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UNCF Empower Me Tour College Readiness Conference

November 9, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, event navigation.

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For graduating high school students seeking college advice, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) provides students of color assistance connecting the dots post-graduation. Serving over 800 Milwaukee Public School students and awarding over five million in scholarships during last year’s stop in Wisconsin, UNCF is excited to return this fall. The Empower Me Tour (EMT) is a free college-and-career-readiness opportunity taking place in-person on Nov. 9th at 10:00 a.m., CST, at The Baird Center.

Created over 15 years ago by founding sponsor Wells Fargo, EMT is designed to inspire students to take control of their futures by pursuing a four-year college degree and graduating with an education that prepares them for robust life engagement and successful careers. EMT was created to educate students and parents on financial literacy and help them understand how to financially support their college education. High school students attending EMT events will receive expert tips on college preparation, the HBCU experience, and personal finances in addition to empowerment and personal branding advice. They will also have the opportunity to interview onsite during the event with select colleges for admissions and scholarships.

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Empowering Future Leaders: UNCF and AUCC Join Forces at the 2023 Career Fair

Lesley logan.

• September 18, 2023

For decades, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been dedicated to supporting students of color in their educational and career journeys. This year, the UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) embarked on its Fall 2023 Tour with an extraordinary collaboration, partnering with the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) for the 2023 AUCC Career Fair on September 15th. The event was a remarkable opportunity for students to connect with companies and organizations, bridging the gap between education and employment.

(Photo courtesy: UNCF )

The UNCF Empower Me Tour: Bridging the Gap

The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) is a vital initiative that provides college-and-career-readiness opportunities to students. This year, it returned as an in-person event for its Fall 2023 Tour. EMT was founded 15 years ago by Wells Fargo, the founding sponsor, with the aim of inspiring students to pursue higher education, empowering them to graduate with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.

The 2023 AUCC Career Fair: A Platform for Success

The 2023 AUCC Career Fair was held at AmericasMart, Building 2, on September 15th, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Students from the Atlanta University Center eagerly boarded buses to the venue, where they registered and explored opportunities with over 250 participating organizations, including Fortune 500 corporations, innovative companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. The atmosphere was electric as students engaged with industry leaders.

Courtney Sykes, a senior at Clark Atlanta University, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m so inspired to jumpstart my career. Opportunities like this are such a blessing to us students.” The event provided a much-needed morale boost for students who had faced challenges, including the Atlanta flood.

Learning from Experts: Panels and Scholarships

In addition to the Career Fair, AUCC students had the privilege of attending a panel discussion on September 14th at Clark Atlanta University. Distinguished panelists included Melissa Mitchell, Chief Artistic Director & Founder of Abeille Creations; Satchel Jester, Journalist & Creative Director; Markell Byrd, Senior VP & Diverse Segment Leader at Wells Fargo; and Jonathan Martin, 11 Alive News Anchor. Following the panel discussion, students dined with these influential figures and other industry influencers.

Wells Fargo surprised 15 students with $1,500 scholarships, highlighting the commitment of organizations to invest in the future leaders of tomorrow. Michael Hodge, Executive Director of Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc., emphasized the urgency of putting innovators, leaders, and creative professionals to work in addressing global challenges.

Empowerment and Support

Students attending EMT events received valuable insights on job interviews, personal finances, empowerment, and personal branding. Beyond Wells Fargo, the UNCF EMT received sponsorship from The Coca-Cola Co., Milwaukee Public Schools System, and Procter & Gamble, along with national sponsors such as Best Buy, FedEx, Kaiser Permanente, Toyota, and the Walton Family Foundation. Since its inception, UNCF EMT has awarded over $25 million in scholarships and positively impacted thousands of students.

Join the Movement

The UNCF Empower Me Tour continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for students seeking to excel in their careers. For more information on the UNCF Empower Me Tour and to register for free, visit EmpowerMeTour.org. Join the conversation on social media: @UNCF #EmpowerMeTour.

