Kristen Finley
Automotive Journalist
Who is Kristen Finley?
That is a potentially boring answer. Kristen's borderline unhealthy obsession with all things automotive manifested itself when she was knee high to a grasshopper handing tools to her colorfully cursing sailor of a father under one of his many 70's Chevy Nova's. Soon after, she was promoted from Tool Monkey to Apprentice, and learning about cars became more of a hands-on experience. Auto mechanics was her first true love.
As her education furthered, she discovered a few more things to obsess over: writing and photography. As an avid reader of several automotive magazines and watcher of Top Gear, the idea of pursuing automotive journalism struck her like lightning.
Then California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) came into the picture. There, she pitched the idea of making an automotive section to the newspaper team with the idea of creating content appealing to those who wanted to take care of their car on a tight budget. Soon after, the articles about camping and off-roading respectfully (and locally), buying used cars, and vehicular safety became weekly additions. To scratch the publication itch, she's also earned a publication on Team Valvoline, and was invited to be chief editor of MtnRoo where she edits and creates content for a highly-subscribed monthly newsletter.
She also runs a trail review blog, and a well-followed dedicated Instagram page for her Subaru Forester (named Penelope Cruise) and the muddy adventures that follow suit.
Work Experience
Aug -- Sept. 2019
Media Center Intern - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
As an intern of the track's media center, I focused strongly on sharpening my photographic skills. Additionally, I helped with press releases and conducting interviews.
Aug - 2019 -- Current
Motorsports News Assistant/Editor -- Athena Racing
Working closely with the founder of the world's first all female high school racing team, I generate content for the website, conduct interviews, and participate in weekly automotive oriented radio segments. I also edit monthly newsletters, proposals, and important letters.
April 2019 - Current
Freelance Automotive Journalist - IB Publishing Automotive Groups
With IB Publishing, I write for several automotive websites covering various automotive topics such as lifestyle, news (community, industry, general), features, etc.
Sept. 2018 - Current
Automotive Columnist - The Lutrinae
In this position, there are regular weekly publications pertaining to automotive tips and tricks for students on a tight budget, as well as off-road trail reviews, opinion pieces, automotive news, etc.
Dec. 31, 2018 - Current
Editor in Chief - MtnRoo Brotherhood
For a Subaru-dominant and incredibly large off-road group, I edit and create content that's used for our highly-subscribed monthly newsletter, as well as create write-ups to use as advertisement for our sponsors, email templates, etc.
June 2018 - Current
Author - Trail Review Blog
On this page, I log as many off-road trails as I possibly can with detailed original photography to give readers a sense of what the trail was like. With descriptions of the road/trail quality, noteworthy sights, inclusion of rules or seasonal closures, etc.
Education
Sept. 2018 - May 2020
California State University, Monterey Bay
BA in Humanities and Communication, with a concentration of Journalism and Media Studies (in progress)
*Will graduate with Honors*
June 2013 - May 2018
Diablo Valley College
AA in Communication Studies