Djamila Ribeiro Celebrates São Paulo Grand Prix Partnership That Has Trained More Than 400 Women

Now in its third year, the partnership with Espaço Feminismos Plurais brings together approximately 130 current and former students at Interlagos

Djamila Ribeiro took part in a gathering with approximately 130 current and former students of a women’s automotive mechanics training program run in partnership with the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix and Escola do Mecânico (Mechanics School). Since 2022, the initiative has benefited more than 400 women in situations of social vulnerability, including 60 in 2026 alone.

The gathering took place at the Interlagos racetrack in São Paulo on Thursday, November 5, ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix held on Sunday, November 8. Participants talked with the Brazilian philosopher, learned about the experiences of other classes, and toured the circuit aboard three trucks used to transport guests during the racing event.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, November 7, Djamila celebrated the participants’ achievements and emphasized the importance of vocational training in helping women enter a traditionally male-dominated industry.

“I was so happy to receive such warmth from these women, talk with them about their experiences in the course, and celebrate their achievements with them. It is a joy to see this work opening doors and creating opportunities.”

As president of Espaço Feminismos Plurais (Plural Feminisms Center), a São Paulo-based nonprofit organization, Djamila has been involved in the initiative since 2024, when the partnership with the São Paulo Grand Prix and Escola do Mecânico, founded by entrepreneur Sandra Nalli, began.

The organization helps select participants and follows their progress throughout their training, taking into account challenges such as transportation, household responsibilities, and childcare.

“It is an honor for Espaço to be part of this initiative, selecting and keeping up a dialogue with women of different ages, from different communities and social backgrounds,” Djamila wrote.

Vocational Training and Income Generation

Launched in 2022, the São Paulo Grand Prix training program reached its fifth edition in 2026. The partnership with Espaço Feminismos Plurais is now in its third year.

The courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on training. In 2024, for example, the six-month program included two in-person classes per week and offered training in automotive mechanics, forklift maintenance, and auto body repair.

The program’s impact is illustrated by the experience of Josefa de Fátima, 52. After graduating two years ago, she secured a job at Pirelli, where she worked on brakes, suspension systems, wheel alignment, and tire changes. In 2026, she opened a tire repair shop in Jardim Ângela, a neighborhood on São Paulo’s south side, where she works alongside her husband and plans to bring their two children into the business.

The program is now preparing for a new phase focused on identifying employment opportunities for women who have completed their training.

According to São Paulo Grand Prix CEO Alan Adler, vocational training can expand women’s presence in the automotive industry.

Sandra Nalli highlights income generation as one of the program’s main achievements. The initiative also receives support from Mubadala Capital.

By bringing together women from different generations at Interlagos, the program demonstrates how technical training can lead to employment, income, and economic independence.

For Djamila, the gathering was also an opportunity to catch up with women who had participated in earlier editions and learn about their progress.

“Congratulations to the graduates, and thank you to everyone who is part of this collective effort! It is a great joy to contribute to a project that is making a difference in women’s lives!” she wrote.

Translated by AI