a tour, consider it a gift. It’s a live-action demo of how management operates under pressure. Does the boss shut that behavior down immediately, or do they give you the classic, spineless shrug: “Oh, that’s just Old-School Bob, he doesn’t mean anything by it”?
If the manager plays zookeeper instead of a leader, you have all the data you need. Decide right then and there whether a facility is worth your time, or if you should take your talents to a shop that actually operates in the current century.
Your skills are an economic asset! Never give your time, talent, physical labor, or sanity to a business that treats your presence as an anomaly rather than an upgrade to their production line. Ladies, let’s be entirely honest here: I’ve already warned you that this industry is hard work. Because of that, you need to look at your first industry job the exact same way you look at a first husband. Specifically, let’s try really hard not to let our first shop choice become our bitter ex-husband.
You know the type—the one that absolutely stole your youth. Think back to when we still possessed pristine lower backs, fully functioning knee cartilage, and the physiological ability to drop it like it’s hot out on the dance floor, only to effortlessly roll into work the next morning like we hadn’t been dancing all night long. Yeah, if you let it, a bad shop will drain you of that exact same vitality, leave you with nothing but a toolbox full of regret, and expect a thank-you note. Your time is money! Every second of every day represents your personal economic value, and you have way too much intelligence to waste it in a workspace that doesn’t appreciate you.
The Interview: Shattering the Desk-Job Bias
While the trade is definitely modernizing, let’s be real: there are still plenty of knuckle-dragging neanderthals roaming the shop floors who completely missed the memo on human evolution. You are inevitably going to run into a few fossils whose technical certifications are up-to-date, but whose internal social diagnostics are pulling nothing but error codes. When a young woman walks into a body shop with an application, many traditional managers will instinctively assume she is applying for a customer service role, a front-desk position or an entry-level estimating job. They might look at you and see someone who should be answering phones and coddling DRP reps rather than sectioning frame rails. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those vital career paths, but if your goal is to spend your days in a paint booth or welding a quarter panel, you must shatter that front-office expectation before a single question is asked.
Your interview strategy should be a masterclass in professional execution and immediate readiness. You want to arrive looking sharp and put-together, signaling that you treat the business opportunity with complete seriousness; however, your appearance must also be backed by functionality. Do not show up in delicate office attire or high heels that make walking across a live production floor look like a high-wire balancing act. Instead, wear durable, clean work trousers and a professional polo or branded collared shirt.
Most importantly, carry your tool or gear bag right along with you. Inside that bag should be your broken-in steel-toed work boots, your safety glasses and your respirator. This simple visual cue completely alters the dynamic of the meeting. It lets the hiring manager know immediately that you do not fear the grit of collision repair – the noise, the dust and the physical demands of the shop floor.
When the conversation shifts to your technical abilities, don’t rely solely on verbal descriptions of your school lab projects… Bring the evidence. Hand them an organized portfolio containing photographs of your work. One recommendation that I always made to my students was to somehow organize photos in a drive or a file that could be shared or emailed to the manager. Show them clean, sectioning weld tests that you have passed. Show them high-resolution images of complex plastic tab repairs you have executed, or panels you prepped, blocked and sprayed. If you have kept track of your diagnostic scanner work or structural measurement printouts from your school lab, present them.
Your Mobile Interview Rig:
- A clean, organized digital or physical technical portfolio
- Certified safety glasses with side shields
- Steel-toed work boots (clean, but clearly broken-in)
- A properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator
If you sense any underlying skepticism from the interviewer regarding your repair competence or your willingness to jump into the fray, call their bluff with calm confidence.
Look the manager in the eye and say: “I have my boots and safety gear in my bag. If you have an open stall or a senior technician available right now, I am completely ready to go out to the floor and execute a live weld test or perform a tear-down objective, so you can see my efficiency first-hand.”
This level of professional assertiveness changes the entire power dynamic. It transforms you from a passive applicant hoping for a chance into a confident professional offering to prove your economic production capability on the spot. Even if they decline the live test, the message is received loud and clear: you are a technician, you are here to build, and you know exactly how to handle the tools of the trade.
The Finish Line is Just the Starting Block
Class of 2026, the transition from the classroom to the shop floor is the ultimate glow-up. By vetting your future shop with a critical eye and walking into interviews with your gear bag in hand, you aren’t just looking for a job – you’re staging a takeover. You’ve proven you’re “too Glossed to care” about the outdated stereotypes and “too Gritty to quit” when the work gets tough. These are your first high-velocity steps toward a legendary career!
But don’t shift into park just yet. This is only the beginning of my “New Grad” series. I’m dedicating the next few installments of this column to helping you navigate the “real world” hurdles that a syllabus can’t prepare you for:
- June e-News: Tune in for tactical tips on negotiating a tool allowance (don’t leave money on the table!) and survival strategies for navigating your first year on the shop floor.
- Issue 2, coming in June: Make sure to subscribe for this deep dive. I’ll be talking about taking command of your career path options and the essential skills for confronting bias in the workplace without losing your cool or your momentum.
Remember, Collision DisruptHERs: The industry is waiting for your impact. Let’s get to work!
The Pipeline Just Got Stronger:
Collision Engineering Earns National Recognition
The future of collision repair just got a major co-sign from the federal government – and honestly, it’s well deserved.
The Collision Engineering Career Alliance (CECA) was recently awarded National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (NGS) recognition by the U.S. Department of Labor, officially validating its apprenticeship model as a national framework for training and certifying collision engineering technicians.
Translation? The industry’s ongoing workforce conversation is finally turning into real, scalable action!
For years, collision repair leaders have sounded the alarm about technician shortages, evolving vehicle technology and the urgent need for stronger talent pipelines. Collision Engineering didn’t just acknowledge the problem – it built an entirely different roadmap.
The program combines classroom education with paid, real-world apprenticeships, allowing students to rotate every eight weeks between college instruction and hands-on shop experience. Graduates leave with a two-year associate degree, industry experience and employer connections… and now, it’s all tied to a nationally-recognized credential from the Department of Labor.
That matters – not just because it elevates the credibility of collision repair education, but also because it helps reshape how young people (and their parents, counselors and communities) view careers in this industry. Collision repair is no longer being positioned as a backup plan; it’s being recognized as a highly technical, high-skill career path deserving of structured workforce investment.
And that shift? That’s a Collision DisruptHER-level move!
“The Department of Labor’s approval of our National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards is a defining moment for Collision Engineering,” said John Helterbrand, national program director. “It validates the work we have done to align education and industry, and it ensures students and employers alike can access a pathway that is nationally recognized and sustainable for the future.”
At Glossed & Gritty, we talk often about the importance of building the future of collision repair intentionally – not reactively. Programs like Collision Engineering are doing exactly that by connecting schools, shops and industry leaders in ways that create long-term sustainability instead of short-term staffing fixes.
Collision Engineering President Mary Mahoney emphasized that the program’s success is rooted in collaboration across the industry, with partner schools and repair facilities working together to create stronger opportunities for students entering the trade.
And perhaps one of the most important pieces of this entire initiative is accessibility. Students aren’t expected to choose between education and earning a paycheck. They’re able to learn while actively working in the industry, reducing barriers that often prevent talented young people from pursuing technical careers in the first place.
That’s not just workforce development – that’s workforce evolution.
Collision Engineering currently partners with schools across the country, including College of Lake County, Contra Costa College, Parkland College, Metropolitan Community College, Sandhills Community College, North Dakota State College of Science and El Camino College – creating a growing national network focused on producing career-ready technicians equipped for modern collision repair.
As vehicles continue advancing, the industry needs technicians trained not only to repair cars, but to understand the increasingly complex engineering behind them. Collision Engineering is proving that future-ready training isn’t optional anymore; it’s essential.
And now, it’s federally recognized.
From Classroom to Collision Career: WIN Supports 39 Rising DisruptHERs
More than 39 future Collision DisruptHERS are stepping into the industry with a little extra support behind them.
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) recently awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships, mentorship opportunities and professional shop tool sets to collision repair students across North America through its 2026 WIN Student Scholarship Program.
Selected from more than 100 applicants, this year’s recipients represent the next generation of technicians, painters, leaders and changemakers helping reshape the future of collision repair.
Through its Champions, Trailblazers and Legends levels – as well as its new Northern Star scholarships for Canadian students – WIN continues investing directly into the industry’s talent pipeline, proving that supporting women in collision repair isn’t just a conversation; it’s actionable. Beyond financial support, recipients also gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, student engagement calls and industry connections designed to help create long-term career growth and retention within collision repair.
In other words: these students aren’t just receiving scholarships – they’re gaining a community.
“WIN’s commitment to driving the future of the industry is anchored by our investment in women aspiring to work in collision repair,” said Tracy Bracht, 2026 Chair of the WIN Student Relations Committee. “Student membership provides access to valuable resources and opportunities that support them throughout their journey. There is no cost for student memberships, thanks to the generous support of our generous sponsors and members!”
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) again partnered with WIN this year to help expand the program’s reach and connect more students with opportunities to launch successful careers in the industry.
From toolboxes to tuition assistance, the program helps remove barriers many students face while entering the trade – especially aspiring technicians balancing education costs alongside the expense of building professional-grade tool collections.
