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MEET THE TEAM
Michelle Della Penna
Founder
After a successful career as an entrepreneur and mother of three boys, Michelle decided to drive change in the industry she knew from her childhood, motorsports. As a first-generation American of Argentine descent, Michelle is especially passionate about creating opportunities for young girls of color.
mdp@dellapennafoundation.org
Susan Lucas-Conwell
Executive Director
A serial CEO and entrepreneur, Susan is passionate about creating a level playing field for girls and women of all ages. She was a Board member for Women in SportsTech and regularly mentors for women-led organizations. A competitive athlete herself, with four daughter- athletes, she is excited about the Foundation’s mission to diversify the motorsports industry.
susanlc@dellapennafoundation.org
Gino Verna
Creative Services
Gino has worked in branding and design for over three decades in the entertainment industry as well as not-for-profits. He jumped at the chance to work with the Della Penna Foundation and is passionate about the mission.
gino@dellapennafoundation.org
Jess Thoennes
Social Media
Two time Olympian at Tokyo and Paris, Jess has been on the US national rowing team for over 10 years. Excited by the opportunity to become immersed in a new sporting area, she’s passionate about supporting other women athletes.
jesst@dellapennafoundation.org
Alex Williams
Indianapolis Program Coordinator
Alex is passionate about all things motorsports, and has experience ranging from aerodynamics on their former Formula SAE team, to Sub-Assembly with Juncos Hollinger Racing, and most recently Midwest Director of Path to the Pits.
indy@dellapennafoundation.org
Crista Facciolla
Community outreach
After graduating from Sonoma State, Crista has worked with the unhoused community and is deeply committed to providing an avenue for girls of color to enter the field of motorsports by way of the foundation.
Brandy Falconer
Accounting/Finance
Brandy brings a lifetime of motorsports experience, first in the family business in auto racing in accounting and marketing and then with Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway in communications and PR. Brandy is excited to help inspire the next generation of young women in motorsports through the foundation's immersive experiences.
Karen Ogbugbulu
Community outreach
Karen has worked in different spheres of education that highlight student wellness and response to trauma informed practice. She is deeply experienced in working with students who have experienced a myriad of racial,
socio-economic, and intergenerational traumas.
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