On this episode of ASOTU Unscripted, Erroll Bomar sits down with Erica Bruno for a conversation about legacy, belonging, and the courage to build your own path. Coming from a family deeply rooted in automotive history, Erica grew up surrounded by stories of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers. Yet her journey into the industry wasn't automatic. It required finding her own voice, embracing who she was, and learning that authenticity can be one of the most powerful advantages a person has.

The conversation explores the influence of her grandfather, Jack Barboza, and her mother, Denise Bruno, both of whom helped shape her perspective on opportunity, resilience, and leadership. Erica also reflects on the personal losses she experienced in 2025 and the community that helped carry her through them. At its heart, this episode is about finding your tribe, trusting yourself, staying open to possibility, and understanding that growth begins when you're willing to look inward before pointing outward.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:40 Meet Erica Bruno

1:04 A First-Time ASOTU CON Experience

1:43 The Story Behind Women of Color Automotive Network

2:26 Expectations Versus Reality

2:50 Learning to Be Yourself on Stage

3:41 Growing Up in an Automotive Legacy

4:32 The Influence of Jack Barboza

5:49 Choosing Automotive Over Broadway

6:19 Becoming Comfortable in Her Own Skin

7:34 The Power of Being Authentically You

8:21 Loss, Grief, and Finding Support

8:50 Discovering Her Tribe

9:42 Three Generations of Resilience

10:08 Why You Have to Stay Open

10:48 Asking for Opportunities

11:02 The Hand Mirror Lesson

11:46 Growth Starts With Looking Inward

Connect with Erica Bruno at https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bruno/

Learn more about Women of Color Automotive Network at https://www.wocautonetwork.com/