Nicole Pasterski

My interest in the automotive field actually started with something that had nothing to do with cars at all. During my senior year of high school, I found a 1952 Royal HH typewriter at an antique store, and it was not in working condition. I was fascinated by the mechanics of it, so I took it apart piece by piece to figure out how the levers and gears worked together. Eventually, I got it working perfectly again, and that project sparked a real love for learning the logic of mechanics and how/why things work the way they do.

Since I did not have any family or friends who were into cars, I had to find my own way into the industry. I bought a muscle car during my senior year and started fixing it up by watching videos and just trying things out in my driveway. I handled all the small maintenance tasks to get it running, and that self taught foundation gave me the confidence to pursue this as a career.

After high school, I spent over two years at Firestone Complete Auto Care where I started as a Maintenance Technician. I spent my days doing hands-on technical work like oil changes, tire services, batteries, fluid flushes, and other entry level work. I also pushed myself to earn a welding certificate and completed electrical courses in residential and commercial wiring through Harper College because I wanted to understand the systems that power everything. Eventually, I had the opportunity to shift into a Sales and Service Specialist role, which was my first real taste of the business side. I used my technical knowledge to explain complex repairs to customers in a way they could understand, and that experience helped me realize how much I enjoy the human side of the industry.

My education has been a unique mix of high level technical skills and business strategy. I earned a certificate in Automotive Engine Maintenance, Machining, and Repair from Elgin Community College. I spent time in the lab focusing on engine disassembly, precision measurement, and engine machining practices. Now, I am finishing my time at Indiana State University as a senior. I am completing Dual Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Business Management while also minoring in Automotive Technology and Motorsports. I have worked hard to maintain a 3.93 GPA, and I am proud to be graduating Summa Cum Laude this May after being on the Highest Honors Dean's List for four consecutive semesters at ISU.

Currently, I work at Finzels Mastertech as a Customer Service Representative and Marketing Coordinator. I help streamline the service workflow to make the shop more efficient, and I lead our brand efforts through social media and digital campaigns. Outside of the shop, I have stayed very active in leadership roles on campus. I serve on the board for United Campus Ministries, where I help manage resources and outreach for students. I am also the Marketing and Media Officer for the Indiana State Investment Club, where I manage our public representation and learn about financial trading in the Scott College of Business. Additionally, I am involved with the American Marketing Association and Women in Business, where I focus on professional development and mentorship for other women entering leadership roles.

A major part of my growth has come from my involvement with Women in Auto Care. I have now attended their annual leadership conference twice, and being part of that community has been incredibly impactful. It is more than just a professional network, as it has provided me with a platform to sharpen my leadership skills and connect with other women who are leading the way in this field. I have remained deeply involved in the organization because I believe in the importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of female professionals in the auto care industry.

The support from the automotive community has been life changing and has truly fueled my growth. I have been honored to receive the Midwest Auto Care Alliance scholarship for two years in a row, which allowed me to attend the VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo in Kansas City. I also received the Women in Auto Care scholarship and the Tom Lutz automotive scholarship through the ECC Foundation. These opportunities gave me the chance to network with industry leaders and see the professional side of the field in a way most students do not get to experience.

Everything came together this past November when I attended the SEMA convention in Las Vegas for the first time as a scholarship winner. I have always dreamt of going to SEMA, and being there as a student scholar was a huge milestone for me. As a young woman in a male dominated industry, I loved being able to break stereotypes just by being present and engaged. That experience at SEMA led me to the PRI convention in Indianapolis, where I met the team I will be joining next. I recently signed a job offer to be a Project Manager with an Enterprise Resource Planning group that works with automotive shops. After I graduate, I will be relocating to Dallas to start this new chapter where I will help shops optimize their systems and technology. I am so proud to represent the next generation of women who are blending technical know-how with business leadership to move this industry forward.

• Welding Certificate
• Automotive Engine Maintenance, Machining, and Repair Certificate

• Indiana State University
• Minors in Automotive Technology and Motorsports Management
• Summa Cum Laude
• GPA 3.93 (Graduating May 2026)
• Elgin Community College
• Welding Certificate
• Residential and Commercial Wiring Courses
• Automotive Engine Maintenance, Machining, and Repair Certificate

• Summa Cum Laude at Indiana State University (GPA 3.93)
• Numerous Automotive-Related Scholarships
• SEMA Scholarship
• Women In Auto Care Scholarship
• Tom-Lutz Automotive Scholarship
• Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship

• Women in Auto Care