Real Deal Revolution, the nonprofit organization with a mission to “revolutionize the perception of skilled trades and women’s roles in them,” celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 with its most impactful year to date.
In 2024, Real Deal Revolution led its Workshoppes at 13 industry events, including The One Moto Show, Babes Ride Out, the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, Four Corners Rally, Biker Belles at Sturgis, the SEMA Show, Handbuilt Moto Show, and more. During these workshops, the RDR team of skilled tradeswomen taught women, children, and male motorcyclists skills like welding, pinstriping, rebuilding carburetors, and more.
The organization was founded in 2014 by Jessi Combs, the fastest woman on Earth and the first female Grand Marshal of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and Theresa Contreras, a renowned automotive painter and bike builder. The nonprofit furthers its mission through educational outreach, community building, and traveling workshops to “create opportunities that focus on empowering women to learn new skills.”
In 2024, Real Deal Revolution launched several new programs, like a Moto scholarship with Doffo Winery. It was also awarded a VF Foundation grant and was recognized by Event Marketer among its “Top Experiential Exhibit Trends.” Real Deal Revolution is supported by brands like Dickies, Harley-Davidson, Lincoln Electric, and Industrial Metal Supply Co., with assistance from the Jessi Combs Foundation.
Workshops during the 2024 season of events included pinstriping by instructors Shayna Guy and Theresa Contreras, resin by Tamara Robertson, carb rebuilds by Riley Schlick and Bobbi Prueter, and welding by Hannah Stout-Ortega, Zoe Carmichael, Lindsey Hover, and Sana Abbas.
“As we celebrate our 10th year, we’re even more driven heading into our next decade of empowering others through hands-on skilled trades,” said co-founder Theresa Contreras. “Working with partners like Dickies and being awarded the VF Foundation grant has played a pivotal role in not only us looking good while doing what we love, but by supporting us in our mission to help supercharge our future. With support like theirs, we look forward to making Real Deal Workshoppes even more accessible to everyone.”
Find more information, learn how to get involved, and view the events schedule at the Real Deal Revolution website.
Find more moto-events at American Rider‘s Events Calendar
