Tara Allmendinger and Deanna Burnett look to empower young women with the innovative STREAM Program. (Photo: Tara Allmendinger)
In the world of motorsports, where speed, precision, and innovation reign supreme, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is paving the way for the future of racing.
Tara Allmendinger and Deanna Burnett, along with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, are helping to lead STEM and motorsports into a world that is empowering women and young girls.
STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) is the new model that will lead women, not only in the driver’s seat, but also in the technical, educational and leadership roles that make the sport run. Tara and Deanna, two passionate advocates for women in motorsports and education, have made it their mission to inspire the next generation, giving them the tools to succeed, whether in the pits or the boardroom.
Deanna Burnett with husband Randall Burnett at the NASCAR Awards. (Photo: Deanna Burnett)
The Power of Pageantry and Philanthropy
Both Tara (wife of driver AJ Allmendinger) and Deanna (wife of RCR crew chief Randall Burnett) share a deep commitment to empowering women. Tara said, “Deanna is a giver. She’s a volunteer too. But, I think that’s why we’re such good friends, we both have that fire that burns inside of us, and we want to continue to develop ourselves.”
These are two women who are both very educated and passionate about a cause, and Tara explains that at this point in both of their lives. “We’re in this amazing position, and now we get to give back and excite the next generation of women and young girls.”
Tara and Deanna have backgrounds in diverse fields of study, but their shared passions for giving back have united them in this mission.
Tara, whose background is in architecture, and Deanna, who has experience in marketing and project management, have used these fields along with STEM programs to build ideas and help unite women to not only become better versions of themselves, but also build the confidence they need to succeed.
Tara highlights, “Women can do anything, and it’s vital for us to come together with camaraderie. Once we get motivated, we’re unstoppable. We want to continue developing ourselves, educate others, and give back to inspire the next generation.”
These inspiring women are not just talking the talk—they are walking the walk. Together, they have been actively involved in several initiatives aimed at engaging women in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and motorsports.
“It’s not just about motorsports. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there for women to get involved in, especially with STEM programs,” says Deanna.
Women in Motorsports: Breaking Down Barriers
The landscape of motorsports is evolving. Once a field dominated by men, the industry has seen a surge in women becoming involved in various roles, from driving to engineering to broadcasting. Tara and Deanna point to tools like social media as critical drivers of change.
“Social media is a powerful tool. It allows women to see themselves in roles they never thought possible,” Tara explains.
Deanna agreed, adding, “The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s educational programs are especially important. It’s crucial to focus on girls before they reach high school—getting them interested in motorsports and STEM early on is key to bridging the gap.”
With the help of Tara and Deanna, as well as other women in the industry, including driver Katherine Legge, they hope to not only create opportunities for women but also connect young girls to the world of motorsports as well as other technology-based industries. Their main goal is to forge a path for future generations to come.
All concentration for Katherine Legge at Indianapolis. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
Shaping the Future: The STREAM Camp Initiative
At the heart of their efforts is the STREAM Camp hosted by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation, at which Tara and Deanna will speak during the lunch hour on Wednesday, July 30th, as the camp runs through August 1st.
The camp targets middle school girls, providing them with hands-on learning experiences and exposure to motorsports and STEM careers.
Tara’s unique background in architecture allows her to bring a fresh perspective to the camp, especially in integrating the “A” for arts into the STEM equation.
“I’m excited to talk to these girls about what it takes to pursue a degree in architecture and how it aligns with motorsports. It’s about showing them the connection between education and real-world applications in a sport they may not have initially considered,” she says. “Speaking to these young girls now is a big opportunity to help set their minds before they hit high school. I want to answer questions from the girls that will help them get ready for an entry into college.
“I think that’s important. And I felt like that was where a lot of the pressure and where a lot of things are kind of on your shoulders if you do want to get a college degree.” Tara goes on to explain. “I wouldn’t have known a lot of those things had I not spoken to professionals or people in that industry that have gone before me and done those things, paved the way.”
Deanna, whose experience spans marketing, PR, and racing, will share her journey and insights into how young girls can break into the motorsports world.
“I look forward to telling them about the various avenues—marketing, PR, sales, and communications—that are essential to the sport,” she says. “I want them to understand that motorsports is more than just racing—it’s a community, and there’s a place for everyone.”
Together, Tara and Deanna’s mission goes beyond teaching new skills. It’s about fostering confidence, building self-esteem, and encouraging young girls to dream big.
Breaking Barriers: From Shy Girls to Confident Leaders
Many young girls and women today struggle with confidence. They struggle silently to find, not only their voice but their path to the future. This is one of the biggest areas that Tara and Deanna hope to address.