The 10 young women who were named 2026 Champions received a $2,500 scholarship, mentorship, shop tools, WIN merchandise and a WIN Conference virtual pass. Congratulations to:
- Angelica Briones – Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Chattanooga, TN)
- Leah Clarke – Wilkes Community College (Wilkesboro, NC)
- Alice Cook – Collin College (Lewisville, TX)
- Jennifer Cruz – El Camino College (Hawthorne, CA)
- Courteney Lafrenz – Southeast Technical College (Larchwood, IA)
- Izzy Malloy – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Carlisle, PA)
- Emerald Manuel – Northeast Community College (Norfolk, NE)
- Jacqueline Nguyen – Portland Community College (Hillsboro, OR)
- Rachel Santafemia – North Georgia Technical College (Gainesville, GA)
- Addison Zick – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Norristown, PA)
Nine Trailblazers were awarded a $500 scholarship, entrance into WIN’s mentorship program and a WIN Conference virtual pass.
- Josephine Barbour – Wake Tech Community College (Creedmoor, NC)
- Elizabeth Caspers – Rock Valley College (Belvidere, IL)
- Tausha French – American River College (Sacramento, CA)
- Katelyn Jenkins – Palomar College (Temecula, CA)
- Electra Lucero – Madison Area Technical College (Madison, WI)
- Kennedy McDaniel – Des Moines Area Community College (Des Moines, IA)
- Alyssa Meadows – St. Cloud Technical & Community College (East Bethel, MN)
- Lisa Sanchez – Bellingham Technical (Ferndale, VT)
- Madison Warren – Unaka High School (Elizabethton, TN)
This year’s Legends received shop tools, WIN merchandise, mentorship opportunities and a WIN Conference virtual pass.
- Alexis Arjon – South Plains College (Levelland, TX)
- Autumn Burrows – Puget Sound Skills Center (Kent, WA)
- Emily Carroll, Hennepin Technical College (Roseville, MN)
- Gabriella De Leon Humes – Lincoln College of Technology (Fort Thomas, KY)
- Olivia Dellinger – Wilkes Community College (Hays, NC)
- Jolie Keigley – Des Moines Area Community College (Ames, IA)
- Tory Matthews – Metropolitan Community College (Omaha, NE)
- Jocelyn Pandolfo – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Clark, NJ)
- Tia Wolffe – Kennedy King College (Homewood, IL)
- Taralynn Wright – Tulsa Tech (Broken Arrow, OK)
New in 2026, WIN awarded Northern Star scholarships to Canadian students in two levels. Recipients of $1,000 scholarships included:
- Sophia Branco-Silva – Centennial College (Whitby, Ontario)
- Amelia Desbiens – Central Memorial High School (Calgary, Alberta)
- Kianna Edison – St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Kenora, Ontario)
- Aleisha Smith – Okanagan College (Kelowna, British Columbia)
- Teila Wandowich – Red River Polytech (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The following students were awarded $500 scholarships:
- Torrie Crowe – Southern Alberta, Institute of Technology (Calgary, Alberta)
- Shanika Dick – Centennial College (Toronto, Ontario)
- Cassandra Foy – Red River Polytech (St. Andrews, Manitoba)
- Jordan Pomanski – Red River Polytech (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Evelyn Torres – Centennial College (Toronto, Ontario)
Learn more about WIN’s Scholarship Program.
(Winners pictured above from left to right: Olivia Dellinger, Leah Clark, Jolie Keigley, & Jacqueline Nguyen)
These Girls Got Skills – and the Medals to Prove It!
Every year, the best of the best trade students battle it out at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conferences for a shot at the national spotlight – but in 2026, the girls didn’t just show up; they dominated!
Throughout the nation, female competitors racked up medals for Automotive Refinishing Technology, Collision Repair Technology and Collision Damage Appraisal in a way that turned heads, shattered expectations and proved the next generation of skilled tradeswomen isn’t coming in quietly… They’re in it to win it!
“SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners students, instructors, and industry to ensure America has a skilled workforce,” explains Sarah Stillahn, Vice Chair of the Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA), who helped organize the Nebraska State Collision Competition. “Through hands-on competitions like this, students are evaluated on real-world industry standards, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the shop.”
While the student competitors are the stars of the show, Sarah points out, “The success of this event depends heavily on the involvement of industry professionals, local shops and vendor partners. From donating time and equipment to judging, mentoring and sponsoring, their support ensures students are evaluated to current industry standards while also building meaningful connections within the trade. These partnerships are critical to developing the next generation of collision repair professionals.”
She applauds the local organizations and individuals who stepped up: “Levanders in Grand Island generously provided the facility – including a paint booth – for the Collision Repair and Refinishing competitions. Volunteers supplemented the space by bringing in additional equipment, creating a true real-world shop environment and delivering a meaningful, hands-on experience for students. In past years, volunteers faced challenges creating this type of environment due to limited facilities, so Levanders’ willingness to step in and open their doors has been a significant and appreciated addition to the program!”
Overall participation was fairly strong with 46 competitors representing five high schools and three colleges; however, Sarah would have liked to see more participation in the Collision Damage Appraisal Competition. “Increasing awareness and involvement in this category is important, as it plays a critical role in the repair process and offers strong career opportunities within the industry. We encourage instructors and students to explore this path and get involved in future competitions.”
In fact, she would love to see more involvement in every collision competition. Sarah observes that only three colleges participated in the Nebraska State Competition and expresses concern that “one of those programs is scheduled to close after the next school year – highlighting the ongoing need to support and grow collision repair education in Nebraska.” She urges industry professionals to get involved with their local programs to ensure they remain viable.
NABA also encourages schools and students to reach out to the association “if travel or resources are a barrier to participation. Our goal is to support student involvement however we can and help ensure that those who want to compete have the opportunity to do so!
“SkillsUSA provides an important platform for young professionals to demonstrate their skills, build confidence and experience a sense of accomplishment,” Sarah adds. “Many students enter the competition already having secured positions or sponsorships with industry companies, while others often leave with job offers, especially at the national level, thanks to the exposure and connections these events provide.”
While female competitors brought serious talent to every corner of the SkillsUSA Nebraska State Collision Competition, the real takeover happened in college-level Automotive Refinishing, where the women swept the podium and claimed all three medals. The booth was packed with tenacity, precision and unapologetic DisruptHER energy – proving the future of refinishing is looking a whole lot more female.
Congratulations to Gold medalist Emma Uhler (Southeast Community College – Milford; Milford, NE), Silver medal winner Callie Nickerson (Metropolitan Community College; Omaha, NE) and Bronze winner Miranda Vanek (Northeast Community College; Norfolk, NE)!
Nebraska wasn’t the only state where young women took over the Automotive Refinishing Technology scene. Across the country, female competitors proved their eye for color, detail and precision is next-level – turning heads, stacking medals and bringing the “Gloss” to SkillsUSA at the state level! The “Grit” was definitely part of the equation too, with plenty of women earning medals in Collision Damage Appraisal and Collision Repair Technology.
Glossed & Gritty proudly celebrates every student competitor – women and men alike – but our mission is spotlighting the women kicking ass, breaking barriers and making waves in the skilled trades, so we’re highlighting the ladies* who brought home medals in states across the country…over six dozen medals!
(*Editors’ note: We did our best to identify female competitors based on the names provided in the results lists and subsequent research. If anyone was unintentionally missed or incorrectly identified, we sincerely apologize; the goal is to celebrate and recognize the incredible talent and accomplishments of the young women making their mark in collision repair.)