The Atlanta University Center Consortium, comprising Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College, is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. With a rich tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement, AUCC continues to nurture intellectual growth and excellence.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. UNCF supports students through scholarships and programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and historically Black colleges and universities play a pivotal role in higher education, awarding a significant percentage of degrees to Black students in various fields. UNCF administers numerous programs to support over 60,000 students at colleges and universities across the country, embodying its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

This incredible collaboration between UNCF and AUCC at the 2023 Career Fair symbolizes a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. These initiatives serve as beacons of hope and opportunities for students of color, bridging the gap between education and successful careers.

 Learn more at  UNCF.org  or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at  @UNCF .

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Milwaukee Community Journal

UNCF heads to Milwaukee; Awards thousands in scholarships & offers FREE parent workshops

October 24, 2018 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Hundreds of students expected to attend the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour

Milwaukee, WI (October 24, 2018) — Hundreds of Milwaukee high school graduating seniors will be given the opportunity to apply for thousands of dollars in scholarships on Thursday, November 1 at the Wisconsin Center District during the UNCF ( United Negro College Fund ) Empower Me Tour (EMT). EMTis a free, traveling college-and-career-readiness roadshow that provides a platform for high school students to earn on-site scholarships and admission to the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

UNCF is the largest scholarship provider to students of color, awarding $100 million annually in scholarships to more than 10,000 students across the country. “I picked Philander Smith College because of my love for HBCUs,” says Milwaukee native Valencia Patton. “I wanted to be emerged in my culture and I appreciate UNCF helping me.” Patton, who admits to family financial struggles, has received multiple UNCF scholarships. Derell Garth, a graduate of Riverside University High School in Milwaukee, has also benefited from UNCF scholarships. “I received $3,000 my freshman year and was the first generation in my family to attend college,” adds the 2018 Clark Atlanta University graduate.

Through partnerships withMilwaukee Public School District, parents, national sponsors Wells Fargo, Target, P&G and FedEx, and host of strong local sponsors, EMT offers access to information and recruiters from HBCUs, college prep workshops, dynamic presenters, and award-winning educational experts. Students will have an opportunity to apply for college admission, financial aid and scholarships including the EMT Merit Scholarship, presented in partnership with Target on the spot.

The EMT is Thursday, November 1 at 9:30a.m. at Wisconsin Center District , 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI. The FREE, parent workshop “How to pay for college?” is Thursday, November 1 at 6 p.m. at Golda Meir Auditorium , 1615 N. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI. Other cities on the tour include Fort Worth, TX; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA and Atlanta, GA.

For more information, visit: www.EmpowerMeTour.org . You can follow EMT on social media @UNCF   #EmpowerMeTour.

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'Give our students hope:' UNCF awards thousands in scholarships to Milwaukee students

UNCF Scholarship Fair

MILWAUKEE -- For high school seniors -- fall is college application season. It can be a complicated process - but a national scholarship fund was in town Friday, Sept. 27 to help, giving thousands of dollars to worthy students.

Keelan Redd

Bradley Tech senior Keelan Redd is exploring his options. "Just trying to take it step by step," said Keelan Redd, Bradley Tech senior. Redd's applying for colleges on the spot. He's one of the more than 1,000 students attending UNCF's "Empower Me Tour." The event helps students earn scholarships and admission to the nation's top historically black colleges and universities.

"These types of events give people hope. They give our students hope. They see people that look like them, and they're like you know what I can go to college also," said Stacey Lee, Empower Me Tour director. In some cases, schools are awarding full presidential scholarships. "That'll mean the world to me. That would mean everything because that's just a step ahead in life," said Redd. Like many other students, Redd says he worries about paying for college -- something he's always wanted.

"It's always been a better step in life, a better choice. I feel like, without college, you have less of a chance at succeeding. That's my biggest fear, not succeeding," said Redd. But an event like this, making one of its only four stops in Milwaukee, is helping ease his worries. "You've got help. There's help. There's always a way to get help. This is a great example," said Redd. The event itself also gives out merit scholarships for students to attend any school of their choice.

