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Real Deal Revolution

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Jessi Combs was a metal fabricator, TV personality, and fearless racer known as “the fastest woman on Earth.” Theresa Contreras is a renowned custom auto painter with a passion for all things motorsports.

In 2014, they co-founded Real Deal Revolution, a non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionizing the perception of skilled trades and women's roles in them. In 2019, Jessi died while chasing—and earning—the women’s land speed world record, driving her car at almost 523 mph. But Theresa is committed to making sure Real Deal keeps her legacy alive by inspiring a new generation of women in the trades.

Empowering women in skilled trades

Jessi and Theresa met in 2012 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show during an all-female vehicle customization. The two became fast friends, teaming up on a number of projects including bike builds, races, and automotive competitions.

Despite their own experiences and accomplishments, they were disappointed by the lack of inclusion for women in industrial spaces. With a shared passion for the automotive industry, an unrelenting drive to pursue their dreams—even those that seemed impossible—and a knack for inspiring others, Jessi and Theresa founded Real Deal to empower more women through workshops, mentoring, hands-on training, and community involvement.

Empowering women in skilled trades

Jessi and Theresa met in 2012 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show during an all-female vehicle customization. The two became fast friends, teaming up on a number of projects including bike builds, races, and automotive competitions.

Despite their own experiences and accomplishments, they were disappointed by the lack of inclusion for women in industrial spaces. With a shared passion for the automotive industry, an unrelenting drive to pursue their dreams—even those that seemed impossible—and a knack for inspiring others, Jessi and Theresa founded Real Deal to empower more women through workshops, mentoring, hands-on training, and community involvement.

The Revolution Continues

Through our partnership with Real Deal, the organization’s volunteer team of female instructors, known as “Renegades,” is able to scale their mission by reaching a broader audience and increasing women’s inclusion and representation in male-dominated industries.

As they build support, the Real Deal team continues to be as ambitious as ever with goals of expanding the national Renegades network to over 500, laying the foundation for an online Creator Workshop University, and creating scholarship programs to encourage the next generation of women in skilled trades.