Giving Back Through Vehicles for Change – Donovan’s Story
March 21, 2025An Unexpected Beginning
Donovan Ringo’s journey to becoming a Vehicles for Change national board member began unexpectedly. It was shaped by both his professional career and personal experiences.
As Senior Manager of Emerging Markets for NAPA Auto Parts, Donovan works in business strategy and marketing. Through this role, he was first introduced to Vehicles for Change. He was immediately drawn to the organization’s mission. Its practical approach addresses one of the greatest challenges facing underserved families: transportation.
Donovan deeply understands the importance of reliable transportation. As a result, he felt personally invested in the mission of Vehicles for Change.
“Transportation is not just about convenience; it’s about survival,” he says. “It’s about getting to work, taking your kids to school, and enjoying everyday life without unnecessary struggles.”
For many families, financial stability depends on access to reliable transportation. This truth strongly aligns with Donovan’s core beliefs. Vehicles for Change’s focus on self-sufficiency reflected his own values and motivated him to get involved.
A Personal Connection to Vehicles for Change
One of the key moments that solidified Donovan’s commitment to the organization was the personal connection he felt to its mission. He reflects on how his own life could have been dramatically different if his mother had access to the services provided by Vehicles for Change. Raised by a single mother who was doing her best to raise two young sons on her own, Donovan faced many obstacles. One of the most significant was the lack of reliable transportation, limiting his ability to access better schools, ultimately, impacted his college prospects.
Donovan believes that Vehicles for Change has a profound impact on the community. “They understand the challenges people face in accessing affordable transportation and stable employment,” he says. “That’s why they offer quality vehicles at accessible prices and invest in workforce development through their automotive training programs.” These combined efforts not only address immediate transportation needs but also offer long-term solutions by opening doors to stable jobs in the automotive industry.
Automotive Training with Purpose
One of the most striking ways Donovan has seen Vehicles for Change make a difference is through its automotive training program. “It’s a real opportunity for individuals to gain valuable skills and enter a career path that offers stability,” he says. “It gives people a chance to achieve the American dream, no matter their background or the choices they’ve made.” Donovan has witnessed the transformation of countless individuals who have been able to build successful careers and gain financial independence through the program.
Looking ahead, Donovan hopes to see Vehicles for Change continue to expand its reach to even more underserved communities. He also envisions himself contributing to this growth by leveraging the NAPA Auto Parts network to the training program and raising awareness about the impacts of car ownership and job training.
First Car Memories
And, of course, every story has a personal touch. When asked about his first car, Donovan recalls his first set of wheels: a 1995 Toyota Tercel. “I still remember the first place I drove to—it was Blockbuster, and I rented Rush Hour,” he said. “Having my own car gave me a sense of freedom.” It’s that same sense of freedom that he now hopes to provide to others through the work he does with Vehicles for Change.
