Lakweila’s Leadership is Lifting Others

Hard Work, Big Payoff

Since graduating from the Automotive Technician Training Program, Lakweila hasn’t just grown—she’s soared. Her infectious drive and determination continue to elevate everyone around her. With a focused, hardworking spirit and unwavering positivity, she’s making a lasting impact on her workplace and beyond.

Now over a year into her role at Kings Volkswagen, Lakweila has steadily climbed the ladder. Starting as a Lube & Tire Tech earning $17/hour, she has since been promoted to Lead Technician and Trainer, earning $20/hour with another promotion on the horizon. Her upcoming role will place her in the main shop—working alongside senior technicians, tackling more complex repairs, and taking advantage of paid travel opportunities, advanced training, and online certifications that will continue to expand her skillset.

What makes Lakweila’s progress even more special is her commitment to lifting others as she climbs. She’s currently mentoring Marvin, a recent graduate of the same ChangingGears program that launched her career. Lakweila is training Marvin to take over her current role—a full-circle moment that highlights not just her technical skill, but her leadership, generosity, and belief in paying it forward.

And the good news keeps rolling in: Lakweila recently paid off her vehicle in full—early! The team at ChangingGears had the joy of hosting her Title Hand-Off Celebration, and as word spread, more and more people came by to celebrate her milestone. That’s just who Lakweila is—someone you want to be around, learn from, and cheer for.

To know Lakweila is to love her. Her story is far from over, and we can't wait to see how her light continues to shine in the automotive world and in the lives of those lucky enough to work alongside her.