By Audra Fordin
On March 22, 2026, something powerful happened inside a space most people don’t associate with learning: a neighborhood auto repair shop.
At Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, NY, Women Auto Know hosted an “Auto Awareness” Workshop in partnership with TDR and Nike, bringing together community members from across all five boroughs—Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—for an experience that went far beyond basic car care. It was about confidence, communication, and safety on the road. For many drivers, especially those who didn’t grow up learning about cars, walking into an auto shop can feel overwhelming. Questions go unasked. Repairs are delayed. Decisions are made under pressure. This workshop set out to change that.
The goal was simple: give drivers the knowledge they need before they need it.
Participants didn’t just sit and listen; they engaged, asked questions, and interacted with real car components. The workshop broke down complex automotive systems into easy-to-understand concepts using relatable, real-life examples. Attendees learned how to recognize warning signs, understand basic maintenance, and communicate more effectively with their mechanic.
One of the most impactful parts of the experience was connecting the car to the human body, helping participants understand that just like we take care of our health proactively, our vehicles require the same level of awareness and attention. Attendees leaned in. They laughed. They shared their own experiences. And most importantly, they left feeling empowered.
This is the mission behind Women Auto Know: to educate, not intimidate. To give drivers, of all backgrounds, the tools they need to feel confident, informed, and in control.
Hosting the workshop at Great Bear Auto Repair added another layer of meaning.
A fourth-generation, family-owned business in Queens, Great Bear has long been known not just for its technical expertise, but for its commitment to transparency, education, and customer trust. Opening its doors for a hands-on learning experience transformed the traditional perception of an auto shop into a space where questions are welcomed and knowledge is shared freely.
