Empowering Girls in Racing: Inside the Della Penna Foundation
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes back Michele Della Penna — founder of the Della Penna Foundation — to talk about her powerful mission to expose young girls to the world of motorsports. Michele shares how her upbringing in a racing family led her to launch a nonprofit that offers hands-on opportunities in racing, engineering, marketing, and more.
From karting scholarships and immersive track weekends to one-of-a-kind fellowships with top teams and engineers, Michele is helping girls see that there’s a place for them in motorsports — not just behind the wheel, but throughout the industry.
🔧 What You’ll Hear About:
- Michele’s personal journey in racing and what inspired the foundation
- Track events at Sonoma Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- The Indy Inspire Weekend and what makes it a life-changing experience
- Fellowships with GM, Sonoma, and Indy-based organizations
- Partnerships with Rod Reid and NXG Racing
- Success stories of young women like Alexandra Peachy and Aubrey Walker
- Why representation, opportunity, and community support matter more than ever
🔗 Resources & Links:
- 🌐 Website: dellapennafoundation.org
- 📱 Instagram & Twitter: @DPFoundation
- 🎓 NXG Racing: nxgracing.com
- 🎟️ Applications for 2025 events: Available now on the foundation website
❤️ Support the Cause
This work is only possible through donations and partnerships. If you’d like to contribute, volunteer, or host a program in your area, visit the website or contact the team directly.
📣 Join the Movement
Subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help spread the word about the incredible work being done to diversify and grow the motorsports world — one girl at a time.
#WomenInMotorsports #GirlsWhoRace #DellaPennaFoundation #MotorsportsMentorship #RacingFuture