Sugarland Announce 2024 Take Me Home Tour With Little Big Town

Sugarland will reunite and it the road this year with Little Big Town on their newly-announced 2024 Take Me Home Tour.

The duo are making a big return to country music this year and updated fans on their tour plans just before they prepared to perform on the CMT Music Awards on Sunday (April 7).

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush have not released new music, nor toured since their last album, Bigger, arrived in 2017.

The Take Me Home Tour with LBT will kick off on October 24 in Greenville, S.C. They’ll tour across the U.S. with 18 stops before wrapping things up on Dec. 13 with a hometown show in Nashville, Tenn. The Castellows will provide direct support.

Fans are getting sneak peek of what’s to come on the road as the tourmates perform together at the CMT Music Awards.

Sugarland and Little Big Town’s 2024 Take Me Home Tour Dates:

Oct. 24 – Greenville, S.C. @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Oct. 25 – Raleigh, N.C. @ PNC Arena

Oct. 26 – Columbus, Ohio @ Nationwide Arena

Oct. 31 – Boston, Mass. @ TD Garden

Nov. 1 – Pittsburgh, Penn. @ PPG Paints Arena

Nov. 2 – Buffalo, N.Y. @ KeyBank Center

Nov. 7 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ Targe Center

Nov. 8 – Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Fiserv Forum

Nov. 9 – Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Van Andel Arena

Nov. 14 – Kansas City, Mo. @ T-Mobile Center

Nov. 15 – Sioux Falls, S.D. @ Denny Sanford Premier Center

Nov. 16 – Moline, Ill. @ Vibrant Arena at the Mark

Nov. 21 – Austin, Texas @ Moody Center

Nov. 22 – Fort Worth, Texas @ Dickies Arena

Nov. 23 – Tulsa, Okla. @ BOK Center

Dec. 11 – Biloxi, Miss. @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Dec. 12 – Duluth, Ga. @ Gas South Arena

Dec. 13 – Nashville, Tenn. @ Bridgestone Arena

What is the Empower Me Tour? FAQs

What is the UNCF Empower Me Tour? The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) was created to empower a movement among young people, motivating them toward academic excellence, personal responsibility and fiscal health through relevant program content and community engagement.

EMT engages young people at crucial life stages through college readiness, career success and financial literacy.

How much is the attendance fee? The tour is free of charge.

Who can attend the event?

Target Audience:

• Students grades 9-12
• Graduating High School Seniors
• Educators and the local community

What type of programming do you offer?

• Financial education
• College readiness
• Career readiness
• College completion
• Self-empowerment

How do I register? Simply click the registration tab on the event page for the event you wish to attend and fill in your information or register for EMT.

How can I register more than one person? We ask that each person registers individually so that we can provide information that will assist in the journey of getting to and through college.

I am trying to register my student and myself with my email address, why won’t it work? We ask that each person registers individually so that we can provide information that will assist in the journey of getting to and going through college.

What is the deadline to register for my city? We ask that you register at least seven days before your tour date.

IMPORTANT: Do I need to have anything with me for college readiness?  Please have with you a pen or pencil, notepad, electronic copies of your unofficial high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores, and a positive attitude.

Important: do i need to have anything with me for career readiness  please have with you a pen or pencil, notepad, an electronic copy of your resume, and a positive attitude.  please come in business attire..

• Dwyane Stovall
• Sep 21, 2023

UNCF Empower Me Tour Stopped at the Atlanta University Center For A Career Fair Offering On-Site Job Opportunities, Internships and Scholarships.

15 students from The Atlanta University Center Received Scholarships from Wells Fargo during the 1st stop of the Empower Me Tour 2023!

