Account Executive, NASCAR
For nearly 60 years, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
has held the title of being the top spectator sport in America. With
over 75 million fans, NASCAR races draw more spectators than the Super
Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series combined. However, fast cars and
loyal fans are only a fraction of what NASCAR is about. With a new
focus on diversity and education, the NASCAR brand is playing a more
intricate role in the community.
“NASCAR has several programs that are community based,” says Lindsey
Bowen, who serves as an account executive at NASCAR. “We have a
supplier diversity program, a mentorship program and we support civil
rights initiatives across the nation.”
NASCAR also supports Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia. The
nonprofit organization gives 150 inner-city youth ages 8-18 the
opportunity to learn the fundamentals of motorsports.
“The Urban Youth Racing School takes a hands-on approach to teaching
kids about our sport,” she says. “They are first taught in a classroom
setting about the basics of motorsports. But in the second session,
they are allowed to race go-cars and compete on the track.”
Along with her duties in NASCAR’s diversity department, Bowen also
manages the internship program. She often talks to her students about
the importance of taking advantage of internships. “I tell them that
successful careers usually begin with internships,” she says. “It’s
important for them to keep an open mind and network as much as
possible.” – amir shaw