Patrice Banks

Chief Shecanic & Founder at Girls Auto Clinic

Speaker

Patrice Banks is a nationally recognized engineer, automotive technician, entrepreneur, author, and trailblazer for women in the automotive industry. As the Founder and CEO of Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) in Philadelphia, she created a first-of-its-kind auto repair center run by women for women—offering not only vehicle service but also Clutch Beauty Bar, a salon experience for customers waiting on repairs. Her groundbreaking business model blends technical excellence with customer empowerment, redefining the traditionally male-dominated automotive experience.

With a background in engineering and a deep understanding of materials science, Banks combines technical rigor with a passion for education and advocacy. Her expertise spans vehicle diagnostics, repair operations, mechanical systems, and customer service innovation, making her a go-to voice in conversations around inclusive mobility, workforce development, and gender equity in skilled trades.

She is also the author of the best-selling Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide, a user-friendly car care manual designed to educate and empower drivers—especially women—to understand and manage their vehicles confidently. Patrice regularly appears on national media platforms and stages, and her work has been featured in TIME, Forbes, Glamour, NPR, The Washington Post, and O, The Oprah Magazine.

A champion of workforce development and the #sheCANic movement, Banks has trained and mentored aspiring women technicians and has launched public workshops and community programs across the country. She was inducted into the African American Automotive Association Hall of Fame in 2025 in recognition of her leadership and impact on the industry.

Banks continues to serve as a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advocate—leading the charge for greater representation, education, and equity across the automotive sector and skilled trades.