Automotive Refinishing Technology
Gold:
- Allonna Vidrine (Terrebonne Career and Technical High School; Houma, LA) – High School
- Bridget Dunfee (WyoTech; Laramie, WY) – College
- Brookelyn Meents (Lake Career and Technical Center; Camdenton, MO) – High School
- Chesey Johnson (Madison County Career Technology Center; Huntsville, AL) – High School
- Ella Parsons (Northeast State Community College; Blountville, TN) – College
- Elizabeth Rolen (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Isabella Roll (North Dakota State College of Science; Wahpeton, ND) – College
- Jasmine Hansen (Southwestern Community College; Creston, IA) – College
- Kaelyn Brilliant (Capital Area Technical Center; Augusta, ME) – High School
- Katie Dobrinski (Morgan Community College; Fort Morgan, CO) – High School
- Megan Pierret (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Olivia Dillinger (Wilkes Community College; Wilkesboro, NC) – High School
Silver:
- Brenna Leuty (Washburn Tech; Topeka, KS) – High School
- Dana Chick (Cape Fear Community College; Wilmington, NC) – College
- Evangeline Utley (Bingham H/S; South Jordan, UT) – High School
- Isabelle Mayberry (Orange Technical College – South Campus; Orlando, FL) – College
- Makayla Ball (Autry Technology Center; Enid, OK) – College
- Mariana Millan (Hutchinson Career & Technical Academy; Hutchinson, KS) – College
- Nicole Fejfar (West-MEC NE Campus; Phoenix, AZ) – High School
- Olivia Rhodes (Maxwell High School of Technology; Lawrenceville, GA) – High School
- Sydney Stiarwalt (Lewis and Clark Career Center; Saint Charles, MO) – High School
Bronze:
- Allison Dyke (Bismarck State College; Bismarck, ND) – College
- Annabelle Weaver (Northern Neck Technical Center; Warsaw, VA) – High School
- Aiyana Herrera (Pickens Technical College; Aurora, CO) – College
- Dalia Alcala (Yakima Valley Skill Center; Yakima, WA) – High School
- Daylan Dooley (Athens Technical College; Athens, GA) – College
- Emily DeBeaubien (Iredell-Statesville Career Academy & Tech School; Troutman, NC) – High School
- Kierra Hamilton (Tennessee College of Applied Tech-Knoxville; Knoxville, TN) College
- Leah Clarke (Wilkes Community College; Wilkesboro, NC) – College
- Joselyn Marquez (Granger H/S; West Valley City, UT) – High School
- Savannah Pepcorn-Maybon (MSU Billings-COT; Billings, MT) – College
- Savannah Martin (Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech; Newark, DE) – High School
- Sindel Mendez De La Cruz (Salt Lake Community College; Salt Lake City, UT) – College
Collision Damage Appraisal
Gold:
- Ashley Salas (Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technology High School; Houston, TX) – High School
- Cloud Kline (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Deanna Lewis (Lanier Technical College; Gainesville, GA) College
- Elsie O’Neill (Center of Applied Tech North; Severn, MD) – High School
- Emmalee Johnson (Northeast State Community College; Blountville, TN) – College
- Guadalupe Ayala-Segura (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Isabell Schmidt (South Central College; MN) – College
- Madison Warren (Unaka High School; Elizabethton, TN) – High School
- Paige Reynolds (Francis Tuttle Technology Center; Oklahoma City, OK) – College
- Samantha Rhea (Russell County Career & Tech Center; Lebanon, VA) – High School
- Tania Lugo (Manatee Tech College; Bradenton, FL) – College
Silver:
- Abbigail C. Hypes (Academy of Careers & Technology; Beckley, WV) – High School
- Angelica Vargas (Granger High School; West Valley City, UT) – High School
- Autumn Loper (Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech; Newark, DE) – High School
- Diana Perry (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Hali Ramos (Gordon Cooper Technology Center; Shawnee, OK) – College
- Kallie O’Neill (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Rachel Becker (Southwestern Community College; Creston, IA) – College
Bronze:
- Bronwyn Aloi (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Gabriella Cioffi (Canadian Valley Tech Center; El Reno, OK) – High School
- Kytalynn Huber (Moore Norman Technology Center; Norman, OK) – College
- Merianne Yakaitis (Franklin Technology Center; Joplin, MO) – High School
Collision Repair Technology
Gold:
- Alexis Skowronski (Manatee Tech College; Bradenton, FL) – College
- Ariel Owens (Polytech High School; Woodside, DE) – High School
- Avery Mitchell (East Valley Institute of TEchnology; Mesa, AZ) – College
- Kaelan Merlowe (Lanier Technical College; Gainesville, GA) – College
- Evelin Spiece (Oakland Schools Technical Campus NW; Clarkston, MI) – High School
- Layla Wilson (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Tolulope Adegoke (Thomas Edison High School of Technology; Silver Spring, MD) – High School
Silver:
- Miranda Eckhardt (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – High School
Bronze:
- Ellie Ream (Eden Area ROP; Hayward, CA) – High School
- Emma Fitzgerald (Technology, Exploration & Career Center West; Lewisville, TX) – High School
- Jacqueline Alvarez Rios (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Kasadee Burden (Warrensburg Area Career Center; Warrensburg, MO) – High School
- Keisha Caynor (Randolph Technical Center; Elkins, WV) – High School
- Kimberly Alcala (Yakima Valley Skill Center; Yakima, WA) – High School
- Madison LaTour (Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation; Mexico, NY) – High School
- Nina Poplawski (HH Ellis Technical High School; Danielson, CT) – High School
- Olivia Chivers (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
Gold medalists now have the opportunity to advance to the National SkillsUSA Leadership & Skills Conference and Championships in Atlanta this June, where they’ll compete against the best student talent in the country. Glossed & Gritty is cheering on every one of these Primed DisruptHERs as they take their skills to the national stage and continue reshaping the future of collision repair.
ATTN: State winners – All 2026 state medal winners are invited to receive a complimentary three-month membership upgrade to Surface Tension. Simply sign up for a free membership first, then email Jannifer@glossedandgritty.com to request your upgrade.
We’d also love to highlight the ladies who will be competing at Nationals, and we invite you to share any updates by tagging @GlossedandGritty on your favorite social media platform so we can broadcast your accomplishments!
Nebraska SkillsUSA Competition
FRAMECHANGER
From Earning a Gown to Engineering Careers:
Laura Lozano’s Mission to Support Future Technicians
We call female collision repair instructors “Frame Changers” because they’re helping reshape the industry at its foundation. By educating, mentoring and empowering the next generation of technicians and leaders, they’re changing perceptions, opening doors and influencing the future of collision repair long before students ever step into a professional shop. Their impact doesn’t stop with the students they teach – it carries into the culture, workforce and future direction of the industry itself.
Collision repair wasn’t a path Laura Lozano deliberately mapped out from the beginning – it was something she grew into through family influence, hands-on experience and a series of pivotal moments that gradually made the industry feel like home.
Her father has been a technician her entire life and remains active in the industry today. Growing up, she knew he worked on cars, but she didn’t fully understand collision repair or the scope of the industry behind it. It was simply “Dad’s work” – familiar but not truly defined.
That changed her senior year when Laura asked her dad for money for a prom dress. Instead of simply giving her the money, he offered a different path: come work with him for a week and earn it. At the time, he was working in a BMW-certified collision repair shop. It was a facility that immediately stood out – clean, highly organized and operating with a level of precision that made everything feel intentional.
That first day, Laura wasn’t focused on the technical work; she was observing. But something shifted when she began paying attention to what was actually happening around her – the process, the flow, the problem-solving and the craftsmanship involved in returning vehicles to pre-loss condition was fascinating. By the end of that week, Laura had earned her prom dress… and she had also gained a new perspective. She wanted to come back.
Like many students approaching the end of high school, Laura had started thinking about what came next, and now she had a pretty clear idea of what she wanted to do. As she spent the summer after graduation working in the shop, she quickly realized she couldn’t get enough – that she had discovered her path.
Around that time, she began learning about different educational pathways in collision repair. Her family didn’t have the resources to support a traditional four-year college experience, so when she learned about Contra Costa College, a local community college with a collision repair program just 30 minutes from her home, she knew she’d found the solution; it was affordable, practical and accessible.
Laura earned her associate degree while continuing to work part-time and during summers as her father’s apprentice. That combination of classroom learning and real-world application became the foundation of her development in the industry.
After graduation, she transitioned into full-time work at the shop. Working under her father created a unique learning environment built on trust and familiarity. Mistakes weren’t punished – they were worked through. If something broke, they fixed it together. That dynamic allowed her to grow quickly and confidently, developing skills without the fear of being pushed out for learning.
As time went on, she and her father became co-owners of their own collision repair shop and operated it together for seven years. That period became a formative chapter in her career. She gained exposure to every aspect of the business: refinishing, estimating, insurance relations, parts coordination, administrative operations and customer communication. More than anything, she developed a deep understanding of how all the moving pieces of a collision repair facility connect.
During this time, her mentor at Contra Costa College – Peter Lock – was preparing to retire. That moment prompted reflection on the future of the program and her own long-term goals. Laura had always imagined teaching someday…but not until much later in life. When Peter encouraged her to apply for an instructional role, it was initially framed as a learning exercise to understand the process.
What followed was a six-month hiring journey involving multiple interviews and steps. When the job offer finally arrived, it was unexpected. She hadn’t gone into the process expecting to be selected, but she was ready to take on the challenge. She committed fully, stepping away from the shop temporarily to focus on the opportunity. Her father supported the decision wholeheartedly, and she continued assisting with shop operations on weekends.
On her first day in the classroom, something immediately resonated. After teaching her first class, she knew this was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. It felt like the right environment, the right energy and the right evolution of everything she had experienced before.
After that semester, Laura transitioned fully into education. Her father eventually made the decision to sell the shop. Since that day – a decade ago – she has remained in education, and it continues to resonate just as deeply as ever.
Today, she reflects on that journey as one built on adaptability, trust and continuous growth. Teaching collision repair keeps her connected to the industry that shaped her while challenging her in new ways every day. It continues to push her outside her comfort zone in ways that feel both meaningful and necessary.
Q&A with Laura
What first drew you into collision repair?
What first drew me into collision repair was a week my dad had me work with him to earn money for a prom dress. I didn’t even understand the industry at the time, but walking into that BMW-certified shop and seeing how everything operated with such precision completely changed my perspective. By the end of that week, I knew I wanted to stay in it.
Thinking back to your earliest recollection – what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
In high school, I really didn’t have a clear direction and remember thinking, “now what?” during my senior year. That started to shift after I spent the week working with my dad in a collision shop; something just clicked. I’ve always been drawn to hands-on work and being outdoors, which naturally translated into working on cars. I also value independence and not having someone constantly hovering or micromanaging, and the shop environment gave me that freedom in a way that felt really good. I’ve loved cars for as long as I can remember and even used to want to be a race car driver, so it all connected pretty naturally.
