Balancing Passion and Real Life: Fabiany Perez Roman on Learning From Women in Motorsport

Transformational Relationship

Through the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program, Fabiany takes part as a mentee.

Wanting to Learn From Women Who Have Walked the Path

Fabiany's reason for joining the program centers on the women already working in the industry. "One of my principal motivations to join it was the fact to learn about the path of the incredible women in the Motorsport industry, know their struggles, victories, and personal values as well as encourage more girls to follow their dreams in different areas and growth personally and professionally in and out of the sport industry finding new opportunities."

An Authentic View Beyond the Glamour

What sets the relationship apart for Fabiany is how directly it addresses the realities of the industry. "The approach to women in the Motorsport industry is in a more authentic way letting aside for a moment the glamorous part of the sport. And the personalization of every mentoring session that you can apply in your real life."

What Shifted in How She Thinks About the Industry

Several insights stand out to Fabiany over the course of the program. One is the ongoing effort to balance a personal life with a demanding passion. "The fact that you have a personal life and passions at the same time, and you have to balance them."

Another is the mindset needed to work in a field still dominated by men. "Another important insight is that you have to be resilient, proactive, and confident in an industry where males are still predominant even with the existing women's movements."

A third is more practical, about how to build a lasting career around the sport. "The importance of getting experience and different industries, not just Motorsport, as well as how important it is to get official credentials from organizations like the FIA if you are a volunteer or circuit officer to avoid keeping stock."

When asked what qualities have had the biggest impact on her, she lists several traits she has come to value. "Resilience, perseverance, proactiveness, leadership, and curiosity."

Changing How She Sees Mentorship

Fabiany's view of mentoring itself shifts through the experience. "Yes, completely! I used to have another idea about online mentoring and its impact. But the simple fact of having the opportunity to exchange ideas with incredibly powerful women in the Motorsport industry and deep into their path encourages you to find new routes and apply advice from them to grow yourself more wisely."

She adds that the program offers something beyond advice. "I would like to add that this mentorship program makes me feel supported while I pursue my dreams."

Her Message to Anyone Considering the Program

Fabiany's advice to others weighing whether to join is short and direct. "As Nike's slogan says 'Just do it.' It's an incredible opportunity to comprehend the Motorsport industry from a deeper level of reality, you never know who you will meet there and become your mentor along your path."

She concludes with: "No matter where women are from, their cultural background, or their current professional life, all those experiences can shape their mindset and prepare them for any role in Motorsport, because everything counts, as we are living in a society that needs strong leadership and a wide range of perspectives."

What She Recommends to Others

When asked for a book, tool or resource, Fabiany points to a book about money that applies well beyond motorsport. "A book I would like to recommend is The Psychology of Money, which is not fully related to Motorsport but is insightful to a lot of stages of life that apply to this book and can give you a real perspective of how the world works."

For a resource, she points to professional networking. "A resource that I recommend is LinkedIn because you can find people with similar interests to you, follow their path, and also interact with them, and keep yourself updated in your field."