Interview with Evelkah Powell
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to speak with Evelkah Powell during her time as Race for Diversity Programme Manager at Motorsport UK. In this interview, she shares her journey into motorsport, the importance of representation and accessibility within the industry, and the impact of creating opportunities for young people from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds.
Can you introduce yourself and your work in motorsport
Hi, I’m Evelkah Powell and I currently lead the Race for Diversity Programme. My work ultimately seeks to diversify paddocks across the UK by introducing motorsport through STEM intervention to young people from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. The programme offers opportunities for individuals aged 14 - 24, that will allow them to be inspired by the motorsport industry, gain relevant understanding, knowledge and opportunities and finally, to create a safe place where they belong!
What initially drew you to the world of motorsport, and how did you begin your journey in this exciting environment?
From a young girl I always loved cars and driving, I have a core memory of my dad putting me on his lap allowing me control of the steering wheel and him managing the pedals that I was too young to reach. Equally, growing up in the Caribbean, Anguilla, I attended car shows, witnessed drag racing - all the grassroot stuff yet still not knowing or understanding this was motorsport. I just thought it was a bit of fun. However, it was not until I went to university and found out that one of my roommates were studying Motorsport Engineering - again not knowing this was a thing! Nevertheless, she introduced me more in depth into the world of motorsport and once she gained a job for a F1 team, the knowledge kept flowing and she kept influencing me. Soon after she was introducing me to some amazing engineers whom I had the opportunity to do some community impact work with and eventually I saw an opportunity at Motorsport UK and gave it go. Not expecting to get the job but I did and now I am here!
As a woman, have you encountered specific challenges or, conversely, particular opportunities in this traditionally male-dominated industry? If so, how did you address them?
Working in a male dominated comes with its pros and cons. On one side you have men who may not think you are qualified enough or know enough about the industry to truly make change and on the other hand, you have those who welcome the opportunity for women to grow and become an ally for your progression. As a woman you have to stand firm and believe that you have what it takes to contribute and have an impact in the industry. It is so easy to give in to the false perceptions about what women can or cannot do, but you have to pave the way and walk confidently in it. At the end of the day, you are there for a reason so never take that for granted. Let your work speak for itself and in other cases be bold enough to speak up and have a voice.
What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
A big part of my role is identifying what opportunities and events would best serve our young people and how it links to real jobs in the motorsport industry. So, a typical week could like:
Reaching out to potential suppliers and organisations about a particular event or opportunity offer
Checking out any news / press releases around STEM and / or motorsport
Have 1-2-1 mentoring session with a young person trom the community
Event / Opportunity planning - getting timetables prepared, reaching out to schools and / or young people, managing budgets, preparing promotional materials.
Getting volunteers onboarded
Coordinate and host events on the day Engaging with our online community
Travelling to and from events
Post event debriefs and reporting
In your opinion, what are themost essential skills required to succeed and thrive in your field within motorsport?
I guess this can be determined by the type of role someone wishes to embark on. However, from my experience, the core skills, one will need to have is teamwork and communication. Motorsport is a competitive environment, and everyone is striving for success. So that does not happen when you cannot work well as a team and confidently communicate ideas or thoughts that could allow for innovation and creativity to take place.
Motorsport is a high-pressure environment. How do you manage the stress and inherent challenges of your role, especially during crucial moments like races or project launches?
I lean on my team. Initially, I thought I could manage on my own, however, I realised that by allowing my wider team to support and not being afraid to ask for help or letting them know that how I am feeling; has been revolutionary. Equally I always try to plan a few days off after intense periods to give myself time to switch off and regroup before the next season of activities.
What advice would you give to a young woman or anyone aspiring to build a career in motorsport today?
Do not be discouraged, be bold, be courageous, and be YOU!
What is the most memorable moment or the greatest source of pride you’ve experienced so far in your career?
I would say it was when we did one of our first Team Sport STEM days with our partner schools and whilst speaking to one of the young girls in attendance, she said ‘This is one of the best days of my life’. This did not just show me the impact we are making but it demonstrates how we can offer incredible experiences that many of them will likely remember for life even if they do not choose to work in the motorsport industry. Another one I cannot help but mention is when a university student who had volunteered and supported at one of our School STEM events, had successfully received a job offer from one of our delivery partners, all from when they met at the event she volunteered at, a year ago. Now a year on, she attended another one of our school flagship STEM events at the same location-this time in her full-time position with the delivery partner organisation. Talk about a full circle moment!
Team spirit is paramount in motorsport. How do collaboration and communication function within your team or organization, and what is your role in that dynamic?
Despite running the programme predominantly on my own, I have seen how my work also aligns and supports the goals within other teams. So, in the past as an example we have collaborated with the motorsport club and community team to introduce our young people to the different volunteering opportunities there are in the sport and run taster days at tracks. Going back to what I was saying earlier, motorsport is a team sport and so by collaborating with other functions within and across the organisation, we are able to achieve more and get more people engaging with motorsport who probably wouldn’t have previously. So, my role naturally leans to identifying opportunities to collaborate and communicate with each other and showing how the work we all do can bring the best results.
What drives and motivates you to continue evolving in such a demanding and competitive environment as motorsport?
Passion, a passion to make a difference and see young girls who look like me thrive in and make a mark in motorsport.
Have you had mentors or inspiring figures who have marked your path? And on your side, do you aspire to mentor young talents?
I have and I believe it is one of those things everyone should consider. A mentor helps you to keep accountable especially if you are looking to accelerate in your career. Equally, I have also been in position to mentor young people and is one of the best things I could do; to give up and help them to climb the ladder.
How would you describe the evolution of your own role or your specific area within motorsport since you started?
This is probably a bit cheesy to say, but my evolution in this role has mirrored the elements of a race weekend. I started out like any good free practice session; steady, observant, learning the track and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Then it came to the phase of applying that insight, pushing a bit harder, finding my line, and figuring out where I could make the biggest impact. Confidence grew. I learned how to qualify myself when doubt crept in and to back my pace. And now? Now it’s race time. It’s about showing up fully, delivering with intent, and pushing for real progress. For me, that means putting everything on the line to ‘Race’ for diversity because that’s the win that matters.
If you could change one thing in motorsport to make it even better, what would it be and why?
I would say it is what I am doing now, making motorsport more inclusive and accessible. Ensuring that in 10 - 20 years down the line we see more women, people of colour in the paddocks across all motorsport disciplines.
Great interview!
So inspiring!!