Meet Automotive Alumnus Eli Villa

Elia Villa by race carEli Villa’s automotive journey took off when he enrolled in the ITTP program at Cerritos College after a conversation with Professor Leonard Glick. “I learned quite a bit from Mr. Glick and the staff at Cerritos College. Through hard work and proper mentorship, I achieved my A.A., B.A., and M.A.,” he said.

Eli has experienced repair, sales, engineering, entrepreneurial endeavors, to motorsports fabrication and manufacturing, and currently owns a motorsports shop that specializes in building exhaust and chassis components. He also builds custom roll cages for racing events such as Pirelli World Challenge and NHRA. To give back and encourage the youth, Eli volunteers for Skills USA, where he teaches automotive technology, welding and manufacturing to high school students. "It’s my way to make a difference and steer the youth toward their goals,” he said.