Jowana Burgan is a mechanical engineer, automotive presenter, and the founder of the Girls Mechanic Team Initiative and Hands On Heroes STEM Program in the United Arab Emirates. Her academic foundation began in mechanical engineering; however, her professional journey evolved beyond the traditional engineering pathway when she recognized the power of visibility, education, and representation in reshaping perceptions particularly those surrounding women in technical and male-dominated fields.

Engineering provided her with discipline, structured thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Media, on the other hand, gave her a platform and a voice. By integrating both, Burgan was able to create meaningful impact at scale. What truly drives her is witnessing women gain confidence through knowledge whether by understanding how a car works, stepping onto a stage for the first time, or realizing they belong in spaces they were once told were not meant for them.

From Engineering to Empowerment

Jowana’s journey into empowerment began during her university years. After she started driving, she encountered multiple car issues, including a flat tire incident that left her feeling helpless. Standing beside a mechanic while he repaired her car, she recalls thinking how simple the task appeared and questioning why she could not do it herself.

That moment led her to a critical realization: she lacked basic car maintenance knowledge. In response, she launched Girls Mechanic Team in 2018 to teach people especially women—the fundamentals of automotive maintenance. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person workshops, she adapted by creating educational content online. This shift marked the beginning of her journey into content creation.

Following the pandemic, her transition into presenting occurred organically. She began teaching small groups of five, which gradually grew to dozens and then hundreds. Over time, she discovered that her passion was not rooted in being on camera or on stage, but in being heard and driving change. Presenting stories, products, and events she genuinely believed in became the foundation of her role as a public presenter.

Breaking Stereotypes

Working in mechanical engineering and automotive industries—fields traditionally dominated by men presented significant challenges. One of the most persistent obstacles was being underestimated, coupled with the fear of making mistakes. Whether entering a tools shop, making an error in a video, or presenting on a racetrack, she felt constant pressure to prove her credibility.

This pressure led her to overanalyze the technical information she shared, fearing that a single mistake could undermine her entire reputation. She overcame this by remaining consistent, prepared, and unapologetically confident in her knowledge. Rather than trying to fit into the industry’s mold, she showed up authentically and allowed her work to speak for itself. Over time, respect followed.

Empowering Women and Youth Through Hands-On Learning

The Girls Mechanic Team Initiative focuses on empowering women through practical automotive knowledge, including basic car maintenance, understanding vehicle systems, and building confidence. Burgan emphasizes that when a woman understands her car, she gains independence and confidence on the road.

Hands On Heroes UAE extends this mission to youth by introducing STEM concepts through hands-on, real-life learning. Students are taught practical skills such as patching a hole in a wall, using power tools, understanding electrical basics, and learning how buildings are constructed. Both initiatives aim to shift mindsets from “I can’t” to “I can do this.”

On the Global Stage

One of the most meaningful aspects of Burgan’s journey has been representing women in engineering and motorsport at international platforms and major automotive events, including Formula One, Icons of Porsche, and Formula E in Saudi Arabia.

Equally impactful are the personal outcomes of her work receiving messages from women who attended her workshops and later resolved car issues independently, or mentoring a female student into motorsports. Each time someone recognizes her as “the one who teaches women car maintenance,” she knows her message is reaching the right audience.

Media, Balance, and Vision

As a presenter and emcee, Burgan uses media to make technical subjects accessible and engaging, while consciously highlighting women, youth, and diverse voices. She believes balance is not about perfection, but alignment prioritizing purpose over pressure.

Looking ahead, her vision includes regional expansion of both initiatives and educational collaborations with institutions such as the American University of Sharjah and GEMS Wellington, alongside seeking a regional partner to scale impact.

A Message to Driven Women

“You don’t need permission to belong. Start before you feel ready, and remember that what makes you good at something is not your gender, but the skill set you acquire.”