Storyteller & Jessi Combs Foundation Partnership Empowers the Next Generation of Women in Skilled Trades

Why It Matters

By turning a high‑visibility vehicle into a traveling classroom, the program directly addresses the skilled‑labor shortage while promoting gender diversity in manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Trailblazer Tour Van built as mobile outreach platform for women in trades
• Scholarship recipients will drive the van on a nationwide tour
• Appearances planned at Sturgis Rally and SEMA Show to showcase talent
• Partnership highlights adventure community’s role in diversifying skilled labor
• Polka‑dot design symbolizes historic and future trailblazing women

Pulse Analysis

Jessi Combs, the late “speed queen” and champion of hands‑on engineering, has become a rallying symbol for women seeking entry into traditionally male‑dominated skilled trades. The United States faces a persistent labor gap in manufacturing, welding, and automotive repair, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting millions of vacancies through 2030. By framing Combs’s daring persona as a modern‑day Rosie the Riveter, the Jessi Combs Foundation taps into a cultural narrative that encourages young women to view technical careers as both viable and exhilarating.

The collaboration with Storyteller Overland transforms that narrative into a tangible outreach vehicle: the red Trailblazer Tour Van. Outfitted with workshop stations, safety gear, and interactive displays, the van serves as a traveling classroom for scholarship recipients who will demonstrate welding, fabrication, and vehicle maintenance across the country. Strategic stops at high‑visibility events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the SEMA Show amplify the message, connecting participants with industry leaders, potential employers, and an adventure‑oriented audience that values hands‑on expertise.

Beyond the immediate educational impact, the partnership signals a broader shift toward inclusive branding within the overland and automotive sectors. By integrating diversity initiatives into flagship experiences, companies can attract a wider talent pool and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. As more women gain exposure through mobile programs like the Trailblazer Tour Van, the pipeline of skilled technicians is expected to expand, ultimately strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base and reinforcing the economic case for gender‑balanced workforces.