Michelle grew up at the track by her father's side, almost always the only girl there. John Della Penna was a renowned Indycar driver and team owner who had immigrated to the US from Argentina at 20 years old, with a dream to race cars. He understood the incredible sacrifices and deep financial pockets that racing demands. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, Michelle decided it was time to change the industry. In 2021, she founded The Della Penna Foundation whose mission is to empower girls with the knowledge, skills and mentorship to supercharge a future in motorsports – whether it’s behind the wheel, in the pits, in the front office or in the research labs. Why 5-16 year olds and why now? 

• “If you don’t see it, you can’t be it” and there are very few women in prominent positions..

• The barriers to access are high - for girls in general and for those without the financial wherewithal to find a track, buy equipment, get coached and find sponsors to cover the costs of racing.

• Statistics show that 9-16 years old is when girls drop out of STEM classes and close the door to a future in technology.