What have you gotten from this industry that you don’t believe you would have gotten in a different field?
I’ve worked on both the education side and the technician side of collision repair. From the tech side, you learn to follow a process and the importance of attention to details. It never really felt like a job – it felt like I got to “play” all day and get paid for it. On the education side, I’ve had to push myself in completely new ways, from becoming a public speaker to learning how to communicate and present information effectively. It’s also taught me patience and how to better understand and engage with students of all ages and backgrounds. Overall, teaching has challenged me in ways that have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Can you break down your collision repair program – how it’s structured, how long it runs and the different pathways students can take? What does enrollment look like year to year, and have you noticed any shifts in interest or demographics, especially around women entering the field?
I teach in a two-year collision repair program that offers multiple pathways, including a certificate option for students just exploring the field, an associate degree track that combines collision classes with general education, and an internship-based pathway through Collision Engineering that I’m especially passionate about. In that internship pathway, students commit to earning their degree while also getting connected to a job, a mentor, tools, PPE, industry certifications and even financial support – by the time they graduate, they’re already employed and often leave essentially debt-free or even ahead financially. Across all pathways, we typically see about 60 new students a year, with smaller cohorts of 10–12 in the fully committed Collision Engineering track, where around 85% of students graduate and stay in the industry, which is a really meaningful metric for us.
A big part of my perspective as an educator comes from my own experience in the industry and with my dad, which I know isn’t everyone’s reality, so I’ve become very focused on making sure students have real support systems instead of being “thrown into the fire” after graduation. I’ve seen how easily people leave the industry when they don’t feel valued or supported, and that shaped how I think about building stronger transitions from school to work. I stay closely connected with other programs, so I’ve seen increases in the number of women joining some of those, and while we haven’t seen a large increase in women in our specific program, the women who do join tend to be highly committed and genuinely interested in the work.
What are your biggest challenges as an instructor, and how do you overcome them?
The gritty part of education for me has been building a team and growing the program, which has been on my mind from the very beginning. A big challenge is figuring out how to recruit more instructors, including potentially reaching out to graduates or experienced technicians to step into teaching roles. It’s something I’ve also dealt with on the shop side – finding the right people who align not just in skill, but in mindset. For me, alignment and attitude matter just as much as technical ability.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
For me, the “glossed” part is always graduation – seeing students complete the program after pushing through all the hard parts of balancing life, school and work. It’s really about the relationships you build with them over those two years and the conversations you have along the way. Getting to the end and watching them cross that finish line is incredibly rewarding. I love the ceremony and that moment of relief and pride when they realize they made it; I’m sitting there, applauding and just thinking, “fly birdie, fly!”
Given the shortage of collision repair instructors, what would you say to encourage someone to consider becoming an educator? Would that conversation be different if you were talking to a woman instead of a man?
We’re having the same conversations we’ve always had, but now there’s a more intentional layer to it around encouraging collision repair professionals to consider teaching as a future path. With the program structure we have in place, an associate’s degree is required for employment, which naturally changes how people move through the pipeline compared to the faster, non-degree routes that used to be more common in the industry.
Now, we’re actively inviting graduates back into the classroom as guest speakers and teachers’ aides for a semester, where they help set up labs and get exposure to what instruction actually looks like day to day. It’s a way to show them that teaching isn’t as far removed from the shop as they might think and that their experience is incredibly valuable in that setting.
The goal is to plant that seed early, so when technicians eventually reach a point where they’re ready for something different, or when a teaching opportunity opens up, they’ve already been introduced to the idea and feel comfortable stepping into it.
Why is industry support important for schools, and how does it impact student morale?
Our main motivation is always student impact, and that drives everything we do – from staying actively involved in the industry to bringing in guest speakers and building stronger connections with partners. The more access we can give students (whether that’s up-to-date tools, industry engagement or direct communication with collision repair professionals), the more valuable the program becomes. In a lot of ways, the funding and support tend to follow that mindset of putting students first.
We focus on asking what we need to do to give students the best possible experience in the short time they’re with us, which includes bringing in as much industry involvement as we can. The industry itself is incredibly generous. Once people meet the students and see the energy in the program, they often want to get involved, whether that’s donating money, time or consumable materials. We try to create an environment where we can provide as many resources and opportunities into those two years as possible.
We’ve also been very fortunate to have strong support from the college and administration, which provides stability and allows us to keep expanding that work. I know a lot of other programs don’t have that same foundation, which can make things much more difficult. At the end of the day, these partnerships are built on people, and I’ve been lucky to work alongside someone like Peter, whose 45 years of experience and commitment have helped make all of this possible.
What do you wish more shops and employers understood about recent graduates when they’re hiring them? And how can shops do a better job of attracting and supporting women in the collision repair industry?
One of the biggest things I wish more shops understood about recent graduates is how different their mindset is compared to experienced technicians. There’s also a generational gap that often gets overlooked – entry-level techs are typically in a completely different stage of development, curiosity and confidence than someone who’s been in the industry for 20, 30 or 40 years. Early on, they’re incredibly curious, eager to be challenged and more motivated by learning and growth than by money alone.
Because of that, retention really comes down to mentorship and structure. Shops that do well are the ones that intentionally choose the right individuals to mentor entry-level techs and meet them where they are. It’s a delicate balance, especially in a production shop where there are real deadlines and real cars, but consistency matters. These students actually do very well with clear boundaries and expectations, and they struggle when things are vague – like being told a start time but not really held to it, then getting corrected later. They need clarity from the beginning.
They also really want a defined growth path. Many graduates don’t leave school knowing exactly how they’re going to progress in a shop. They want to know what the first six months look like, what success looks like and how they’ll be supported to get there. If employers can lay that out clearly and revisit it with them, it makes a huge difference in whether they stay and grow, or if they leave the shop (or even the industry).
On the gender side, I do think there are some differences in how individuals approach learning and instruction, especially early on. In my experience, women tend to be more receptive to instruction at the start and often show strong attention to detail and consistency in following directions. Regardless of gender, though, the bigger point is that every entry-level technician benefits from structure, repetition and clear communication – it just may show up differently depending on the individual.
For shops looking to attract and support more women in the industry, the same fundamentals apply, but the key is creating an environment where they can see themselves staying long-term. That means intentional mentorship, consistent expectations and a culture where their development is taken seriously from day one. It matters because the industry can’t afford to miss out on capable people – especially when retention is already one of the biggest challenges we face.
What’s it like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry? As an instructor, does your knowledge get questioned because you’re a woman?
I think age was actually a bigger factor than gender when I first started out, because I was often the youngest person in the room or the shop. I got into the industry through my dad, so for a long time I was kind of “the daughter of,” which unintentionally created a layer of protection – people knew and respected him, and in a way, that shaped how they treated me. I didn’t fully realize that until years later when I stepped back and reflected on how different my experience might have been without that.
Early on, I did have moments where comments would get made, like someone saying, “this is a man’s job, what are you doing here?” At the time, I honestly didn’t think much of it; I was there because I wanted to be. But later, I gained more perspective, especially when I asked for a reference letter years after leaving a shop and the owner admitted he had only hired me to see if a woman could actually do the job. In the moment, I was grateful for the opportunity, but looking back, I recognized how layered and frankly sexist that mindset was.
Even as an instructor, I’ve been very fortunate to be protected in a lot of ways – especially through mentors like Mr. Lock, who really took me under his wing, traveled with me to industry events and introduced me to people in the field. As I’ve connected more with other women technicians and instructors, I’ve heard much harder stories…things ranging from constant dismissal to really serious experiences of harassment and abuse.
That’s made me incredibly aware of how lucky I’ve been, and it’s also made me very intentional about trying to be that safe, supportive presence for my students now. I try to make sure they have someone they can call on after graduation, whether they need help, an introduction or just guidance. I’ve been fortunate to have a kind of “bubble” of support around me, and I try to pass that forward – because not everyone gets that experience, and they should.
How often have you had the opportunity to work with other women?
In a collision shop setting, I didn’t really have much direct connection with other women technicians early on. I did, however, get the opportunity to participate in two SEMA builds through Girl Gang Garage with Bogi Lateiner, and that experience was incredibly cathartic. I remember being in the room with other women technicians and almost not believing I was there – it was something I didn’t even realize I needed until I experienced it. Seeing a space filled with women working together in the mechanical industry felt powerful, and I also met someone there who has since become one of my closest friends.
That experience connected me with a broader network of women in the mechanical and restoration space and completely shifted my perspective and purpose once I moved into the classroom. I remember thinking at the time, “wow, this is really cool,” but more importantly, it opened up conversations I hadn’t even realized were missing in my career…things like how you navigate pregnancy in the industry, maternity leave and whether you continue painting while pregnant and exposed to chemicals – conversations you just don’t typically have with men.
It also changed how I connect with female students. There’s something unspoken about that women-to-women understanding, and I’ve really felt that in how we communicate and relate to each other in the classroom.
What’s a moment in the program that really stands out to you as an example of student grit or resilience?
