In July 2024, the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission launched the Women in Motorsport Mentorship Programme in partnership with OneUpOneDown. The initiative was designed to foster growth and knowledge sharing within the industry by pairing experienced women with those looking to enter or advance in motorsport.
Now, nine months in, the programme has welcomed 271 participants from 69 countries and facilitated 280 mentorship matches—and the impact has been remarkable. Seeing the connections formed and the progress made has truly blown us away.
We’re excited to highlight some of the incredible participants in this programme, sharing their experiences, insights, and perspectives on mentorship.
Ciska van Huyssteen, Race Director Assistant in DTM, Mentor & Mentee
When I started working in motorsports, I found it very challenging, and I still face many challenges today, especially as a woman. That’s what led me to apply to be a mentor—I want to help, assist, and support other women who might be facing similar challenges. Every moment as a mentor is special and makes an impact. It is a big honour to be trusted with the information and situations my mentees are facing or have faced, and I am constantly inspired by their bravery, ambition, and courage. I truly believe we can always learn from each other, and I have gained insight from every woman I’ve had the privilege of mentoring.
As a mentee, I sought out mentorship because I believe in the importance of building a community. I felt the need to connect with other women in the industry because I know we face similar and specific challenges. I am always looking to better myself personally and professionally, and by learning from other inspirational women, I can do just that. My mentors have opened my mind to new possibilities and opportunities I was unaware of, and they have helped me make important connections with key people in the industry. Above all, they have provided me with encouragement and support, helping me consider possibilities I hadn’t thought of before. If you commit to becoming a mentee, you will meet inspiring people from whom you can learn so much. Ultimately, it is what you make of it, but if you put in the effort and keep an open mind, there is a great possibility that mentorship will help you further your career and personal development. For me, mentorship means encouragement and support.
“To anyone considering becoming a mentor, I would say: You are so much more capable than you think, and you do have what it takes to make a positive impact on someone else’s life. Mentorship is incredibly rewarding, and all it requires is commitment, passion for your industry, and an open mind to help and share your experiences.” – Ciska van Huyssteen
🔹Connect:
🤝 Linkedin: Ciska Van Huyssteen
Giulia Brunelli, Mental Coach, Ops & Logistics for Race Weekends, Mentor & Mentee
My name is Giulia, and while I’m originally from Frascati, Italy, I haven’t had a fixed base in the past ten years. I consider myself a wanderer, having spent the last decade travelling between Italy and the Middle East. Professionally, I work as a mental coach, helping individuals and teams develop resilience, manage challenges, and build focus—particularly in the world of motorsport. Alongside this, I also work in operational and logistical support during race weekends, ensuring that every detail runs smoothly for those on track. I am deeply committed to continuous learning, currently studying Neurocoaching and working toward my certification in Personal Resilience Mentoring with HeartMath.
I became a mentor because I believe in the power of sharing experiences. It’s not something I do often—talking about myself—but I’ve come to realise how valuable it is. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to meet people who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Their patience, guidance, and support shaped my path, and I wanted to pass that gift forward. The most rewarding part of mentorship is witnessing the moment when someone realises their own value—when they see that they can make it. It’s a chain reaction, a cycle of encouragement and growth that keeps moving forward.
“The most rewarding part of mentorship is witnessing the moment when someone realises their own value—when they see that they can make it. It’s a chain reaction, a cycle of encouragement and growth that keeps moving forward.”
One of the most impactful moments in my mentorship journey was working with a young woman who was constantly anxious, feeling as though she was falling behind. She was frustrated that she couldn’t keep up with her own expectations—a feeling many of us have experienced. During one of our conversations, I shared part of my own story, explaining how patience had been essential in overcoming challenges. I told her that growth isn’t about rushing forward but about observing, learning, and trusting the process. Over time, she began to shift her perspective. One day, she messaged me, saying she finally felt free to move at her own pace, and that gave her the strength to move forward with calm and confidence. That moment wasn’t just meaningful for her—it was a lesson for me too. Sometimes, the smallest exchange can make the biggest difference.
Being a mentor has also helped me grow in ways I never expected. Every mentee I’ve worked with has taught me something, often without realising it. I’ve learned to listen differently—not just to words, but to what lies beneath them: fears, unspoken dreams, quiet determination. I’ve discovered new perspectives and even parts of myself that I had never fully appreciated. Mentorship isn’t a one-way street—it’s a shared experience that enriches both people in ways that go beyond professional development.
“I’ve learned to listen differently—not just to words, but to what lies beneath them: fears, unspoken dreams, quiet determination. I’ve discovered new perspectives and even parts of myself that I had never fully appreciated. “
To those considering becoming a mentor, I understand the hesitation. I had the same doubts: “What if I’m not good enough? What if I don’t have all the answers?” But I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and sharing authentically. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to show up, support, and encourage. It’s a journey of growth, not just for your mentee, but for yourself as well.
I believe mentorship is essential because we live in a world where, despite being constantly connected, many people feel alone. Having someone who truly listens, believes in you, and reminds you of your strength can make all the difference. To me, mentorship is like a chain of support—every act of encouragement carries forward, creating lasting impact. It’s a reminder that, even in the toughest moments, there’s always someone ready to believe in you.
