Leadership spotlight: Michelle Wolken
With more than a decade of automotive repair experience and nearly 17 years of service at the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), Michelle Wolken brings a unique blend of technical expertise and public administration leadership to her role as supervisor of the Technical Training Program. We caught up with her to learn more about her career journey and her work at BAR.
What led you to a career at BAR?
I spent 13 years in the automotive industry as an automatic transmission specialist before joining BAR. When I was looking for career opportunities beyond hands-on repair, BAR felt like a natural fit. The commitment to consumer protection really resonated with me.
Tell us about your educational background.
I hold an Associate of Arts degree in Automotive Technology from Sierra College, a Bachelor of Arts in Vocational Education from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. The combination of automotive, education, and public administration education has served me well in my current role.
What does the Technical Training Program do?
The Technical Training Program promotes professional development by strengthening the technical knowledge and skills of BAR staff. We provide relevant, job-focused training and serve as an ongoing technical resource. Our goal is to ensure employees have the tools and information they need to perform their roles effectively.
We also collaborate with the California Highway Patrol to deliver the BAR portion of the Vehicle Racing/Street Modified Vehicle Enforcement (VR/SMVE) training. This training equips law enforcement officers with the technical knowledge needed to identify vehicles with modified emissions systems.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping others. Because I work with so many of BAR’s programs and units, I can connect people with the right resources and provide informed guidance. It’s rewarding to put both my auto tech experience and my public administration knowledge to work supporting others.
What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead?
The rapid advances in automotive technology will continue to shape our training needs. We need to make sure our training and regulatory frameworks keep pace.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in automotive technology?
Pursue both formal education and hands-on training. Entry-level roles are an important part of the journey. Be dependable, continue learning, and stay adaptable especially since automotive technology is constantly evolving. For women considering the field, I encourage connecting with other women in the industry and building a strong support network.
I recently had the opportunity to attend several of the Career Days sponsored by the California New Car Dealer Association Foundation and share advice with high school students exploring careers in automotive technology. It was exciting to hear their plans, share in their enthusiasm, and answer their questions about career pathways and the resources available to help them succeed. It is rewarding to draw on my own experience to encourage and guide the next generation of automotive professionals.
Just for fun—what was your first car?
I co-owned a 1987 Ford Escort Pony with my sister. The first car I owned on my own was a 1983 Mazda RX-7—and if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have sold it!
A favorite motto?
It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.