Atlanta, GA (Sept. 18, 2023) — For decades, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has made it their mission to help students of color seeking career advice and assist students in connecting the dots after graduation. This year, the UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) kicked off its tour with an extra special push by partnering with the Atlanta University Center Consortium for their 2023 AUCC Career Fair on Friday, Sept. 15. The AUCC has prepared the world’s most talented emerging professionals and connected them with companies and organizations who need their innovation, imagination and expertise.

The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) is a free college-and-career-readiness opportunity that is in-person for its Fall 2023 Tour. The UNCF EMT was created 15 years ago by founding sponsor Wells Fargo to inspire students to take control of their futures by pursuing a four-year college degree and graduating with an education that prepares them for robust life engagement and successful careers.

The 2023 AUCC Career Fair took place at AmericasMart, Building 2, on Friday, September 15th. The day kicked off with students being bussed from the Atlanta University Center to AmericasMart where they checked-in at registration prior to exploring their options with each vendor. The enthusiasm in the space was at an all time high. The brilliant scholars of the Atlanta University Center were eager to introduce themselves to leaders from various industries. There were over 250 Fortune 500 corporations, enterprising companies, nonprofits and government agencies present to speak with students about both full-time employment and internships. “I'm so inspired to jump start my career. Opportunities like this are such a blessing to us students”, said Clark Atlanta University Senior, Courtney Sykes. Other students expressed how this event boosted their morale after such a stressful week overcoming the Atlanta flood.

Students of the AUC also were able to experience a panel discussion on Thursday, September 14th at Clark Atlanta University. Panelist Included Melissa Mitchell-Chief Artistic Director & Founder, Abeille Creations, Satchel Jester-Journalist & Creative Director, Markell Byrd-Senior VP & Diverse Segment Leader- Head of Affluent Markets, Wells Fargo, and Jonathan Martin-11 Alive News Anchor. Following the panel, the students were able to have dinner with the panelist as other influencers from various industries such as Radio-Personality Koday of IHeart Atlanta, Danielle Canada of Bossip, La’Torria Lemon of Lemon-Lime Light Media, TV Producer Crystal Kelly, and more. The students soaked up knowledge, asked questions about transitioning from college into careers, and more. Wells Fargo surprised 15 students with $1,500 scholarships. The students ranged from all classifications and majors.

“The world has no time to waste in putting innovators, leader, and creative professionals to work in solving the toughest challenges, disrupting the status quo and changing paradigms,” said Michael Hodge, executive director, Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc.

College students attending EMT events received expert tips on job interviews and personal finances as well as empowerment and personal branding advice. In addition to our founding sponsor Wells Fargo, the UNCF EMT is sponsored by our presenting sponsors: The Coca-Cola Co.; Milwaukee Public Schools System; and Procter & Gamble. The national sponsors include Best Buy, FedEx, Kaiser Permanente, Toyota and Walton Family Foundation. Since its inception, UNCF EMT has offered more than $25 million in scholarships and impacted thousands of students.

For more information on the UNCF Empower Me Tour and to register for free, visit EmpowerMeTour.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @UNCF #EmpowerMeTour .

About the AUCC:

The Atlanta University Center Consortium, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia, formed in 1929 to operate on behalf of its member institutions–Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College—is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. The Consortium is a vibrant intellectual community with a long tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement.

About UNCF:

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF .

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UNCF Empower Me Tour Joins Forces with AUCC for 2023 Career Fair – A Catalyst for Student Success

( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Empowering Minority Students for Career Success: Insights from the 2023 AUCC Career Fair

For decades, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has been unwavering in its commitment to guiding students of color toward prosperous careers and helping them navigate life after graduation. This year, the UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) took a momentous step by collaborating with the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) for their 2023 AUCC Career Fair, which was held on Friday, September 15. The AUCC, renowned for nurturing the world’s brightest emerging professionals, brought together students and organizations seeking innovation and expertise.

The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT), sponsored by founding partner Wells Fargo, celebrated its 15th year, inspiring students to take charge of their futures by pursuing higher education. The Fall 2023 Tour was conducted in-person, marking an exciting return to traditional career readiness programs.

