Season 3, Episode 47 - Beth Paretta and Lyn St. James

05/18/22 • 38 min

It all started with a chat just prior to the start of the 2021 Indianapolis 500. Racing legend Lyn St. James has been a longtime advocate for women in motorsports and had basically run out of gas while carrying the banner for equality. But, when she witnessed first-hand what Beth Paretta was doing with her Paretta Autosport team at the Indy 500, she was refueled. She reached out to Paretta about forming an organization to help facilitate women’s participation in the sport they both loved and Beth was on board 1000% as she told Lyn – You are not alone. Together they contacted a team of about 40 women currently working as professionals in motorsport, along with some male allies, and a working group was formed in August 2021 to advance the idea to reality.

Today, The Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) organization is a community of professionals supporting opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsport. By creating an inclusive, resourceful environment, the 501 (c)(3) charity looks to foster mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth to help ensure a successful and effective future for women in professional motorsports roles.

Beth and Lyn chat with host Amanda Busick about how their dream has become a reality and the opportunities and events that have already developed because of their new venture.

Two motorsport powerhouses in one podcast. This is a good one.

Beth and Lyn chat with host Amanda Busick about how their dream has become a reality and the opportunities and events that have already developed because of their new venture.

Two motorsport powerhouses in one podcast. This is a good one.

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Season 3, Episode 46 - Sonia Rief - Nissan U.S. and Canada

Sonia Rief is vice president, Vehicle Connected Services & Program Management Office for Nissan U.S. and Canada. She was appointed to this position in March 2019. In this role, Rief is responsible for managing vehicle line profitability and leading Nissan’s Connected Services organization. Overseeing the Connected Service organization includes planning, delivery, marketing and operations for internal and external customer content.

Previously, Rief was director, Program Management Office at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and was responsible for vehicle line profit management of mid-size sedans, and compact and mid-size SUVs. Rief joined Nissan in 2001, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility within the Research and Development function, including a one-year assignment in Japan supporting the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Rief holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She was also named one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News in both 2015 and 2020.

Rief shares her life’s journey both personally and professionally with host Amanda Busick as well as her desire to help encourage women to push their boundaries and become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

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Season 3, Episode 48 - Mia Walsh - Porsche Club of America - National High Performance Driver Education Chair

Her love affair with Porsche started with a “FOR SALE” sign on a Saturn Yellow ’72 914 that Mia Walsh saw while on her bicycle just prior to her 16th birthday. Somehow, she convinced the owner to let her take it for a spin. It wouldn’t be until 25 years later that she and her husband would purchase their first Porsche and join the Potomac Region of the PCA. With over 300 total track days under her belt and encouraged by other racers to make the move to Club Racing, Mia modified her ’09 Cayman S into a fully prepared GTB1 Race Car. She had her first race at Summit Point in 2015, winning two 3rd place podiums her first weekend, as well as the coveted Rookie Award from PCA National.

After being recognized nationally as a top HPDE instructor in 2013, Mia worked her way up to the Potomac Region President in 2019. Walsh now serves as Porsche Club of America - National High-Performance Driver Education Chair where she hopes to continue to encourage more women to participate.

Mia chats with host Amanda Busick about her career with PCA and how she continues to inspire females in the classroom and at the track and how her birding hobby has helped her focus on racing.