On the day of a big welding test, I could tell something was wrong with the only young woman in the class – it wasn’t anything she said or did necessarily, but I’d known these students for a year and a half. Well, she just kept working and completed her test. Then, she quietly asked me for an Advil; it turns out that she was having fierce period cramps that day. And these guys had no clue what she was going through. They were all whining and struggling with the weld, and this girl pushed past the physical pain and absolutely killed it! That really highlighted her resilience and determination; it stood out as a powerful example of grit and focus and reinforced how capable and committed female students can be in the program.
What advice would you offer other women who are interested in pursuing a career in the collision repair industry?
My advice is always to stick with what you genuinely like and stay curious. Be open to learning from as many people as possible, because there are a lot of people in this industry who are willing to teach and share knowledge – you just have to be willing to receive it. I know that can be hard for shy or introverted people, so sometimes it’s about observing instead of always asking: watching behaviors, techniques and how people work together, and just kind of “nerding out” on it.
If it’s something you’re truly interested in, people will notice over time, and the skills will follow naturally. My own path was pretty organic – I just kept following what felt good and stayed consistent with it. That’s usually what I tell students too: if it feels right, go all in. Read, watch YouTube, follow magazines and engage with the industry in whatever way makes sense for you.
There are so many ways to plug into this space now through social media and different communities. It’s a really cool industry with a lot of great people in it. Like anywhere, there are difficult personalities too, but they exist everywhere, so don’t let those people discourage you from pursuing something you’re passionate about.
What do you do with your spare time outside of the industry?
I’m really into outdoorsy, physical activities – I trained for a marathon last year and spend a lot of time in the gym or hiking when I can. My husband is teaching me how to golf, but that’s definitely a work in progress lol. Most of my spare time is also centered around spending time with family and my niece and nephews.
What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Patient – I try to stay patient in all the different areas of my life and trust the process instead of rushing things. I can appreciate the long game and experiencing the various stages of progress. I’m also very driven about how I think through my goals and the direction I want to go. Hmmm. Coming up with a third adjective is a challenge… Happy. Yeah. I’m pretty happy with where I’m at in life right now.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I’ve always thought flying sounds really fun, and I think that connects back to when I used to want to be a race car driver. Realistically, I’m trying to be more extroverted, and I really gravitate toward people who have that natural “people energy” and are super personable. I really admire people who are outgoing and act as cheerleaders for others. I especially love being around people like that.
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Too Glossed to Care, Too Gritty to Quit:
To the Future Collision DisruptHERs
By Jannifer Stimmel-Watkins, Technical Editor
If you knew how much the concept of “frame of mind” affects me from the bottom of my soul, you would probably be surprised. I have been in the Graduation season is officially here, which means another wave of brilliant, vibrant minds is preparing to trade peaceful school labs for the fast-paced jungle of a live production facility. As a former instructor, I always loved this time of year – mostly because it was so rewarding to watch the hesitant, unsure students who first entered my lab transform into absolute powerhouses ready to launch into their futures. Whether my apprenticeship students were transitioning to full-time hours or my standard-track students were stepping into a commercial shop for the first time, the shift from classroom theory to real-world production is unmatched. Congratulations to all of you! Your hard work and dedication has prepared you for this next terrifying and exhilarating step.
This installment of Frame of Mind is dedicated entirely to the next generation of Collision DisruptHERs. Whether you are currently weighing your educational options, entering the workforce as a new apprentice or throwing your cap in the air this semester, you are on the cusp of an amazing new chapter. Take a deep breath and stop stressing – this is the launchpad you’ve been working toward, so you might as well embrace the excitement!
Let’s be real: the collision industry requires significant dedication and hard work, but for those who actually want to be here, it is a phenomenally rewarding career path. If you’ve evaluated your future and felt the magnetic pull toward this field, I dare you to take the leap. One of the best perks of this industry is the low-risk test drive; you can get your hands dirty and see if you love it without draining a massive bank account on a four-year degree first. I wish I had started in this industry, or any trade for that matter. If I had, I may not have to check from time to time to see what my kidney will go for on the black market. Student loans are not something to take out lightly; trust me, I would know.
If your graduation is still a year away, don’t just sit there… Go tour your local technical school. Better yet, demand a hands-on preview. In my teaching days, we used to host a special interactive day for young ladies to come in, grab the tools and crush some real repair objectives. While people like me get easily distracted and excited just by staring at a shiny layout of brand-new spray guns, a lot of future pros need that physical, hands-on experience to realize they actually love the rhythm of the trade.
A quick note to the tech schools/instructors out there: if you aren’t actively offering these try-out days for young women, you are completely missing the boat – and losing your next generation of rockstar students to an industry that doesn’t appreciate their drive as much as we do.
For those of you who are ready to make the leap or who are transitioning into full-time roles right now, taking your education into the workforce as a woman requires a distinct strategy. It means looking at the industry through a lens of high-gloss precision and absolute self-worth. Here is the unfiltered advice I used to bark from the front of my classroom or lab on how to navigate this male-dominated trade, command respect, and map out your legacy.
Choosing Your Career Path Blueprint
When you step past the threshold of an educational institution, the architecture of your career changes overnight – in a technical school lab, the goals are cleanly outlined on a syllabus, and your instructor is there to act as a safety net, but once you enter the real-world workforce, the metrics shift toward flat-rate hours, production speed, key performance indicators (KPIs) and cycle times. For a female technician entering this intense ecosystem, this transition requires an assertive, tactical approach. You cannot afford to passively wait for an opportunity to fall into your lap; you must actively construct your own path.
The baseline of this strategy begins with your first employment decision – finding the right workplace is just as critical as finding the right training program!
Not all shops are created equal. It is an unfortunate reality that structural and cultural quality varies wildly from shop to shop. Some businesses are light-years ahead, operating with clean, well-lit bays, advanced tooling and progressive leadership; others are still anchored to a bygone era, where safety protocols are ignored, and a female technician is viewed with an outdated sense of skepticism. They are still structurally anchored to 1985, where the safety protocols consist of “just don’t breathe too hard” and the shop floor looks like a crime scene littered with broken clips and ancient beef jerky wrappers.
This is why you must approach the job hunt with a selective mindset: you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.
When you tour a potential shop, apply a rigorous cultural and technical filter. Look past the polished front office where customers wait, drinking complimentary coffee that tastes remarkably like battery acid, and demand to see the back of the house. Step into the production bays and observe. How are the vehicles flowing through the stalls? Are the technicians working in a state of chaotic frustration, throwing wrenches at the drywall…or is there a rhythmic, collaborative flow? Are tools scattered haphazardly across body filler caked floors like an obstacle course…or does the shop implement an organized system that respects its assets?
The “Surface Tension” Facility Filter
- Operational Safety: Are local exhaust systems, eye-wash stations and structural safety gear fully operational and regularly checked, or are they holding up old calendars?
- Infrastructure Investment: Does the shop utilize modern measuring systems, clean downdraft spray booths and advanced spot welders?
- Team Communication: Do the estimators, parts managers and technicians speak to one another with professional clarity, or is it mostly grunting and pointing?
Crucially, evaluate their commitment to industry evolution. A shop that refuses to invest in modern frame machinery, aluminum repair spaces or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration tooling is a shop that is slowly dying. If a facility is unwilling to invest in its own technical infrastructure, it certainly will not invest in your continuing education or career advancement.
Be direct with shop owners and production managers during your tours. Ask them how they handle the apprenticeship path: Do they have a clear, documented timeline for moving an apprentice from an initial teardown or prep role into a flat-rate stall, or do they simply use cheap entry-level labor to haul scrap and sweep floors indefinitely? Ask how they handle continuous training through organizations like I-CAR or specific vehicle OEM certifications.
Pay close attention to how they respond to your presence. If a shop owner seems overly fixated on your gender, drops condescending remarks under the guise of humor (like asking if you need a pink toolbox), or acts as if hiring you is a public-relations stunt rather than a strategic business decision based on your technical merit, walk away. While you’re walking the floor, do a thorough vibe check on the technicians currently in the stalls. There is a massive strategic advantage to doing this.
For starters, miserable techs are like a glowing check engine light—if they hate the shop, they will practically trip over themselves to dump their diagnostic codes on you. Your job is to filter the raw data: are they exposing legitimate operational bottlenecks (like broken equipment and parts delays), or are they just chronic grumblers who hate their lives and the flat-rate system in general?
Secondly, this interaction gives you an immediate preview of how they’ll treat you on a random Tuesday. If a tech decides to fly his caveman flag right in front of you during a tour, consider it a gift. It’s a live-action demo of how management operates under pressure. Does the boss shut that behavior down immediately, or do they give you the classic, spineless shrug: “Oh, that’s just Old-School Bob, he doesn’t mean anything by it”?
If the manager plays zookeeper instead of a leader, you have all the data you need. Decide right then and there whether a facility is worth your time, or if you should take your talents to a shop that actually operates in the current century.
Your skills are an economic asset! Never give your time, talent, physical labor, or sanity to a business that treats your presence as an anomaly rather than an upgrade to their production line. Ladies, let’s be entirely honest here: I’ve already warned you that this industry is hard work. Because of that, you need to look at your first industry job the exact same way you look at a first husband. Specifically, let’s try really hard not to let our first shop choice become our bitter ex-husband.
