My favorite "show" is the annual Transmission Rebuild Championship (yes, that’s a real thing). Two techs, one blown transmission, a stopwatch, and a crowd of rowdy gearheads. It’s better than the Super Bowl. When the last bolt torques down and the input shaft spins true, the crowd cheers. That is my red carpet.

As a trans woman, I've faced my fair share of challenges in the workplace. From using the correct pronouns and facilities to dealing with microaggressions and outright harassment, it's been a journey of ups and downs. There have been times when I felt like I had to choose between being true to myself and advancing in my career.

Let’s define terms. In the automotive world, “big ass” isn’t a technical measurement. It means heavy-duty, oversized, high-capacity, or just plain difficult. Think: