Nhu Nguyen: First Female Porsche Classic Technician on Breaking Barriers in Automotive
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week we’re joined by Nhu Nguyen, a trailblazing figure in the automotive industry and the first female certified Porsche Classic Technician in Canada. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
Nhu’s love for cars began in her teenage years with street racing, eventually leading her to take a leap of faith into professional automotive mechanics. Despite a significant pay cut and starting from the bottom, Nhu's determination quickly propelled her through the ranks as she proved her natural skill and dedication in the shop.
"I left street racing, found my way back into cars, and never looked back." – Nhu Nguyen
In this episode, Nhu shares her journey to becoming a certified Porsche Classic Technician—a rare and prestigious title that reflects rigorous training and a deep understanding of classic Porsche models. She opens up about what drew her to Porsche’s performance-focused design and how that passion continues to fuel her career.
Nhu also recounts a highlight moment: driving with the President of Porsche Canada during a classic Porsche competition. The experience not only validated her place in the industry but marked a turning point in her professional journey.
Beyond her technical achievements, Nhu offers powerful advice to women entering trades or male-dominated fields. She speaks candidly about self-reflection, building supportive environments, and how resilience and authenticity can pave the way for long-term success.