Women in trades: Danielle Tinney

Special thanks to Jenna Baumgard with the DCTC Foundation for help with this story.

Danielle Tinney, Automotive Technology Class of 2019

Learn more about Automotive Technology at DCTC

ASE Master certified Technician & ADAS (advanced driver assist systems) Specialist with Osceola Auto Body. Danielle performs all safety system calibrations required after a collision, including cameras, radars, and sensors. She specializes in electrical and diagnostics to ensure a vehicle is restored to pre-accident conditions.

She also runs her own business, Scan Center.

The path to DCTC

Young woman holding certificate, smiling at camera.

Danielle continuing her Golde ASE Master Technician and ADAS Specialist title.

In high school, it became clear to Danielle Tinney that she enjoyed working with her hands and solving problems. She also dreaded the thought of going to a four-year university. “The idea of sitting behind a desk for four more years sounded like torture. But there was a process to learning that about myself,” Danielle said.

A career in the automotive industry was not her first inclination, but she explored varied career paths while in high school and decided that a two-year associate’s degree was the right fit.

She checked out automotive programs at other colleges and all seemed to be “missing something.” Her dad suggested visiting DCTC, even though Danielle was sure she would not choose it. Danielle humored him anyway. “By the time I was done with the tour, I was ready to start signing papers for enrollment at DCTC. My dad laughed at me and reminded me of my previous accusations.”

While attending DCTC, Danielle worked with Superior Automotive in Eagan. “This was a pivotal moment in my career as the team I worked with for over five years all took me under their wing,” she said. “As I took a leap of faith and accepted the job at Superior, I began to excel and was exposed to different facets in an environment I could learn in. Superior and the team became my home.”

Danielle Q&A

What contributed to your success at DCTC?

The first thing I noticed was that this college is very genuine. They want to see everyone succeed. Upon meeting my instructors, they welcomed me into the shop. They took the time to get to know me. They are proud of and very supportive of their students. The instructors at DCTC always went above and beyond, there wasn’t a college that came close in comparison. I wasn’t just a number. I committed to the hour and a half commute one way every day, and also brought some childhood friends with, too.

In a field where women are underrepresented, what approaches have supported your professional growth and success?

Not everyone is going to be your cheerleader. And also, it doesn’t hurt to check out new opportunities. Don’t be the one to shut your own doors.

How did your time at DCTC contribute to your career success?

If it wasn’t for DCTC and their commitment to my success, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the goals I wanted to. DCTC helped to provide that foundation. Fast forward just a few years, I was able to purchase my first home that was beyond my expectations. I was saving for that moment since I was little.

Performing an inspection with a colleague.

Instructor Jeff Copeland Q&A

What stands out to you when you think back on Danielle as a student?
I recall meeting Danielle when she was first touring our campus. She asked a lot of questions and weighed her options carefully before finally deciding on joining us in the DCTC Automotive Program. She came into the Automotive Technology program focused, prepared, and willing to put in the extra effort to truly understand the material—not just pass the class. What stood out most about Danielle was her quiet confidence and work ethic. She went to work for a local automotive service business while attending school and really flourished both in and out of the classroom. She has continued to do very well in the automotive industry and is an excellent ambassador for our industry.

What changes or advancements have you observed in your industry that have improved support for women in your field?

The automotive industry has made meaningful progress in becoming more inclusive and supportive of women. There is greater awareness around workplace culture, improved shop environments, and stronger expectations for professionalism and respect. We’re also seeing more female role models in the industry, mentorship opportunities, and employers actively looking to diversify their workforce—recognizing that talent and skill matter far more than gender.

What have you noticed about student enrollment in your program and the broader industry when it comes to more females?

Over the years, we’ve seen a steady increase in female students entering the automotive program. While it’s still a male-dominated field, more women are recognizing that automotive careers offer stability, good wages, and opportunities for advancement. Students like Danielle help pave the way—when prospective students see women succeeding in these roles, it makes the path feel more attainable and welcoming.