The 2023 AUCC Career Fair, held at AmericasMart, Building 2, on September 15, was a day filled with promise and enthusiasm. Students from the Atlanta University Center were transported to the venue and registered to explore opportunities with various vendors. The atmosphere was electrifying as these bright scholars connected with leaders from diverse industries.

Over 250 esteemed organizations, including Fortune 500 corporations, enterprising companies, nonprofits, and government agencies, were present to discuss both full-time employment and internships. Courtney Sykes, a senior from Clark Atlanta University, exclaimed, “I’m so inspired to jump-start my career. Opportunities like this are such a blessing to us students.” Many others shared similar sentiments about how the event uplifted their spirits after facing challenges like the Atlanta flood earlier in the week.

The students had the privilege of attending a panel discussion on September 14, featuring influential figures like Melissa Mitchell, Chief Artistic Director & Founder of Abeille Creations, Satchel Jester, Journalist & Creative Director, Markell Byrd, Senior VP & Diverse Segment Leader at Wells Fargo, and Jonathan Martin, 11 Alive News Anchor. Following the panel discussion, students dined with the panelists and other industry influencers.

Wells Fargo further surprised 15 students with $1,500 scholarships, offering support to students from various majors and class levels. Michael Hodge, the Executive Director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, emphasized the importance of putting innovators and creative professionals to work in addressing global challenges and changing paradigms.

UNCF EMT events provided college students with expert advice on job interviews, personal finance, empowerment, and personal branding. In addition to Wells Fargo, the UNCF EMT received sponsorship from The Coca-Cola Co., Milwaukee Public Schools System, and Procter & Gamble. National sponsors included Best Buy, FedEx, Kaiser Permanente, Toyota, and the Walton Family Foundation. Since its inception, the UNCF EMT has offered over $25 million in scholarships and positively impacted thousands of students.

For more information on the UNCF Empower Me Tour and to register for free, visit EmpowerMeTour.org . Stay engaged with the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @UNCF #EmpowerMeTour.

About the AUCC

The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, operates on behalf of its member institutions, including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College. As the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities, the AUCC fosters a vibrant intellectual community with a rich tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement.

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs while strengthening its 37 member colleges and universities. UNCF also advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions, comprising only 3% of all colleges and universities, award 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees, and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, impacting over 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the nation.

Follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF or visit UNCF.org for continuous updates and news.

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UNCF awards thousands in scholarships to Milwaukee students

MILWAUKEE — It was an emotional and joyous day for 1,000 Milwaukee students as got the best news a senior in high school could get.

More than 1,000 Milwaukee students received nearly $500,000 in scholarships Friday from the United Negro College Fund .

The UNCF came to the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee on Friday as part of its Empower Me Tour , a college readiness fair that connect students with historically black colleges and universities. Local colleges were also part of the event as well. Last year the event gave out $3.8 million to Milwaukee students.

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"It’s an emotional day because some of them didn’t even think they could go to college," said Stacey Lee with UNCF. "So we have our counselors on site admitting them on the spot, many of them will receive scholarships. Some of them had no idea that they could even be offered a scholarship to go to college, so it is an awesome day. It’s emotional day, but it’s also an empowering day."

Friday was a dream come true for Kaishawna Fleming. The Rufus King International High School senior was accepted to college.

"My major is music education and psychology," Fleming said. "And I want people to know that even if you have difficult situations in your life, you can always succeed."

Fleming and hundreds of other students applied for and received scholarships at the event.

Just getting a scholarship will help so much because college is expensive," said student Amari Stowers. "And it's like an investment on your life. So if I can scholarship, it's probably going to make me who I am."

Counselors say this experience is empowering to students.

"We need to help our kids understand that you are deserving of a future, and we're here to help you," said Ophelia King, the manager for counselors at Milwaukee Pubic Schools.

