Thunder Valley Racing’s very own Karen Salvaggio has embarked on a nearly year-long adventure in support of Project Valkyrie. The first project under the Warrior Projects banner, Project Valkyrie is a hands-on restoration and classic car rebuild opportunity to connect women aspiring to careers in the automotive and motorsports industries with women already working in the industry.
As Karen noted, “I am very fortunate to be involved in this project, and to have partnered with five amazing women; Susan Carpenter of JR Products, Nan Gelhard with Summit Racing, Christina Kwan of Kwan International, JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Paint, and Julia Johnson of Skyline College, who collectively, brought this project to life. The support we have received from the automotive after market industry has been simply overwhelming!”
We encourage you to visit Project Valkyrie online, and to lend financial support through their crowd funding effort which will allow other women from around the country to participate! Every dollar counts, and will help women realize their dream of finding a rewarding career in 
the automotive industry!!!
Project Valkyrie Mission Statement
To encourage participation of women in all aspects of the automotive industry.
An Idea is Born
Although women in the automotive and racing industries have come a long way, we still have a long way to go. The Valkyrie Project began as an idea during a discussion with key industry leaders at the 2014 SEMA Show. Initially the discussion was simply about a build, but this spark was the onset to an idea that began to grow.
Enthusiasm. Our desire is to embark on a project that is beyond what has been done before. We strive to “move the needle” for young women who are looking to succeed in the industry.
The Facts
• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence reports that the number of certified female technicians has more than tripled in the last ten years, yet women still represent less than one percent of the total ASE-certified technicians.
• Seven women are among the top 52 corporate officers at Ford Motor Company – a leading statistic in the industry. Ford’s number of female engineers has more than doubled since 1990 while the number of men has increased approximately 21%.
• Women are good for the industry. Gender diversity in the work place provides different ways of thinking – relational, value centered etc. Jennifer Moran opened a car dealership in 2009 at the height of the recession and has become the number one dealer in the State of Washington. What factors contributed to Moran’s success? Core values-based marketing, a strong sense of community responsibility and a focus on building relationships are just a few of the reasons for her success.
The Platform
The Valkyrie Project will showcase the wide range of talented women in the automotive industry. This project serves to inspire women to explore their interests in the fields of automotive and motorsports. The 1969 AMC AMX project vehicle will serve as a platform for women in the industry to design, fabricate and ultimately build a uniquely powerful and equally beautiful car. After the AMX’s showcase on the Hot Rod Power Tour, it will be prepared to go out and race.
