Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Silva.
Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the automotive industry was anything but traditional. Before COVID, I was working in the medical field, but when the pandemic hit, it caused me to rethink my career path and ultimately shifted my gears toward pursuing something completely new: automotive.
I got my foot in the door as a parts delivery driver for AutoZone and quickly became fascinated by the industry. From there, I worked as a parts manager and service writer at RMS, gained hands-on experience as a technician at Gillman Subaru, and later combined my passion for automotive with marketing and sales at HITEK Houston, a window tint company.
As I gained experience in different areas of the industry, I began noticing the incredible number of women working in every field, from sales and service to mechanics, customization, and motorsports, yet women were still underrepresented. That realization inspired me to create Auto Babes (NOT the Austrailian magazine), a safe and supportive community where women, regardless of their automotive experience, can connect, learn, and feel empowered to explore the industry.
As that mission grew, I created the AB Foundation, a nonprofit focused on creating even more opportunities for women through education, mentorship, workshops, and hands-on programs. Looking back, I never imagined that one decision to take a job as a parts delivery driver would lead me here, but every step along the way helped shape the mission I’m proud to pursue today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like any startup or new mission, we’ve faced challenges with securing funding and gaining the exposure needed to grow, especially as women working to make an impact in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
That being said, the journey has been incredibly encouraging. The support we’ve received from both women and men, like Claudia Still with Claudia’s Custom Classics, Natasha with Pesic with Laguna Auto Detail Supplies, and Marshall Schoen with The Shop Club Houston, who believe in our mission has meant so much to us. Seeing people connect with what we’re building, support our programs, and believe in the importance of creating more opportunities for women continues to motivate us to keep pushing forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Auto Babes is a community and platform created to empower, connect, and celebrate women in the automotive industry. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space for women, not only as professionals and participants in the industry, but also as consumers and enthusiasts. Whether a woman works on cars every day or simply loves them, we want her to feel like she belongs.
One of the things that makes Auto Babes unique is that we encourage any woman, with or without automotive experience, to become an Auto Babe. You don’t have to be a mechanic, own a show car, or have years of experience in the industry. We believe being an “Auto Babe” is about having the confidence to explore your interest in automotive, learn something new, support other women, and know that you have a place in this community.
We focus on building genuine connections through networking events, educational workshops, mentorship, and community initiatives. Our goal is to help women feel more confident and comfortable navigating an industry where they are still underrepresented.
That mission also led to the creation of the AB Foundation, our nonprofit organization focused on “Fueling Women’s Futures.” Through programs such as our Ignite Change mentorship initiatives, Skills In Motion workshops, and We Can Do It Better Grants, we provide women with education, resources, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve created. Auto Babes has become more than a brand, it’s a movement centered around inclusion, encouragement, and opportunity. We want every woman who encounters Auto Babes to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to take up space in the automotive world, regardless of her experience level.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways people can get involved with and support Auto Babes and the AB Foundation! We are always excited to connect with individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our passion for empowering women and creating more opportunities in the automotive industry.
People can collaborate with us by partnering on events, workshops, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community initiatives. Businesses can support our mission through sponsorships, donations, and partnerships, while individuals can get involved by volunteering, becoming mentors, or sharing their industry knowledge. We also host and participate in fundraisers to help support our programs and expand the resources and opportunities we can provide to women.
Of course, simply joining our community, attending our events, sharing our mission, and encouraging the women in your life to become an Auto Babe is a meaningful way to support us. Every connection, collaboration, and contribution helps us continue building a more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive automotive community. This can all be done by visiting us at autobabes.org or reaching us at info@autobabes.org.
Pricing:
- any donation matters
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autobabes.org
- Instagram: @ab_foundation21 and @autobabes21
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584147921721