You know the type—the one that absolutely stole your youth. Think back to when we still possessed pristine lower backs, fully functioning knee cartilage, and the physiological ability to drop it like it’s hot out on the dance floor, only to effortlessly roll into work the next morning like we hadn’t been dancing all night long. Yeah, if you let it, a bad shop will drain you of that exact same vitality, leave you with nothing but a toolbox full of regret, and expect a thank-you note. Your time is money! Every second of every day represents your personal economic value, and you have way too much intelligence to waste it in a workspace that doesn’t appreciate you.
The Interview: Shattering the Desk-Job Bias
While the trade is definitely modernizing, let’s be real: there are still plenty of knuckle-dragging neanderthals roaming the shop floors who completely missed the memo on human evolution. You are inevitably going to run into a few fossils whose technical certifications are up-to-date, but whose internal social diagnostics are pulling nothing but error codes. When a young woman walks into a body shop with an application, many traditional managers will instinctively assume she is applying for a customer service role, a front-desk position or an entry-level estimating job. They might look at you and see someone who should be answering phones and coddling DRP reps rather than sectioning frame rails. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those vital career paths, but if your goal is to spend your days in a paint booth or welding a quarter panel, you must shatter that front-office expectation before a single question is asked.
Your interview strategy should be a masterclass in professional execution and immediate readiness. You want to arrive looking sharp and put-together, signaling that you treat the business opportunity with complete seriousness; however, your appearance must also be backed by functionality. Do not show up in delicate office attire or high heels that make walking across a live production floor look like a high-wire balancing act. Instead, wear durable, clean work trousers and a professional polo or branded collared shirt.
Most importantly, carry your tool or gear bag right along with you. Inside that bag should be your broken-in steel-toed work boots, your safety glasses and your respirator. This simple visual cue completely alters the dynamic of the meeting. It lets the hiring manager know immediately that you do not fear the grit of collision repair – the noise, the dust and the physical demands of the shop floor.
When the conversation shifts to your technical abilities, don’t rely solely on verbal descriptions of your school lab projects… Bring the evidence. Hand them an organized portfolio containing photographs of your work. One recommendation that I always made to my students was to somehow organize photos in a drive or a file that could be shared or emailed to the manager. Show them clean, sectioning weld tests that you have passed. Show them high-resolution images of complex plastic tab repairs you have executed, or panels you prepped, blocked and sprayed. If you have kept track of your diagnostic scanner work or structural measurement printouts from your school lab, present them.
Your Mobile Interview Rig:
- A clean, organized digital or physical technical portfolio
- Certified safety glasses with side shields
- Steel-toed work boots (clean, but clearly broken-in)
- A properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator
If you sense any underlying skepticism from the interviewer regarding your repair competence or your willingness to jump into the fray, call their bluff with calm confidence.
Look the manager in the eye and say: “I have my boots and safety gear in my bag. If you have an open stall or a senior technician available right now, I am completely ready to go out to the floor and execute a live weld test or perform a tear-down objective, so you can see my efficiency first-hand.”
This level of professional assertiveness changes the entire power dynamic. It transforms you from a passive applicant hoping for a chance into a confident professional offering to prove your economic production capability on the spot. Even if they decline the live test, the message is received loud and clear: you are a technician, you are here to build, and you know exactly how to handle the tools of the trade.
The Finish Line is Just the Starting Block
Class of 2026, the transition from the classroom to the shop floor is the ultimate glow-up. By vetting your future shop with a critical eye and walking into interviews with your gear bag in hand, you aren’t just looking for a job – you’re staging a takeover. You’ve proven you’re “too Glossed to care” about the outdated stereotypes and “too Gritty to quit” when the work gets tough. These are your first high-velocity steps toward a legendary career!
But don’t shift into park just yet. This is only the beginning of my “New Grad” series. I’m dedicating the next few installments of this column to helping you navigate the “real world” hurdles that a syllabus can’t prepare you for:
- June e-News: Tune in for tactical tips on negotiating a tool allowance (don’t leave money on the table!) and survival strategies for navigating your first year on the shop floor.
- Issue 2, coming in June: Make sure to subscribe for this deep dive. I’ll be talking about taking command of your career path options and the essential skills for confronting bias in the workplace without losing your cool or your momentum.
Remember, Collision DisruptHERs: The industry is waiting for your impact. Let’s get to work!
The Pipeline Just Got Stronger:
Collision Engineering Earns National Recognition
The future of collision repair just got a major co-sign from the federal government – and honestly, it’s well deserved.
The Collision Engineering Career Alliance (CECA) was recently awarded National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (NGS) recognition by the U.S. Department of Labor, officially validating its apprenticeship model as a national framework for training and certifying collision engineering technicians.
Translation? The industry’s ongoing workforce conversation is finally turning into real, scalable action!
For years, collision repair leaders have sounded the alarm about technician shortages, evolving vehicle technology and the urgent need for stronger talent pipelines. Collision Engineering didn’t just acknowledge the problem – it built an entirely different roadmap.
The program combines classroom education with paid, real-world apprenticeships, allowing students to rotate every eight weeks between college instruction and hands-on shop experience. Graduates leave with a two-year associate degree, industry experience and employer connections… and now, it’s all tied to a nationally-recognized credential from the Department of Labor.
That matters – not just because it elevates the credibility of collision repair education, but also because it helps reshape how young people (and their parents, counselors and communities) view careers in this industry. Collision repair is no longer being positioned as a backup plan; it’s being recognized as a highly technical, high-skill career path deserving of structured workforce investment.
And that shift? That’s a Collision DisruptHER-level move!
“The Department of Labor’s approval of our National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards is a defining moment for Collision Engineering,” said John Helterbrand, national program director. “It validates the work we have done to align education and industry, and it ensures students and employers alike can access a pathway that is nationally recognized and sustainable for the future.”
At Glossed & Gritty, we talk often about the importance of building the future of collision repair intentionally – not reactively. Programs like Collision Engineering are doing exactly that by connecting schools, shops and industry leaders in ways that create long-term sustainability instead of short-term staffing fixes.
Collision Engineering President Mary Mahoney emphasized that the program’s success is rooted in collaboration across the industry, with partner schools and repair facilities working together to create stronger opportunities for students entering the trade.
And perhaps one of the most important pieces of this entire initiative is accessibility. Students aren’t expected to choose between education and earning a paycheck. They’re able to learn while actively working in the industry, reducing barriers that often prevent talented young people from pursuing technical careers in the first place.
That’s not just workforce development – that’s workforce evolution.
Collision Engineering currently partners with schools across the country, including College of Lake County, Contra Costa College, Parkland College, Metropolitan Community College, Sandhills Community College, North Dakota State College of Science and El Camino College – creating a growing national network focused on producing career-ready technicians equipped for modern collision repair.
As vehicles continue advancing, the industry needs technicians trained not only to repair cars, but to understand the increasingly complex engineering behind them. Collision Engineering is proving that future-ready training isn’t optional anymore; it’s essential.
And now, it’s federally recognized.
From Classroom to Collision Career: WIN Supports 39 Rising DisruptHERs
More than 39 future Collision DisruptHERS are stepping into the industry with a little extra support behind them.
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) recently awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships, mentorship opportunities and professional shop tool sets to collision repair students across North America through its 2026 WIN Student Scholarship Program.
Selected from more than 100 applicants, this year’s recipients represent the next generation of technicians, painters, leaders and changemakers helping reshape the future of collision repair.
Through its Champions, Trailblazers and Legends levels – as well as its new Northern Star scholarships for Canadian students – WIN continues investing directly into the industry’s talent pipeline, proving that supporting women in collision repair isn’t just a conversation; it’s actionable. Beyond financial support, recipients also gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, student engagement calls and industry connections designed to help create long-term career growth and retention within collision repair.
In other words: these students aren’t just receiving scholarships – they’re gaining a community.
“WIN’s commitment to driving the future of the industry is anchored by our investment in women aspiring to work in collision repair,” said Tracy Bracht, 2026 Chair of the WIN Student Relations Committee. “Student membership provides access to valuable resources and opportunities that support them throughout their journey. There is no cost for student memberships, thanks to the generous support of our generous sponsors and members!”
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) again partnered with WIN this year to help expand the program’s reach and connect more students with opportunities to launch successful careers in the industry.
From toolboxes to tuition assistance, the program helps remove barriers many students face while entering the trade – especially aspiring technicians balancing education costs alongside the expense of building professional-grade tool collections.
The 10 young women who were named 2026 Champions received a $2,500 scholarship, mentorship, shop tools, WIN merchandise and a WIN Conference virtual pass. Congratulations to:
- Angelica Briones – Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Chattanooga, TN)
- Leah Clarke – Wilkes Community College (Wilkesboro, NC)
- Alice Cook – Collin College (Lewisville, TX)
- Jennifer Cruz – El Camino College (Hawthorne, CA)
- Courteney Lafrenz – Southeast Technical College (Larchwood, IA)
- Izzy Malloy – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Carlisle, PA)
- Emerald Manuel – Northeast Community College (Norfolk, NE)
- Jacqueline Nguyen – Portland Community College (Hillsboro, OR)
- Rachel Santafemia – North Georgia Technical College (Gainesville, GA)
- Addison Zick – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Norristown, PA)
Nine Trailblazers were awarded a $500 scholarship, entrance into WIN’s mentorship program and a WIN Conference virtual pass.
