Introduction – A History Maker In Motorcycles
Paris McGowan, a 25-year-old St. Louis native, has made history as the first Black female technician at Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand. Her achievement is all the more remarkable considering McGowan only learned to ride a motorcycle two years ago.
“I’m tiny. So when people see me on my bike, they’re like ‘Oh my gosh, that’s a girl,’” says McGowan. Yet through hard work and determination, McGowan has overcome barriers and societal expectations on her journey to success.
Early Life Surrounded By Motorcycles
Although McGowan only began riding motorcycles recently, they have long been a family passion. “My uncles all rode the sports bikes, the Kawasakis and the Ninjas and everything,” she relates. “They have a picture of me somewhere, I’m like 8 years old sitting on a motorcycle.”
Growing up around motorcycles sparked McGowan’s innate curiosity about mechanical things. “I always liked puzzles,” she shares. Her early mechanical interests formed the genesis of her later career ambitions.
A Chance Opportunity Starts Her Technician Journey
McGowan’s transition from motorcycle enthusiast to technician began with a chance opportunity at her local Harley-Davidson dealership. During a job interview, she noticed her “dream bike” on the showroom floor. That same day, she bought the motorcycle that set her life on a new course.
Soon after, McGowan saw a commercial for the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) technician training program.
“I was kind of out there in the blue and felt like everyone knew what they were doing. I didn’t even know what half the tools were,” she admits.
Yet through hard work in the male-dominated program, including extra lab time, McGowan gained the skills she needed to graduate top of her class.
Making History As Harley-Davidson’s First Black Female Technician
Last month, McGowan completed MMI’s Harley-Davidson specialization track and became the motorcycle icon’s first ever Black female technician. When told of her barrier-breaking achievement, McGowan laughs, “I was kind of like whatever, no way!” Her humility belies the tremendous example she sets, not just for women of color but for anyone chasing their dreams in non-traditional fields.
Passion, Dedication And Smashing Stereotypes
For McGowan and other female riders, motorcycles are more than a mechanical curiosity – they represent freedom, empowerment and identity. She notes proudly that her mother and many female relatives all ride Harleys too.
While paving the way in the male-dominated motorcycle industry has had challenges, McGowan sees herself as starting a cultural “snowball effect.” She urges other young women, especially women of color, not to allow societal barriers or naysayers to dissuade them from pursuing their passions. In McGowan’s words: “It’s time to move on. We shouldn’t have these barriers anymore. If you can do it, I can do it. Also, maybe even better.”
McGowan’s inspirational achievement shows that passion, dedication and hard work can truly tear down barriers for people from all backgrounds. She has shattered stereotypes on the road to an exciting career centered around her greatest passion – and sparked a cultural shift in the process. The open road of possibility now lies wide open for other young women to ride to their own destinies, thanks to her trailblazing spirit.
