mission
Founded by Michelle Della Penna, daughter of renowned race car driver and Indycar team owner John Della Penna, the foundation aims to provide girls aged 5 to 18 with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to fuel their future in motorsports. With a mission to increase female representation in the industry, the foundation recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for girls to pursue their passion.
Della Penna Karting Scholars end the NXG Racing Season
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Scenes from this weekend's final races from our scholarship athletes: Jordyn Cummings, Aubre Walker, and Shyanne Doran. Michelle Della Penna was able to be in Indy in order to these incredibly talented young ladies and their promising future. While some may not be continuing behind the wheel they will take the skills they have learned over the past few years and apply it beyond our wildest imaginations. Congrats Ladies!!!​​
Della Penna Driver Council Members spoke at Velocity Invitational
Great to see Michele Abbate and Sabre Cook at Velocity Invitational in Sonoma where they joined Pippa Mann and others to talk about women in the motorsports industry.
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FERRARI CHALLENGE at the Sonoma Raceway August 28, 2024
The goal of the Della Penna Foundation is to provide opportunities in motorsports to young women. This historically has been a tough space for women to find equality and opportunities. in August 2024, the Ferrari Challenge opened up 10 spots for young women in the Sonoma area to meet incredible women who are carving the path for future generations. From the pits to drivers seats - they were given inside looks at what possibilities awaited them. This is what it's all about...inspiration.
Check out photos of the event here.
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2024 Fellowships
Della Penna Foundation with The Michael Andretti Foundation & The George4 Foundation
Congratulations to Marrisa Beltran for completing our fellowship program with The Michael Andretti Foundation and the George4 Foundation. Marissa completed five days of shadowing motorsports industry professionals, touring on-site facilities, and learning the ins and outs of motorsports thanks to Marissa Andretti and Julia Steinbrenner.
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Della Penna Foundation with The Sonoma Raceway
Congratulations to Helen for completing the Della Penna Fellowship with Sonoma Raceway. We wish her continuous success in motorsports! A special "Thank You!" To Brandy Falconer, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma Valley High School, and Brian Flynn for their support in making this possible!
Della Penna Foundation with Indianapolis Speedway
Aubre Walker was able to shadow over 7 departments and meet with several women of various leadership levels within our organization. She even had the opportunity to mee Bubba Wallace during the race!
"Aubre has incredible ambition and we look forward to seeing where life takes her. I have no doubt she will continue to be wildly successful no matter where that ends up being."
-Lauren Guidotti, Senior Manager, Communications
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Della Penna Foundation with General Motors (Charlotte, NC)
Congratulations to Mandi Lee for completing our fellowship in Charlotte, NC where she got to spend a week with motorsports industry professionals. Special thanks to Tai Jaune Robinson, Global Motorsports Competition Engineering Business Manager at General Motors, for providing Mandi with such a unique experience.
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Here's what the girls are saying...
Ana Palestro spends a weekend with Zee Kennedy, Della Penna Driver Advisory Council
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WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW:
WIMNA Summit and PRI
Susan will be in Indianapolis for the WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America) Summit and PRI the week of December 9th. SPECIAL opportunity for 10 girls to join her Wednesday afternoon, December 11th, to attend the WIMNA Summit where over 600 women will be talking about their journeys in the motorsports industry. Please email susanlc@dellapennafoundation.org if you’re interested in joining her.