“I’ve always been very shy,” shares Deanna. “And I know many young girls are too, so I understand the hesitation they might feel in stepping forward.”
Tara echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s about creating a safe space where girls feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Deanna says that one of the main things they look to do is encourage these young women.
“Talking to them, building confidence in them, letting them feel seen and heard, and just listening to what they’re interested in.
By just listening to these girls on Wednesday, Deanna says, they can take what is said and find ways to tie it back into the sport.
Both women also emphasize the importance of mentorship.
“We want these girls to feel like they can ask us anything,” Tara explains. “They’re sponges at this age, and if we can be a part of their journey, even in a small way, it might spark something in them they didn’t know was there.”
Paddling Forward: STREAM For Years To Come
With the STREAM Camp happening this week at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Tara and Deanna are already looking towards the future. How can this grow? How can it get bigger?
Tara is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received her Master’s degree. She said, “Interestingly enough, that is where the SAFER barrier program comes from.”
The connection that she shares with NASCAR and her alma mater is something she is very proud of.
Tara is a proud University of Nebraska-Lincoln Alumni. (Photo: Tara Allmendinger)
“I’ve talked about how the alumni and the programs would love the STREAM program out there. Lincoln and the University of Nebraska have a huge construction conglomerate, Peter Kiewit, to name one that would really get behind this program. Just being from there, specifically, I know that there’s a ton of kids that were available, and I would love to make the connection from the Midwest into NASCAR.”
Tara and Deanna both hope to create a portal that funnels kids not only into these fields, but into the sport in one way or another.
“I want to create the idea that there is a way these girls can get here,” Tara said. “We don’t race in Nebraska, but there are huge engineering programs there. There are tremendous architecture programs there. We are a powerhouse, and I’m constantly knocking on my colleague’s door, like, hey, we should go get the Nebraska football players, and we should make a big recruiting pit crew out there.
“So, I’m very passionate about that Midwest piece and that Nebraska piece, because for me, I think that that has huge connections and legs, especially with that SAFER barrier program. I would love to see that unboxed.”
Deanna agreed with Tara about getting the colleges involved and spoke about her alma mater as well.
“I look forward to making it bigger as the years go on, in terms of fundraising and how we get it out to more women and young girls. I went to the University of South Carolina. It would be amazing to get this program in there as well.”
Even as a South Carolina graduate, Deanna looked to her rivals down the road. “Maybe we could even get it into Clemson. They have a tremendous engineering program that would be a big draw.”
Raising Awareness and Funds for Future Generations
As part of their ongoing commitment to the community, Tara and Deanna are also deeply involved in fundraising efforts to support the STREAM Camp and other educational initiatives. One of the key events on the horizon is Putting for Purpose, a charity event supporting the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation, which provides funding for educational programs aimed at underserved children.
Deanna stresses the importance of giving back in her life. “We’ve been blessed to be in this position, and it’s important to use those blessings to help others. Whether it’s through fundraising, mentorship or simply being a role model, every little bit helps.”
Tara is equally passionate about creating pathways for young people to engage with the sport. “The more we can create opportunities for people to connect, the more we can break down barriers and show young girls that they don’t have to dream small. They can aim for the stars.”
As a new mom, Tara added, “I’m looking through my son’s eyes, and I’m trying to see the world as he does, and it reminds me of what it was like to be that young, free, and how your experiences shape your future and what you are, you know, exposed to, or who you speak to.
Legacy in the Making: Empowering the Next Generation
The impact of Tara and Deanna’s work goes far beyond the immediate future. Both women see their involvement as part of a broader legacy—one that will inspire and empower not just young girls in motorsports, but future leaders in STEM, education and beyond.
“It’s about creating opportunities for the next generation,” says Tara. “And it’s about showing them that their dreams are valid. If they can see it, they can be it.”
Deanna shares the same vision. “Our sport is becoming more inclusive, and that’s so exciting. I hope these girls see that they don’t have to be just one thing. They can be a mom, a wife and a leader in the motorsports industry. The possibilities are endless.”
With each young girl they inspire, Tara and Deanna are helping to shape a more inclusive, dynamic future for motorsports, education, and beyond. It is a journey that is just beginning, but one that promises to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Deanna wrapped up by saying that there is a lot that parents can do in their own homes. “You want these girls to be confident, not second-guess themselves. You want them to live out their dream, and I truly believe that our job as parents is to give them the tools to do so.”
Both Tara and Deanna believe that by introducing these young women to NASCAR and the motorsports world, they are making it possible to carry on the industry. This time, with more women leading the way.
If you’re interested in supporting the STREAM Camp or learning more about the programs, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation’s website for details.