- Josephine Barbour – Wake Tech Community College (Creedmoor, NC)
- Elizabeth Caspers – Rock Valley College (Belvidere, IL)
- Tausha French – American River College (Sacramento, CA)
- Katelyn Jenkins – Palomar College (Temecula, CA)
- Electra Lucero – Madison Area Technical College (Madison, WI)
- Kennedy McDaniel – Des Moines Area Community College (Des Moines, IA)
- Alyssa Meadows – St. Cloud Technical & Community College (East Bethel, MN)
- Lisa Sanchez – Bellingham Technical (Ferndale, VT)
- Madison Warren – Unaka High School (Elizabethton, TN)
This year’s Legends received shop tools, WIN merchandise, mentorship opportunities and a WIN Conference virtual pass.
- Alexis Arjon – South Plains College (Levelland, TX)
- Autumn Burrows – Puget Sound Skills Center (Kent, WA)
- Emily Carroll, Hennepin Technical College (Roseville, MN)
- Gabriella De Leon Humes – Lincoln College of Technology (Fort Thomas, KY)
- Olivia Dellinger – Wilkes Community College (Hays, NC)
- Jolie Keigley – Des Moines Area Community College (Ames, IA)
- Tory Matthews – Metropolitan Community College (Omaha, NE)
- Jocelyn Pandolfo – Pennsylvania College of Technology (Clark, NJ)
- Tia Wolffe – Kennedy King College (Homewood, IL)
- Taralynn Wright – Tulsa Tech (Broken Arrow, OK)
New in 2026, WIN awarded Northern Star scholarships to Canadian students in two levels. Recipients of $1,000 scholarships included:
- Sophia Branco-Silva – Centennial College (Whitby, Ontario)
- Amelia Desbiens – Central Memorial High School (Calgary, Alberta)
- Kianna Edison – St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Kenora, Ontario)
- Aleisha Smith – Okanagan College (Kelowna, British Columbia)
- Teila Wandowich – Red River Polytech (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The following students were awarded $500 scholarships:
- Torrie Crowe – Southern Alberta, Institute of Technology (Calgary, Alberta)
- Shanika Dick – Centennial College (Toronto, Ontario)
- Cassandra Foy – Red River Polytech (St. Andrews, Manitoba)
- Jordan Pomanski – Red River Polytech (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Evelyn Torres – Centennial College (Toronto, Ontario)
Learn more about WIN’s Scholarship Program.
(Winners pictured above from left to right: Olivia Dellinger, Leah Clark, Jolie Keigley, & Jacqueline Nguyen)
These Girls Got Skills – and the Medals to Prove It!
Every year, the best of the best trade students battle it out at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conferences for a shot at the national spotlight – but in 2026, the girls didn’t just show up; they dominated!
Throughout the nation, female competitors racked up medals for Automotive Refinishing Technology, Collision Repair Technology and Collision Damage Appraisal in a way that turned heads, shattered expectations and proved the next generation of skilled tradeswomen isn’t coming in quietly… They’re in it to win it!
“SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners students, instructors, and industry to ensure America has a skilled workforce,” explains Sarah Stillahn, Vice Chair of the Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA), who helped organize the Nebraska State Collision Competition. “Through hands-on competitions like this, students are evaluated on real-world industry standards, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the shop.”
While the student competitors are the stars of the show, Sarah points out, “The success of this event depends heavily on the involvement of industry professionals, local shops and vendor partners. From donating time and equipment to judging, mentoring and sponsoring, their support ensures students are evaluated to current industry standards while also building meaningful connections within the trade. These partnerships are critical to developing the next generation of collision repair professionals.”
She applauds the local organizations and individuals who stepped up: “Levanders in Grand Island generously provided the facility – including a paint booth – for the Collision Repair and Refinishing competitions. Volunteers supplemented the space by bringing in additional equipment, creating a true real-world shop environment and delivering a meaningful, hands-on experience for students. In past years, volunteers faced challenges creating this type of environment due to limited facilities, so Levanders’ willingness to step in and open their doors has been a significant and appreciated addition to the program!”
Overall participation was fairly strong with 46 competitors representing five high schools and three colleges; however, Sarah would have liked to see more participation in the Collision Damage Appraisal Competition. “Increasing awareness and involvement in this category is important, as it plays a critical role in the repair process and offers strong career opportunities within the industry. We encourage instructors and students to explore this path and get involved in future competitions.”
In fact, she would love to see more involvement in every collision competition. Sarah observes that only three colleges participated in the Nebraska State Competition and expresses concern that “one of those programs is scheduled to close after the next school year – highlighting the ongoing need to support and grow collision repair education in Nebraska.” She urges industry professionals to get involved with their local programs to ensure they remain viable.
NABA also encourages schools and students to reach out to the association “if travel or resources are a barrier to participation. Our goal is to support student involvement however we can and help ensure that those who want to compete have the opportunity to do so!
“SkillsUSA provides an important platform for young professionals to demonstrate their skills, build confidence and experience a sense of accomplishment,” Sarah adds. “Many students enter the competition already having secured positions or sponsorships with industry companies, while others often leave with job offers, especially at the national level, thanks to the exposure and connections these events provide.”
While female competitors brought serious talent to every corner of the SkillsUSA Nebraska State Collision Competition, the real takeover happened in college-level Automotive Refinishing, where the women swept the podium and claimed all three medals. The booth was packed with tenacity, precision and unapologetic DisruptHER energy – proving the future of refinishing is looking a whole lot more female.
Congratulations to Gold medalist Emma Uhler (Southeast Community College – Milford; Milford, NE), Silver medal winner Callie Nickerson (Metropolitan Community College; Omaha, NE) and Bronze winner Miranda Vanek (Northeast Community College; Norfolk, NE)!
Nebraska wasn’t the only state where young women took over the Automotive Refinishing Technology scene. Across the country, female competitors proved their eye for color, detail and precision is next-level – turning heads, stacking medals and bringing the “Gloss” to SkillsUSA at the state level! The “Grit” was definitely part of the equation too, with plenty of women earning medals in Collision Damage Appraisal and Collision Repair Technology.
Glossed & Gritty proudly celebrates every student competitor – women and men alike – but our mission is spotlighting the women kicking ass, breaking barriers and making waves in the skilled trades, so we’re highlighting the ladies* who brought home medals in states across the country…over six dozen medals!
(*Editors’ note: We did our best to identify female competitors based on the names provided in the results lists and subsequent research. If anyone was unintentionally missed or incorrectly identified, we sincerely apologize; the goal is to celebrate and recognize the incredible talent and accomplishments of the young women making their mark in collision repair.)
