Rio Hondo College Alumna Interview

Diana Reyes

Rio Hondo College Alumna from the Automotive Technologies Program

Diana Reyes recently celebrated her fifth anniversary in the EV industry, having worked at Tesla, Rivian, and now Lucid Motors where she is a Mobile Service Technician at Lucid Motors in California. Lucid is a luxury electric vehicle company. She is the first mobile service technician at her location and she is excited about being part of the start-up team. Previously, she was a Field Service Technician at Rivian, another electric vehicle (EV) company. At Rivian, working as a Field Service Technician and the Lead for the night shift, Diana gained valuable leadership skills. When there was not a clear path for promotion, Diana accepted another job opportunity with Lucid Motors primarily because of their commitment to helping employees to move up and grow in their career. Her next goal is to become a Service Manager or a General Manager.

But Diana never anticipated finding her calling in the automotive world. When she first stepped onto the college campus, she was undecided on a major with no intention of pursuing an automotive related career. But on a whim, she signed up for an automotive technology class alongside her general education requirements. It was a subject that had sparked her curiosity in high school through an elective course, and she figured it could at least teach her how to repair her own car.

That decision proved pivotal. As Diana delved into the automotive program at Rio Hondo College, she discovered a profound passion for working with cars. The challenge of diagnosing and solving each vehicle’s unique issues captivated her. However, she faced an initial hurdle – being the sole female in a class dominated by older, more experienced male students. Undaunted, Diana confronted this challenge head-on, asking questions and proving her diagnostic prowess.

As a first-generation college student, Diana lacked a support system at home to guide her through the labyrinth of financial aid, career planning, and collegiate obstacles. She quickly learned the importance of seeking assistance and not shying away from inquiries. Two key figures emerged as invaluable mentors: John Frala, the head of the automotive program; and Claudia Romo, her counselor. They championed Diana’s pursuit of volunteer experiences, financial aid, and job opportunities, wholeheartedly supporting her ambition to enter the automotive field.

Diana was one of three young women in the automotive program, and together they formed a tight-knit support network. They volunteered as peer mentors and role models, engaging with middle and high school students, including prospective female students, during outreach events. Their efforts paid off, as the program grew to include seven women by the time they graduated.

For Diana, being a role model is a source of immense pride and fulfillment and she enjoys answering questions from others interested in pursuing a career in the EV industry.

Her impact has even extended to her own family. Diana’s youngest sister, currently a high school student, plans to follow in her footsteps by enrolling in automotive classes in high school and at Rio Hondo College and pursuing an EV career.

Diana’s advice to women considering this field is resolute: “Don’t let anyone dissuade you from your goals. Step out of your comfort zone. Even if you find yourself the sole female, as I often do, earn your colleagues’ respect through your skills, and you too could become an inspiration for other women to follow.”

Through her determination, passion, and unwavering pursuit of her dreams, Diana Reyes has forged her own path in the EV industry, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of women along the way.

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