9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#191

Brute Squad

During the pandemic lockdowns, a small group of women involved in the auto industry banded together to help them make it through the social isolation and their very personal problems that popped up during that time. One was getting a divorce, another was dealing with unemployment and the prospect of upheaving her life, another had a family illness. We created a safe space to cry and laugh — even if it was only on Zoom once a week. We called ourselves “The Fight Club.” Both of us are a part of that group, and during one of the many conversations expressed a desire to do the Rebelle Rally because another two members of Fight Club had just completed it. We decided to team up.

As we got to know each other as teammates and friends, we realized that we each have personalities that match our spouses. We’re both focused on making this a terrific experience and pushing ourselves to be the best we can, leveraging each other’s strengths.

Sponsored By:

Ram, Harman Kardon, eBay Motors, onX Offroad

Kristin Shaw

Driver

I aim to live my life as completely and joyfully as possible. Competing in an off-road rally wasn't even on my radar five years ago, and I've had a chance to stretch myself in ways I never thought possible.

Occupation:

Journalist

Residence:

Austin, TX USA

Favorite Quote:

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Fun Fact:

I'm a big fan of metal music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Alice in Chains is my favorite.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

With two Rebelle Rally competitions under my belt in the crossover class, I really wanted to try it in a 4x4, and the Ram truck is going to be a superstar. Seeing these incredible places in the desert is my motivation every day; we get to travel through parts of the country most Americans never see.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

Anyone who has encountered trauma or survived terrible things in their life and went on to find joy again. It is a triumph of the human spirit. As a rape and domestic abuse survivor at the hands of two different men, I find strength from others and hope to pay that strength forward to the next generation.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

How I Built This with Guy Raz podcast
Any book by David Baldacci or Brad Thor
Cobra Kai, In Plain Sight, Warehouse 13

Greatest adventure to date?

Being a mom to my 14-year-old son. It's absolutely the best, most wonderful, coolest thing I have ever done in my life.

Prior Years Competed:

2022, 2023

Awards Achieved:

Jill Ciminillo

Navigator

I’m a big believer in helping people when you can, embracing life experiences every day and cutting as much negative energy from your life as possible. That being said, I love my family and friends (and tell them so often) and am always looking for an adventure, but I also am very aware of my own boundaries and understand the power of “no."

Occupation:

Journalist

Residence:

Chicago, IL USA

Favorite Quote:

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Fun Fact:

I coxed a men’s crew during Oxford Eights when I was in college.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I haven't done what I've wanted to do yet with the Rebelle Rally. We had a good run our first two years, but we still have a lot to learn. This year we're tackling a new challenge in the 4X4 class, and I like new challenges.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My dad. Until he developed dementia, he was always able to overcome pretty much every physical and mental challenge he encountered through patience and persistence. He passed away in January, and while he knew this was a battle he couldn't win, but he fought as long and as hard as he could. I admired his tenacity, and his memory constantly inspires me to push my boundaries and be the best person I can every day.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Les Miserables
A Gentleman in Moscow
Gone with the Wind

Greatest adventure to date?

Backpacking across Europe for five weeks with a Eurorail pass, a guidebook and a vague idea of things I wanted to see.

Prior Years Competed:

2022, 2023

Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

2025 Ram 1500 RHO