Automotive Refinishing Technology
Gold:
- Allonna Vidrine (Terrebonne Career and Technical High School; Houma, LA) – High School
- Bridget Dunfee (WyoTech; Laramie, WY) – College
- Brookelyn Meents (Lake Career and Technical Center; Camdenton, MO) – High School
- Chesey Johnson (Madison County Career Technology Center; Huntsville, AL) – High School
- Ella Parsons (Northeast State Community College; Blountville, TN) – College
- Elizabeth Rolen (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Isabella Roll (North Dakota State College of Science; Wahpeton, ND) – College
- Jasmine Hansen (Southwestern Community College; Creston, IA) – College
- Kaelyn Brilliant (Capital Area Technical Center; Augusta, ME) – High School
- Katie Dobrinski (Morgan Community College; Fort Morgan, CO) – High School
- Megan Pierret (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Olivia Dillinger (Wilkes Community College; Wilkesboro, NC) – High School
Silver:
- Brenna Leuty (Washburn Tech; Topeka, KS) – High School
- Dana Chick (Cape Fear Community College; Wilmington, NC) – College
- Evangeline Utley (Bingham H/S; South Jordan, UT) – High School
- Isabelle Mayberry (Orange Technical College – South Campus; Orlando, FL) – College
- Makayla Ball (Autry Technology Center; Enid, OK) – College
- Mariana Millan (Hutchinson Career & Technical Academy; Hutchinson, KS) – College
- Nicole Fejfar (West-MEC NE Campus; Phoenix, AZ) – High School
- Olivia Rhodes (Maxwell High School of Technology; Lawrenceville, GA) – High School
- Sydney Stiarwalt (Lewis and Clark Career Center; Saint Charles, MO) – High School
Bronze:
- Allison Dyke (Bismarck State College; Bismarck, ND) – College
- Annabelle Weaver (Northern Neck Technical Center; Warsaw, VA) – High School
- Aiyana Herrera (Pickens Technical College; Aurora, CO) – College
- Dalia Alcala (Yakima Valley Skill Center; Yakima, WA) – High School
- Daylan Dooley (Athens Technical College; Athens, GA) – College
- Emily DeBeaubien (Iredell-Statesville Career Academy & Tech School; Troutman, NC) – High School
- Kierra Hamilton (Tennessee College of Applied Tech-Knoxville; Knoxville, TN) College
- Leah Clarke (Wilkes Community College; Wilkesboro, NC) – College
- Joselyn Marquez (Granger H/S; West Valley City, UT) – High School
- Savannah Pepcorn-Maybon (MSU Billings-COT; Billings, MT) – College
- Savannah Martin (Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech; Newark, DE) – High School
- Sindel Mendez De La Cruz (Salt Lake Community College; Salt Lake City, UT) – College
Collision Damage Appraisal
Gold:
- Ashley Salas (Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technology High School; Houston, TX) – High School
- Cloud Kline (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Deanna Lewis (Lanier Technical College; Gainesville, GA) College
- Elsie O’Neill (Center of Applied Tech North; Severn, MD) – High School
- Emmalee Johnson (Northeast State Community College; Blountville, TN) – College
- Guadalupe Ayala-Segura (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Isabell Schmidt (South Central College; MN) – College
- Madison Warren (Unaka High School; Elizabethton, TN) – High School
- Paige Reynolds (Francis Tuttle Technology Center; Oklahoma City, OK) – College
- Samantha Rhea (Russell County Career & Tech Center; Lebanon, VA) – High School
- Tania Lugo (Manatee Tech College; Bradenton, FL) – College
Silver:
- Abbigail C. Hypes (Academy of Careers & Technology; Beckley, WV) – High School
- Angelica Vargas (Granger High School; West Valley City, UT) – High School
- Autumn Loper (Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech; Newark, DE) – High School
- Diana Perry (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
- Hali Ramos (Gordon Cooper Technology Center; Shawnee, OK) – College
- Kallie O’Neill (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Rachel Becker (Southwestern Community College; Creston, IA) – College
Bronze:
- Bronwyn Aloi (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Gabriella Cioffi (Canadian Valley Tech Center; El Reno, OK) – High School
- Kytalynn Huber (Moore Norman Technology Center; Norman, OK) – College
- Merianne Yakaitis (Franklin Technology Center; Joplin, MO) – High School
Collision Repair Technology
Gold:
- Alexis Skowronski (Manatee Tech College; Bradenton, FL) – College
- Ariel Owens (Polytech High School; Woodside, DE) – High School
- Avery Mitchell (East Valley Institute of TEchnology; Mesa, AZ) – College
- Kaelan Merlowe (Lanier Technical College; Gainesville, GA) – College
- Evelin Spiece (Oakland Schools Technical Campus NW; Clarkston, MI) – High School
- Layla Wilson (Washington County Career & Tech Ed Center; Abingdon, VA) – High School
- Tolulope Adegoke (Thomas Edison High School of Technology; Silver Spring, MD) – High School
Silver:
- Miranda Eckhardt (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – High School
Bronze:
- Ellie Ream (Eden Area ROP; Hayward, CA) – High School
- Emma Fitzgerald (Technology, Exploration & Career Center West; Lewisville, TX) – High School
- Jacqueline Alvarez Rios (Delcastle Technical High School; Wilmington, DE) – High School
- Kasadee Burden (Warrensburg Area Career Center; Warrensburg, MO) – High School
- Keisha Caynor (Randolph Technical Center; Elkins, WV) – High School
- Kimberly Alcala (Yakima Valley Skill Center; Yakima, WA) – High School
- Madison LaTour (Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation; Mexico, NY) – High School
- Nina Poplawski (HH Ellis Technical High School; Danielson, CT) – High School
- Olivia Chivers (Aims Community College – Windsor; Greeley, CO) – College
Gold medalists now have the opportunity to advance to the National SkillsUSA Leadership & Skills Conference and Championships in Atlanta this June, where they’ll compete against the best student talent in the country. Glossed & Gritty is cheering on every one of these Primed DisruptHERs as they take their skills to the national stage and continue reshaping the future of collision repair.
ATTN: State winners – All 2026 state medal winners are invited to receive a complimentary three-month membership upgrade to Surface Tension. Simply sign up for a free membership first, then email Jannifer@glossedandgritty.com to request your upgrade.
We’d also love to highlight the ladies who will be competing at Nationals, and we invite you to share any updates by tagging @GlossedandGritty on your favorite social media platform so we can broadcast your accomplishments!
Nebraska SkillsUSA Competition
FRAMECHANGER
From Earning a Gown to Engineering Careers:
Laura Lozano’s Mission to Support Future Technicians
We call female collision repair instructors “Frame Changers” because they’re helping reshape the industry at its foundation. By educating, mentoring and empowering the next generation of technicians and leaders, they’re changing perceptions, opening doors and influencing the future of collision repair long before students ever step into a professional shop. Their impact doesn’t stop with the students they teach – it carries into the culture, workforce and future direction of the industry itself.
Collision repair wasn’t a path Laura Lozano deliberately mapped out from the beginning – it was something she grew into through family influence, hands-on experience and a series of pivotal moments that gradually made the industry feel like home.
Her father has been a technician her entire life and remains active in the industry today. Growing up, she knew he worked on cars, but she didn’t fully understand collision repair or the scope of the industry behind it. It was simply “Dad’s work” – familiar but not truly defined.
That changed her senior year when Laura asked her dad for money for a prom dress. Instead of simply giving her the money, he offered a different path: come work with him for a week and earn it. At the time, he was working in a BMW-certified collision repair shop. It was a facility that immediately stood out – clean, highly organized and operating with a level of precision that made everything feel intentional.
That first day, Laura wasn’t focused on the technical work; she was observing. But something shifted when she began paying attention to what was actually happening around her – the process, the flow, the problem-solving and the craftsmanship involved in returning vehicles to pre-loss condition was fascinating. By the end of that week, Laura had earned her prom dress… and she had also gained a new perspective. She wanted to come back.
Like many students approaching the end of high school, Laura had started thinking about what came next, and now she had a pretty clear idea of what she wanted to do. As she spent the summer after graduation working in the shop, she quickly realized she couldn’t get enough – that she had discovered her path.
Around that time, she began learning about different educational pathways in collision repair. Her family didn’t have the resources to support a traditional four-year college experience, so when she learned about Contra Costa College, a local community college with a collision repair program just 30 minutes from her home, she knew she’d found the solution; it was affordable, practical and accessible.
Laura earned her associate degree while continuing to work part-time and during summers as her father’s apprentice. That combination of classroom learning and real-world application became the foundation of her development in the industry.
After graduation, she transitioned into full-time work at the shop. Working under her father created a unique learning environment built on trust and familiarity. Mistakes weren’t punished – they were worked through. If something broke, they fixed it together. That dynamic allowed her to grow quickly and confidently, developing skills without the fear of being pushed out for learning.
As time went on, she and her father became co-owners of their own collision repair shop and operated it together for seven years. That period became a formative chapter in her career. She gained exposure to every aspect of the business: refinishing, estimating, insurance relations, parts coordination, administrative operations and customer communication. More than anything, she developed a deep understanding of how all the moving pieces of a collision repair facility connect.
During this time, her mentor at Contra Costa College – Peter Lock – was preparing to retire. That moment prompted reflection on the future of the program and her own long-term goals. Laura had always imagined teaching someday…but not until much later in life. When Peter encouraged her to apply for an instructional role, it was initially framed as a learning exercise to understand the process.
What followed was a six-month hiring journey involving multiple interviews and steps. When the job offer finally arrived, it was unexpected. She hadn’t gone into the process expecting to be selected, but she was ready to take on the challenge. She committed fully, stepping away from the shop temporarily to focus on the opportunity. Her father supported the decision wholeheartedly, and she continued assisting with shop operations on weekends.
On her first day in the classroom, something immediately resonated. After teaching her first class, she knew this was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. It felt like the right environment, the right energy and the right evolution of everything she had experienced before.
After that semester, Laura transitioned fully into education. Her father eventually made the decision to sell the shop. Since that day – a decade ago – she has remained in education, and it continues to resonate just as deeply as ever.
Today, she reflects on that journey as one built on adaptability, trust and continuous growth. Teaching collision repair keeps her connected to the industry that shaped her while challenging her in new ways every day. It continues to push her outside her comfort zone in ways that feel both meaningful and necessary.
Find out how Laura answered responded in her Q&A!
Read the rest on the Impact Report Newsletter Page (Subscribers Only).
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Impact Report
Read more: The Riveter- May 2026Read Laura’s Q&A!!
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Breaking the Brass* Ceiling: Jaime Shewbridge Welds “Like a Girl” (Don’t You Wish You Could Too?)
Q&A with Jaime
Unfiltered Font
And Then, There’s the “F-Word” That Still Haunts Me!
By: Chasidy Rae Sisk
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 9:57am. I was up until 3am prepping Easter eggs for my 2-year-old to find next weekend – because apparently I like setting myself up for success on something a week in advance mere days before the debut of something huge; completely logical, right? – so I slept in only to wake up in a cold sweat with one word rattling around in my brain like a loose lug nut:
FAILURE.
In roughly 48 hours (give or take a panic spiral), Glossed & Gritty officially launches. I am excited. Ecstatic. Hopeful…and absolutely, completely, borderline-unwell levels of terrified (cue my therapist).
My hands are literally shaking as I type this. That might seem a bit dramatic, but it’s also – unfortunately – completely, totally 100% truthful and accurate.
Like the clear we lay, this Gloss has coats. You've only just begun to scuff the surface!
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