Kellie Crawford is a visionary entrepreneur, design expert, and co-founder of Foxxtecca—a groundbreaking automotive culture platform that’s rewriting the playbook on diversity, storytelling, and accessibility in motorsports.

EARLY YEARS

Crawford’s roots run deep in Detroit, a city synonymous with automotive innovation and cultural grit. Growing up immersed in the Motor City’s blend of manufacturing prowess and creative energy, she developed an early fascination with design, luxury brands, and the intersection of technology and culture. Her Detroit upbringing didn’t just shape her aesthetic—it gave her a front-row seat to an industry that too often overlooked voices like hers. That experience would become the fuel for everything she’d build later.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond the racetrack and boardroom, Crawford is passionate about neuroscience, a field that informs her approach to design and human connection. She’s also deeply invested in creating pathways for young people—especially Black youth—to see themselves in spaces historically closed off to them. Drawing from her career in luxury and tech, she founded B.L.A.C.K. (Black Luxury Alliance for Cultivated Kids), an organization dedicated to expanding the narrative around Black excellence and exposing children to worlds they’ve been systematically shut out of[1]. The initiative’s marquee event, Taste of Tech, brings together culture, innovation, and hands-on learning in a way that feels less like a conference and more like a celebration.

EARLY SUCCESS

Crawford’s ability to blend luxury, technology, and cultural storytelling quickly made her a sought-after voice in the automotive and design worlds. Her work caught the attention of Christopher Harris, founder of the African American Automotive Association (AAAA), who shared her vision for creating more inclusive spaces within the industry. Together, they co-founded Foxxtecca—a platform that would merge automotive culture, education, and art in ways the motorsports world had never seen[2]. Foxxtecca wasn’t just another media outlet; it was a statement. The company launched with bold initiatives that challenged traditional motorsports marketing and brought fresh, culturally rich narratives to the forefront.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2024: Co-founded Foxxtecca with Christopher Harris, establishing a platform dedicated to automotive culture, education, and storytelling that centers diverse voices[3].
• 2024: Sponsored professional drag racer Dystany Spurlock, making her the second Black woman ever to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class—a move Crawford described as investing in history[4].
• 2024: Partnered with Lavar Scott to debut a culturally inspired NASCAR Xfinity art car, transforming the vehicle into a canvas celebrating Black history, culture, and legacy rather than a traditional paint scheme[5].
• 2024: Launched “Cars, Kicks & Culture,” an innovative program blending automotive history with fashion and storytelling, featuring museum-style exhibits curated by Foxxtecca[6].
• 2024: Partnered with Odysee and Footlocker to create “Torque and Tread,” a workshop series merging motorsports and sneaker culture as platforms for self-expression[7].
• 2024: Named to the inaugural Board of Directors for the African American Automotive Association (AAAA), where she serves alongside industry pioneers and barrier-breakers[8].
• 2024: Led the merger between AAAA and Foxxtecca, igniting a new wave of automotive culture and education initiatives[9].

INSPIRATIONS

Crawford draws inspiration from her Detroit roots and the countless people who’ve been told they don’t belong in motorsports. She’s motivated by Leonard W. Miller, AAAA co-founder and mentor to Christopher Harris, whose pioneering work in the industry continues to influence her vision[10]. Her work with B.L.A.C.K. reflects a belief that representation isn’t charity—it’s necessity. She’s inspired by the kids who show up to Taste of Tech events and see possibilities they’d never imagined before.

REPUTATION

Crawford has earned a reputation as someone who doesn’t wait for permission. In an industry notorious for talking about diversity while doing little to support it, she’s put her money—and her platform—where her mouth is. Her decision to personally invest in Dystany Spurlock’s racing career, rather than wait for a corporate sponsor, sent a clear message: “We’re not shying away from the DEI conversation, we’re embracing it fully,” she told media outlets[11]. Industry insiders recognize her as a visionary who understands that culture moves faster than corporations, and that the future of motorsports depends on people who look like her having a seat—and a voice—at the table. Her work transforms automotive spaces from exclusive clubs into inclusive celebrations.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Crawford continues to expand Foxxtecca’s reach, with plans to deepen partnerships across motorsports, fashion, and technology sectors. Through her continued leadership on the AAAA board and her work with B.L.A.C.K., she’s focused on creating sustainable pathways for the next generation of Black professionals in automotive and racing industries. She’s also working to scale the “Cars, Kicks & Culture” concept, bringing museum-quality exhibits and educational programming to cities across the country. For Crawford, the goal isn’t just to change motorsports—it’s to ensure the kids coming up behind her never have to fight as hard for their seat.

REFERENCES

[1] Board Members | African American Automotive Association
[2] AAAA Merges With Foxxtecca: Igniting a New Wave of Automotive Culture and Education
[3] AAAA Merges With Foxxtecca
[4] Dystany Spurlock to Make NHRA History With Support From Foxxtecca
[5] Lavar Scott to Debut Culturally Inspired NASCAR Xfinity Art Car
[6] Foxxtecca Announces Cars, Kicks & Culture: Where Mobility, Style and Storytelling Collide
[7] Foxxtecca, Odysee, and Footlocker Partner to Launch Torque and Tread
[8] African American Automotive Association (AAAA) Announces Formation of Inaugural Board of Directors
[9] AAAA Merges With Foxxtecca
[10] Lavar Scott to Debut Culturally Inspired NASCAR Xfinity Art Car
[11] Dystany Spurlock Unveils Historic NHRA Partnership With Foxxtecca