Frame by Frame: How Raven Luna Is Shaping the Future of Collision Repair, One Student at a Time

Raven Luna, professor and discipline lead of collision technology at Collin College in Texas, is helping students build resilience, confidence and a community.

Raven-Luna
Raven Luna, left, is the lead instructor of collision technology at Collin College. She loves to cheer on her students at the SkillsUSA competition. Here she is at the 2024 national event in Atlanta, GA, with her student, Joshua Meza, who placed in the top 10 for refinishing.

Raven Luna sat in a Chick-fil-A after the SkillsUSA contest last year with one of her students in a moment that captures both the humor and heart of teaching. They had just learned her student hadn’t medaled. Disappointed, the student took a bite of his sandwich and said, “This Chick-fil-A sandwich would taste better if I had medaled.”

It was classic Pablo Sanchez -- a student known for his dry wit. And for Luna, a professor and discipline lead of collision technology at Collin College Technical Campus in Allen, TX, it reminded her why she does what she does. It’s not just about teaching collision repair. It’s about walking alongside students through every high and low.

“I see everything they go through,” she said. “When they graduate and walk that stage, I know exactly how much it took for them to get there.”

A Humble Beginning in Snyder, TX

Luna didn’t set out to become a leader in education. She started like many in the industry -- on the floor of a shop, paint gun in hand. While attending college for collision repair, she worked Fridays at Leatherwood’s Paint and Body in Snyder, TX. Owner Terry Leatherwood allowed her to do a bit of everything, though the paint booth became her favorite space.

After graduating, Luna didn’t immediately dive into a full-time collision career. It took a few years, but eventually, she found herself working in a shop, and soon after, found her true calling: education.

Teaching, Mentorship and a New Generation

At Collin College, Raven Luna leads a tight-knit cohort of collision students. The small class sizes foster meaningful relationships and allow for more personalized guidance.

“Because we have small cohorts, you really get to know every student, and you work with each one through their journey,” she said.

That hands-on mentorship, combined with Luna’s thoughtful leadership, has helped shape an inclusive and empowering environment, one where students of all backgrounds can thrive.

She’s also honest about the challenges women face in the industry. “There are a lot of microaggressions that target women, like only a men’s restroom in the shop or uniforms that only come in men’s sizes,” she said. “But I think the perception is slowly changing. Some of our best students are women, and they run circles around the guys.”

Life Hacks, Flexibility and Chick-fil-A Sandwiches

When it comes to advice, Luna keeps it simple: be flexible. “Everyone has their own preference to how things are done,” she said. “I’ll show you one way to do something, but someone else may have a different way.”

And her personal life hack? “Have the answers before people know what the question is,” she said. That mindset -- planning ahead, staying proactive -- has helped her succeed both in the classroom and the shop floor.

It also helps when those unexpected “teachable moments” arise, like a student cracking a joke over lunch after missing a medal. It’s not just about technical skills. It’s about building resilience, confidence and a community that can laugh, learn and grow together.

Looking Ahead: A Doctoral Dream

While she’s already leading a respected program and shaping future technicians, Raven Luna isn’t done learning. This fall, she’ll begin work on her doctorate in instructional technology, a goal that blends her passion for collision repair with a deep commitment to student success.

“I’ve started some of the coursework, but I’ll officially be a doctoral student in a couple of months,” she said. “The degree will help me create better classes for my students.”

Luna’s focus on the future is what makes her stand out. Whether she’s guiding students through their first spray job or encouraging them to try again after a contest loss, she’s always thinking ahead, and inspiring her students to do the same.

It’s no surprise Luna draws her energy from her students. “They keep me excited for the future because they are the future,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where they end up or what they do. I’m excited about the network we are creating with our students.”

Whether they stay local or move across the country, Luna's former students remain connected, building a growing network of collision professionals who got their start under her guidance.

And when she hits the road, it’s not always revving engines that fill the car. “I like listening to podcasts, especially if it’s a long drive,” she said. “The last one I listened to was “The Good Whale,” about Keiko the orca. The story is pretty wild but also very sad.”

Perhaps that sums up Luna’s approach to life and teaching -- a little humor, a lot of heart, and a willingness to dive deep.

Leona Scott

Writer
With extensive experience in the auto care industry and working for nonprofits, Leona D. Scott has dedicated years to crafting compelling content for print... Read More

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