🔹Follow my journey:
🤝 Linkedin: Giulia Brunelli
Khatuna Julakidze, fOUNDER OF WOMEN MARSHALS CLUB GEORGIA, Mentor & Mentee
I have been involved in motorsports since 2011, taking on roles as a Secretary of events and championships, an Organiser of championships and events, and a Timekeeper. My deep passion for motorsport led me to found the Women Marshals Club in Georgia, a community dedicated to encouraging more women to take on roles in motorsport beyond driving.
I joined the FIA Women in Motorsport Mentorship Programme because I believe I have valuable experience to share, but also because I wanted to continue learning from others and connecting with incredible women from all over the world. One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was meeting my mentee, Yasenur, in person during the Formula One Grand Prix in Baku. She was working as a Flag Marshal, and I was a Recovery Marshal, so we met every day during the event to share our experiences and insights. What made this even more special was that our mentorship story actually began during FIA Safety Week 2024, where I was a speaker and she was a participant. She saw me online, reached out, and we became “online friends.” Later, when we were matched through the FIA mentorship program, it felt like fate, and we were both thrilled to take our connection from online to real life.
“This mentorship program has been an incredible opportunity—not just for knowledge sharing, but for building a global community of women in motorsport.” – Khatuna Julakidze
One of the biggest challenges for women in this field is the misconception that they have to be racers or drivers to belong. That’s exactly why I created the Women Marshals Club in Georgia—to show other women that there are so many different ways to be involved in motorsport. Through marshalling, they can experience the thrill of the sport up close, without needing to be behind the wheel. It is so important to have visible female role models in motorsport to demonstrate that women belong in every aspect of the industry.
To anyone considering joining the FIA Women in Motorsport Mentorship Programme, I highly recommend it!
“This experience has given me valuable insights into different areas of motorsport and allowed me to form friendships with inspiring women from all over the world. Whether as a mentor or a mentee, you have the opportunity to both give and receive knowledge, helping to create a stronger, more inclusive motorsport community.” – Khatuna Julakidze
🔹Follow my journey:
📷 Instagram: Khokho Tedikholn (Khatuna Julakidze)
📷 Women Marshals Club in Georgia: @wmarshals
Michalina Trzaska, Lawyer, Polish ATV League ambassador, motorsport competitor, Mentor & Mentee
My name is Michalina Trzaska, and I live in Zalesie Górne, Poland, on the outskirts of Warsaw. Professionally, I am a lawyer and a producer of media content, but beyond that, I am a wife, a mother of two, an ambassador for the women’s class in the Polish ATV league, and a passionate motorsport competitor.
I became a mentor because I wanted to find a space where my experiences and journey could inspire others. Motorsports have shaped me, taken me to incredible places, and introduced me to people who constantly push the limits of what’s possible. I wanted more women to experience this world, to know that they belong here. The most rewarding part of this journey has been meeting other women who, like me, believe in defying stereotypes and proving that the impossible is possible. Strength, courage, and perseverance—that’s what it takes.
One of my most memorable moments was receiving the email from FIA informing me that I had been selected for this prestigious mentorship program. That moment was a turning point—it reinforced my belief in myself and my ability to create change. Since then, mentorship has given me even more than I expected. It led me back to quad racing, where I was offered the opportunity to become an ambassador for the women’s class in the Polish ATV league—the first time in Polish history that a women’s class was created. Now, I will race in five rounds throughout the year, not only competing but also supporting and encouraging other women, both mentally and on the rally tracks.
“For those considering becoming a mentor, my advice is simple: if you are open, willing to help, and ready to dedicate your time to something bigger than yourself—do it! Mentorship is more than just sharing knowledge; it is a step forward for women and future generations.” – Michalina Trzaska
For those considering becoming a mentor, my advice is simple: if you are open, willing to help, and ready to dedicate your time to something bigger than yourself—do it! Mentorship is more than just sharing knowledge; it is a step forward for women and future generations. I know that many women hesitate to even dream of a career in motorsports because they believe it’s not meant for them. I talk openly about my own journey—being a mother, a professional, and an athlete—to show that you can have it all. It’s not always easy; I’ve had to fight stereotypes, prove myself three times more than others, and work harder to be taken seriously. But I never let that discourage me. I have a goal, and I will keep pushing forward.
As a mentee, I joined the program because I am always open to new challenges and new people. I seek out those who inspire me, who have achieved great things, and who push boundaries. My mentor was a woman in Polish automotive structures, and I was deeply impressed by her courage. She created a project to activate and empower women in the automotive industry, proving that change happens when you take action. Her work reinforced my belief that success comes from doing, trying, and taking risks. Thanks to her, I had the opportunity to attend several professional meetings, which I am incredibly grateful for.
For me, mentorship means opportunities. To anyone considering becoming a mentor or mentee, my advice is simple: go for it. Try, push through the challenges, and believe in yourself. The world belongs to the brave!
🔹 Follow my journey:
📷 Instagram: @trzaska_media
📷 Instagram: @DFDoQQHt9pa
▶️ YouTube: Watch My Story
FIA Women in Motorsports Mentorship Programme – Learn more
For more information about the FIA Women in Motorsports Mentorship programme and what has been achieved, visit the Case Study.
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