The Jessi Combs Rising Star Award recognizes a woman under the age of 30 who is making meaningful strides in advancing her career in the automotive aftermarket while helping pave the way for others.
In 2025, that recognition once again went to Kristy Rubino, whose dedication to motorsports, mentorship and community continues to inspire those around her.
Winning the award for a second time is something Rubino says she is still processing.
“Receiving a scholarship early in your career can mean a lot,” she explained. “At that stage, your resume often consists of part-time jobs, coursework and extracurricular leadership roles. Those experiences matter, but they don’t always stand out. Being selected for a respected scholarship tied to a well-known and influential name in the industry signals something more and shows that professionals saw potential in you and believed enough to invest in your future.”
That recognition has already had a tangible impact on her career. Through the connections and opportunities that followed the award, Rubino was welcomed into the Jessi Combs Foundation community and gained access to experiences she once thought were out of reach. Among them was assisting off-road race teams at the legendary King of the Hammers race. She credits the visibility and support from the award as playing a key role in helping her secure both an internship and now a full-time role with an IndyCar team.
“Personally, this award is a reminder that I belong in this industry,” said Rubino. “It reinforces how far I’ve come and how much more I’m capable of achieving.”
Her passion for the automotive world started early when her father handed her an impact wrench at just six years old and began teaching her how vehicles work. That moment sparked a lifelong curiosity and ultimately a career path in motorsports.
Rubino also credits SBN with helping expand her professional network. Before attending industry events, most of her connections were through university career fairs focused on OEM pathways. Through SBN networking events at industry gatherings, she began building relationships across the aftermarket and motorsports community.
“As I attended more events, faces became familiar,” she said. “I started building a community of women who want to see each other succeed and who are willing to help newcomers find their way.”
Mentorship remains central to Rubino’s mission. She often shares guidance with peers on scholarships, leadership opportunities, resume development and even interview preparation. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue supporting students and young professionals through volunteer work with scholarship organizations and by staying connected with her university community.
Rubino also reflects on the legacy of Jessi Combs, the pioneering racer and fabricator whose trailblazing career inspired the award.
“She helped carve a path in this industry,” said Rubino. “I think she would be proud to see how many women are now thriving across every corner of it, from race teams to shop owners. There’s a real community now, one that celebrates progress and continues pushing for more.”
For Rubino, the journey is just beginning, but her impact is already helping open doors for the next generation.