It's with that attitude that Shawn Hayes wants to make a difference. Hayes got accepted to Dillard University, and he is the first in his family to go to college, where he wants to study film.

"I need to go to college to be successful to give back to my community," Hayes said.

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Chaya milchtein is using her automotive knowledge to empower others.

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Travel and automotive writer Chaya Milchtein has authored a comprehensive guide to car ownership and ... [+] maintenance catering to every vehicle owner or buyer.

As an automotive writer and influencer, Chaya Milchtein is driven about sharing her knowledge with her followers. Now she has authored a guide to car ownership that puts her advice in the hands of everyday people.

Written in mind for those who need a car, but also might be financially strapped, “Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership: Uncomplicating Cars for All of Us” (Little, Brown Spark) teaches how to manage this major financial investment without any jargon. This paperback answers important questions such as whether to lease or buy a car, how to find a good mechanic and when parts such as your tires should be replaced.

At first, Milchtein didn’t envision a future in automotives when she created a GoFundMe fundraiser upon turning 18. She was aging out of the foster care system and desperately needed to find a job.

“I had never any intention to do anything with cars; in fact, I didn’t even have a driver’s license,” remembered Milchtein. “I really firmly believed that I’d never be able to afford a car.”

Chaya Milchstein's paperback provides an indepth look at all facets of vehicle proprietorship.

Milchtein’s life changed when a woman who saw her GoFundMe reached out and asked how she could help. Milchtein replied that she needed a job and that person put her in touch with a human resources manager at a Sears.

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“I got this interview, and she asked me what department I wanted to work in,” she said. “And I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, which was whichever one makes the most money, and she offered me automotive or appliances.”

After landing a job at a Sears Auto Center in Glendale, Wisc., Milchtein has built up an over-seven year resume of advisory and managerial roles in repair shops, dealerships and collision shops in three states. It also instilled in her a love for helping people with their cars.

Milchtein took her interest in educating others about autos online through launching a blog in 2017. “A career coach recommended that I start a blog to share my knowledge since I was already answering people's questions in Facebook groups and my DMs,” she remembered. “I called that blog, ‘Mechanic Shop Femme ,’ and it stuck.”

Chaya Milchtein got into the automotive industry by chance. A woman helped her get a job at a Sears ... [+] automotive center.

When she was laid off in 2020, Milchtein turned her blog into a full-time job and her website grew into a virtual automotive educational resource. She also built up her social media, first on Instagram and then on Tiktok.

Her paperback also reflects her mission—to empower every car owner with insider knowledge. “It explains things your mechanic tried to explain but in a way that you can actually understand, and it answers questions you probably didn't even think to ask,” said Milchtein.

Despite having a strong writing portfolio and staying on top of industry trends and new vehicle models, Milchtein has gotten pushback from those questioning her credibility.

Milchtein, who identifies as a queer woman, said that she has encountered sexism while on the job and harassment through online comments. However, she has found community through the Female Mechanics Alliance , a private Facebook group in which members can share their stories.

Chaya Milchtein is going on a book tour with events held at auto shops operated by BIPOC, women and ... [+] LGBTQ+ owners.

Milchtein also pointed to how fostering an inclusive work environment at auto repair centers might help solve another problem. She stated that the U.S. automotive industry is experiencing a continuous shortage of unfilled technician roles. “And you know what would fix it?” she exclaimed. “If they would only welcome women and queer folks to work in their repair shops, and that has to be done on so many different levels.”

Milchtein might have found a solution. In honor of her mentor Jill Trotta, an ASE certified master mechanic who wrote the forward for her book, Milchtein is starting a scholarship fund for women and queer people entering the automotive industry.

To promote her book, Milchtein will kick off a 16-city book tour on April 9 with meet and greet events at women, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-owned mechanic shops across the country. The tour begins in Boston and ends in Milwaukee. Tickets are required and cost $5 with proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Buy them in advance here .

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