For Angie Hernandez, learning to perform her first oil change was just the beginning of a path that would lead her to opening her own automotive inspection center, reports NBC Los Angeles.
Located in Costa Mesa, California, Hernandez is the owner of SoCo Smog Test: a STAR certified smog inspection station.
Hernandez's passion was first ignited upon first learning to perform an oil change on a vehicle.
“I was super empowered after I did my first oil change. I remember I was like, ‘What? I did it myself,’” recalled Hernandez.
She now works to stir that same ambition in young women today through regular workshops she hosts on basic automotive maintenance.
She doesn’t hesitate to put her students to work on anything that needs to be done in the shop.
“I’ve always liked to encourage women. I love women empowerment anything,” told Hernandez. “So, I would always tell girls coming in, ‘Hey you got to fix this.’”
Her hope is that, through setting an example, she can show girls that there is a place for them within the automotive industry, no matter who they are.
“We’re told for so long that this is not for us,” Hernandez said. “But you can do this. It’s not as hard as you think. So that’s why I wanted to do the workshop, to let girls know how easy it can be and just having someone walk you through it can make all the difference, especially another woman.”
