SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the fastest-growing professional group within the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), unveiled its All-Female Build team’s 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak earlier today at the 2022 SEMA Show, the aftermarket industry’s annual event. The four-door SUV provided by the Ford Motor Co. underwent extensive modifications to the powertrain, suspension, lighting, exhaust and more and represents a culmination of the work of over 125 female volunteers from throughout the United States and Canada.
The overland and off-road-themed build features an ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 8 Suspension System and 17x8.5-inch ICON Alloys Thrust satin black wheels wrapped in aggressive 37-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 tires. Oracle headlights, taillights and off-road lights provide visibility in all conditions. A Goose Gear Rear Seat Delete makes space for an interior camp kitchen, complete with a Ford Performance 50-quart Classic Series fridge/freezer by ARB. The exterior boasts a Ford Research and one-off Advanced Engineering illuminated Bronco Grille, Crawler bumpers by woman-owned brand Baja Forged, Yakima Skyline tent and Terra Strada Design custom wrap, expertly fulfilling the vision of Monika Kalenski, founder of MEK Magnet. Her rendering was selected by popular vote on social media to be used as inspiration for the SBN Build.
The stock 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission receives a power boost from a Ford Performance EcoBoost Power Pack performance calibration, Turbosmart Kompact EM Plumb-Back Valve, aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake and an AWE Tuning cat-back exhaust system.
“This experience continues to create awareness of female expertise, expose women to other aspects of the industry and instill confidence in all of our female volunteers. It’s amazing to celebrate 10 years of the All-Female Build program with these amazing professionals and enthusiasts and finally have the opportunity to show the result of countless hours of work with the world.” said Nicole Bradle, SBN Council Director.
The SBN’s 2022 All-Female Build campaign marks the 10-year anniversary of SBN’s first award-winning all-female build, a 2013 Ford Mustang GT, which was also present in the booth for the unveiling. The program’s popularity over the last decade has grown so much, over 250 women expressed interest in volunteering to support this year’s build.
A total of 125 female volunteers from all facets of the industry worked on the build up to and including its unveil on Tuesday. Volunteers were of various cultural backgrounds, representing both U.S. coasts and Canada, and included veterans, students, mother-daughter and even -granddaughter duos, as well as automotive technicians, race car drivers and award-winning car-building sisters.
“The collaboration truly represents the spirit of the build,” added Cathy Clark, SBN Chair. “This project was a chance to spotlight women in the automotive aftermarket industry and the ways in which they come together and offer support to each other. We’re excited to see the passion their efforts received at the SEMA Show this year and to see where these opportunities may lead in the future.”
The project began on July 19 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, where SBN volunteers, including students from WyoTech, began disassembling, painting and upgrading the vehicle. The Bronco then made its way to the SEMA Garage in Detroit, where final accessories and a vinyl wrap were installed, and the vehicle was prepped for Las Vegas. As with any SEMA build, there are always hurdles, and the ladies learned how to pull together, 3D scan and fabricate items where need be, and leaned on experts for advice.
“To me, this wasn’t about trying to prove that women are capable,” said Volunteer Team Lead Haley Keelin. “We already know we are capable. This was about changing the way the world perceives our capabilities and showcasing what all these amazing women can do. I’m so proud to share this build with everyone at SEMA and to showcase what we all built together.”
Base Vehicle
- 2021 Ford Bronco 4D-Door Wildtrak
- 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine
- 10 Speed automatic transmission
Powertrain
- Ford Performance EcoBoost power pack performance calibration
- TurboSmart Kompact EM Plumb Back Valve VR19
- aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake w/Pro 5R Filter
- AWE Tuning 2.7L Cat Back Exhaust Suite
Chassis
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3-4” Lift Stage 8 CDEV (Powered by IIC) Suspension System Billet
- BroncBusters stage 3 billet aluminum housing and bushing kit
- Steersmarts Yeti XD™ Bronco Rear Adjustable Track Bar
Wheels & Tires
- ICON Alloys Thrust 17” x 8.50” Satin Black Wheels
- Milestar Patagonia 37 x 13.50R17 MT02 Tires
- McGuard Black Lug nuts with custom engraved SBN logo
Exterior
- Terra Strada Design custom wrap and installation
- Advanced Fiberglass 2” flare, 1” rise fenders, quarters and ram air hood
- Baja Forged full size “Crawler” front and rear bumpers with full size skid plate
- Warn Industries VR EVO 10-S winch
- Factor 55 ultra hook
- Cascadia 4x4 Hood Solar Panel
- AMP Research Powerstep XL Running Board Exterior – continued
- Ford Performance o Air Compressor, TRED Pro Recovery Boards and Jack by ARB; 37” Spare tire mount
- Ford Accessories LockNLoad roof rack system and Skyline tent by Yakima
- Ford Research and Advanced Engineering
- Lit Bronco Grille
- Oracle Lighting, Brackets and Switches
- MEK Magnetic products
Interior
- Katzkin Seat custom leather seat covers
- Goose Gear rear seat delete and icebox module with storage drawer
- Ford Performance 50 QT Classic fridge by ARB
- Deep Sleep Sleeping Pad
- DMOS Stealth Shovel
- Ford Accessories o All weather floor mats, Molly bags, In Vehicle Console Vault
Products and companies that supported the build
- Ford Motor Company – vehicle donation
- PPG paint – paint supplies
- Seymour Paint - undercoating products
- Summit Racing – misc. supplies
- Adenna PPE supplies
- TRAC Tire assistant products
- UTI Long Beach, CA - use of paint facilities
- MRT Performance for use of facilities, fabrication and paint supplies
- 5 O’ clock Garage – build support and misc. supplies
- SEMA Garage facilities CA & MI
- AutoZone donated Duralast Battery
- Chemical Guys detailing products
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.
About SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network is a dynamic group of professionals representing the women of SEMA. Its mission is to provide networking, education and recognition opportunities for professional women in the Specialty Equipment Industry which will enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket. Now over 550+ members strong, the SBN is the fastest-growing group within the SEMA membership.
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