Santa Barbara, Calif. – In a field where women account for less than two percent of technicians, Janeth Cruz Lopez has broken a local barrier. After two failed attempts, she passed the rigorous Smog Check Inspector certification exam on her third try, positioning her as possibly the only woman in Santa Barbara County to hold the license.
Early passion turns professional
Cruz Lopez grew up tinkering with her father’s bike, fixing chains and learning basic mechanics. “My dad actually noticed that I was into it at first,” she recalled. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong interest in automobiles, eventually leading her to a position at AK Auto Repair.
Persistence pays off
The Smog Check Inspector exam is known for its difficulty, testing both technical knowledge and regulatory compliance. Cruz Lopez failed the test twice before dedicating herself to intensive study for the third attempt. “The third time I put my all into it and passed it,” she said.
Her achievement has drawn praise from shop owner Arsen Kagramanov, who noted that the shop could not locate another woman in Santa Barbara with the same credential. “She’s the first. I’m very proud of her,” Kagramanov said.
Support from coworkers
Co‑workers played a crucial role in Cruz Lopez’s perseverance. “They believed in me and it was very helpful,” she said of her team’s encouragement. Fellow technician Christian Mejia added, “I felt like she was destined for much more than what they were giving her at that time,” and urged her to keep trying: “Just don’t give up.”
Hope for other women
Cruz Lopez hopes her visibility will make other women feel more comfortable bringing their vehicles to a shop and perhaps inspire them to pursue automotive careers. “If I can make a woman feel comfortable seeing me at a shop, that I’m out where I’m supposed to be,” she explained.
She also wants to share her knowledge with women who know little about cars, helping them become more confident drivers. When she first started, she admits she didn’t even know how to inflate a tire.
Future ambitions
Her colleagues believe she has even greater potential, with aspirations to become a master technician and serve as a role model for more women entering the trade. As the automotive industry continues to seek skilled workers, Cruz Lopez’s story underscores the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and breaking gender stereotypes in traditionally male‑dominated fields.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
