Polish racing star Gosia Rdest has been named Ambassador for 'Motoryzacja Dzieciom Foundation', the Automotive Children Foundation, as she continues her mission to inspire the younger generations.
Gosia Rdest might be known around the world for her motor racing's achievements and as one of the groundbreaking female figures in the sport – but the young Polish lady is also making strides as a business woman, having taken on the role of Vice President of the Management Board of EMKA S.A, a leading company in the collection, transport and disposal of medical and veterinary waste.
Małgorzata – her real name – celebrated the 30th anniversary of her family's company by officially announcing a cooperation with the 'Motoryzacja Dzieciom Foundation', the Polish Automotive Children Foundation, for which she will become ambassador.
The organization's mission is to bring kids from all social backgrounds closer to their automotive dreams, and Gosia will help support the foundation to meet its goals.
Fundacja Motoryzacja Dzieciom has been operating in Poland since 2010, focusing primarily on bringing joy to those children that need it the most. For this reason, the flagship activities include events in orphanages, in oncology centers, and with children with disabilities.
During the events, kids can learn more about motorsport, see vehicles up close and often meet a special guest – including motorbike racers, auto racing drivers in different specialities as well as paramedics.
"As Ambassador for the Automotive Children Foundation, I would like - in addition to bringing a smile on the faces of these little heroes - also show that the word automotive is feminine for a reason" – Rdest said.
"I am convinced that in the heart of many, a girl who watches fast cars can lead to a desire to become a professional racing driver, or take up other work related to the auto industry and motorsport." – Gosia continued.
"My goal is to show them a living proof, a personal example, that in this aspect impossible does not exist" – she emphasized.
Rdest has made a name for herself in touring cars around Europe, before claiming podiums in the Audi Sport TT Cup in 2016 and 2017. She progressed in the top continental GT series such as GT4 Central Europe, GT Open and ADAC GT Masters. A steady presence at the 24 Hours of Dubai, she secured two class wins in 2018 and 2020.
Rdest was selected for the inaugural season of the first ever all-female single seater championship W Series in 2019 and returned to the series in 2021 in a reserve driver role. Nevertheless, she scored points in one out of the three rounds, with a ninth place at the season opener in Austria. At the same time, the Polish 29-year-old competed full time in Alpine Europa Cup, where she was eighth in 2020 and 2021, climbing the podium at Magny Cours. In 2022, she will return to the Alpine one-make series.
Throughout her career, Gosia has always been an advocate for women in motorsport and is willing to continue her mission to inspire the younger generations also through her new role of Ambassador for the Motoryzacja Dzieciom Foundation.
“Motorsport is still a niche for many women" – said Gosia. "The situation, of course, is changing and thanks to W Series or the FIA ​​Girls on Track programme, you can increasingly meet not only women racers, but also engineers, team directors, female mechanics or holding another positions until recently considered typical male."
