→ Mechanic → Entrepreneur
Patrice Banks left a corner-office engineering career to rewire an entire industry — founding Girls Auto Clinic and Shecanic that's changing how women experience the auto shop and their entire automotive experience.
The Auto Airhead Who Became the CEO
Patrice Banks is opening up the male-dominated automotive industry and changing the way women experience car care. A former engineer turned mechanic, entrepreneur, and author, she's the founder of Girls Auto Clinic — a trailblazing auto repair shop that educates and empowers women through their vehicles — and the creator of the viral #Shecanic movement.
Frustrated with how women were treated in auto repair spaces, she left her engineering career, enrolled in automotive school, and built a business model that speaks directly to women. Her work has been featured by NPR, TIME, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, and Glamour. She's partnered with Ford, Dell, Honda, and Girl Scouts, is a TEDx speaker, a founding member of the Women of Color Automotive Network, and was inducted into the African American Automotive Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
"The lowest of lows that you've had only equate to the highest you can go."
— PATRICE BANKSThe Sizzle Reel
Press hits, packed rooms of eager listeners, and a shop full of women who came in unsure and left knowing exactly what's under the hood.
Watch the Reel
Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Founder
Patrice built Girls Auto Clinic from the ground up — a full-service repair center in Upper Darby, PA rooted in trust, education, and empowerment, born out of her own frustration trying to find a mechanic she trusted. It's since grown into a Philadelphia institution and a national media story.
"I finally found my forever mechanic! The women here are all absolutely phenomenal — they're upfront about what repairs are needed, what's optional, and how much everything costs. I've never had such a great experience taking my car in. They also offer memberships to help save you money on maintenance in the long run. Not to mention their lounge area is actually relaxing, and you can get a manicure while you wait for your car!"
KOTZ MARINO / GOOGLE REVIEW
Creator & Educator
Every program Patrice has built comes back to one goal: turning "auto airheads" into confident, car-savvy women. From free workshops to an online community to a soon-to-launch apprenticeship.
Author & Storyteller
Patrice's book, Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide, is the do-it-herself guide she wished existed when she started — praised by The New York Times and the Girl Scouts of America alike.
Her story has been told from NPR to a TEDx stage — including the talk that put it best: how she's disrupting the automotive industry in red heels.
Speaking topics
"Finally! The guide I've been searching for. Ever since discovering Patrice, I've been disappointed that these resources aren't available in Canada. Car confidence was never my strong suit... this book has already shifted my perspective on ownership. I'm definitely keeping a copy in my glove box for regular reference. I highly suggest this for all women, regardless of age."
JENNIFER / GOODREADS REVIEW"This is a great book if you were never guided about maintenance of your vehicle. Easy to understand and helpful. I was able to diagnose an issue before taking my vehicle into the shop... As a woman, this made me feel confident when speaking to the mechanic. Can't recommend this enough as a gift for the ladies in your life too."
KITTY V / AMAZON REVIEW
Thought Leader
Patrice's influence reaches from the shop floor to the C-suite — the voice automotive brands call when they want to actually reach women.
"Inspirational, empowering, and motivational — her spirit of enthusiasm and sincerity made a lasting impression on students, industry, educators, and parents alike."
DR. ZOANN PARKER / THADDEUS STEVENS COLLEGE"A powerful, relatable, and charming account of her path to success. She was completely comfortable, with no notes, and managed to captivate the entire room."
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S ROUNDTABLE / POWER AWARD"Practical, easy-to-understand information delivered in an amusing and compelling way. It was a huge hit and got a lot of buzz."
SOPHIA FINANCIAL / CLIENT EVENTHave You Seen Patrice?
Girls Auto Clinic and founder Patrice Banks have been featured in national outlets including People, The Washington Post, NPR, and Today — bringing GAC's mission of empowering women through automotive education to audiences across the country.
Disrupting the Auto
Industry — in Red Heels
The red heel isn't a metaphor. It's the whole point: you don't have to trade who you are to belong under the hood. Patrice built Girls Auto Clinic — and her entire public platform — on that idea, and it's become her most recognizable signature, from her TEDx talk title to the visual language of #Shecanic.
Watch the TEDx Talk, in Red HeelsEducating the Next Generation
Mechanics of Patrice Banks
Secrets for Starting a Business
Learning Car ABCs
Patrice X Girl Scouts
Color Patrice In!
Super Cool Scientists
Super Cool Scientists — a story and coloring book celebrating women in science. Buy on Amazon
Work: Interviews with People Doing Jobs They Love
Read About Patrice's Feature
In the Wild
