Camilla Bowens-Wilkins is combining her love of sports, design, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through NASCAR.
The Louisiana State University student designed NASCAR’s first Delta Sigma Theta show car. The car was unveiled at the 2026 South Atlantic Regional Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Her design brought together her academic interests and her experience as a member of Delta Sigma Theta. It also gave her a chance to bring elements of the sorority’s history into the motorsports world.
Bowens-Wilkins found the opportunity through NASCAR NEXT. The 10-week summer program provides career training and mentorship for young people interested in motorsports.
Camilla Bowens-Wilkins Brings Delta Sigma Theta To NASCAR
Bowens-Wilkins became involved with Delta Sigma Theta after arriving at LSU. She joined the Iota Theta Chapter in fall 2025.
Her sorority membership later became important to her NASCAR work. During her internship, NASCAR was working on outreach to the South Atlantic Region.
The team showed Bowens-Wilkins an early version of the show car. They then asked for her ideas because of her connection to Delta Sigma Theta.
She began brainstorming different elements for the design. Eventually, the project became her full design.
“It was really cool to see it in person and see all of the things that I added,” she told AfroTech.
One detail came directly from Delta Sigma Theta. Bowens-Wilkins added the idea that “intelligence is a torch of wisdom” to the design.
NASCAR Intern Turns Her Creativity Into A Meaningful Design
The show car gave Bowens-Wilkins an opportunity to connect her personal interests with her professional goals.
She studies sports administration at LSU. She also grew up around racing and developed an early love for the sport.
Bowens-Wilkins said her father was a racing fan. She also grew up watching the animated movie Cars and remembers watching it repeatedly.
“Racing has always been a part of my life,” she said.
That long connection made her NASCAR experience especially meaningful. Her internship allowed her to explore the industry while also contributing something personal.
Her boss, Brandon, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Bowens-Wilkins said his support added another layer of Greek unity to the project.
Black Women In NASCAR Continue To Create New Opportunities
Bowens-Wilkins also recognizes the importance of representation within motorsports. NASCAR has historically been viewed as a sport dominated by white men.
However, Black trailblazers have helped create space for greater diversity. Wendell Scott became the first African American driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race in 1964.
Bill Lester later became the first Black driver to start a modern Cup Series race in 2006. Today, Bubba Wallace and Rajah Caruth continue to represent Black talent in NASCAR.
Bowens-Wilkins said seeing Black people working at NASCAR inspired her during the internship.
“Just seeing so many people who look like me was really inspirational,” she said.
She also recognized those who helped create opportunities before her. That awareness has shaped how she thinks about her own influence.
Delta Sigma Theta’s History Shapes Bowens-Wilkins’ Journey
For Bowens-Wilkins, her connection to Delta Sigma Theta goes beyond membership. She also identifies with the values and history behind the sorority.
Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 by 22 women. The organization was established during the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
Bowens-Wilkins said those women wanted to create change despite the expectations of their time.
“22 women wanted to go out and make a change,” she said. “They started Delta Sigma Theta and did that regardless of what was considered the norm at that time.”
That history continues to influence how she approaches her own opportunities. She sees her work as part of a larger tradition of creating new paths.
Camilla Bowens-Wilkins Encourages Young Women To Make Their Own Way
Bowens-Wilkins believes people should be willing to create opportunities when existing paths are limited.
She pointed to her own experiences growing up around predominantly white communities. Those experiences shaped her understanding of representation and community.
She also connected that background to her decision to join Delta Sigma Theta. Her involvement in community activism in 2020 strengthened that connection.
“You just have to step out and make a way if it hasn’t been made already,” she said.
Bowens-Wilkins understands that younger girls are watching her journey. She said several girls have reached out to her directly.
Her own boss is also a Black woman whom she looks up to. That relationship has shown her how representation can influence the next generation.
Delta Sigma Theta Show Car Becomes A Full Circle Moment
One of the most memorable moments came when Bowens-Wilkins saw her completed design at the conference.
She noticed a long line of Delta Sigma Theta members waiting to take pictures with the car. At first, she did not realize what had attracted the crowd.
Then she recognized that they were standing in line for the car she had designed.
“That’s the line for the car I designed,” she recalled thinking.
She watched sorors praise the design without knowing she was the person behind it. Hearing them say NASCAR had captured the sorority so well made the moment especially meaningful.
Bowens-Wilkins was standing nearby as people celebrated her work. For her, that experience brought together her sorority identity, career interests, and creative work.
The project also shows how internships can give young Black women opportunities to turn their ideas into visible work. For Bowens-Wilkins, one NASCAR internship became a chance to leave her creative mark on the sport.
