Mercedes Lilienthal

Title: GearJunkie Contributor
Location: Portland, Ore.

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise: Off-roading, TSD Rallying, Vehicle Upgrades, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Global Travel
• Years in Expertise: 8+
• Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 100+ products, 1,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

• Education: Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Wisconsin-Stout
• Years of Writing: 8+
• Certifications: LEED AP ID+C accreditation
• Club/Association Memberships: Specialty Equipment Market Association, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, NW Automotive Press Association, Texas Auto Writer’s Association, Motor Press Guild, Cascade Sports Car Club
• Awards/Recognitions: 2022 SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s #SheIsSEMA spotlight member, 2021 TAWA Excellence in Craft Competition (3 top 3 Awards), 2021 LinkedIn News Editors’ Picks and Must-Read Recognition, 2020 Motor Press Guild Best of the Year Social Media Award Finalist, 2020 Motor Press Guild Bob D’Olivo Award for Photography Winner, 2020 TAWA Excellence in Craft Competition (3 top 3 Awards), 2020 The New York Times Editors’ Picks, 2020 MPG Best of the Year Award Winner (4 Awards)
• Previous Publications: The New York Times, Car and Driver, Forbes, Four Wheeler Magazine, Hagerty, Hemmings, Outside Magazine, OVR Magazine, Tread Magazine, AAA, Autoblog, Crankshaft Culture, Subcompact Culture, Digital Trends, Driving Line, Expedition Portal, Rovers Magazine, Toyota Cruisers & Trucks Magazine, Which Car Australia, eBay Motors, etc.

A Word from Mercedes Lilienthal

I’m an award-winning journalist, photographer, and content creator who travels the world creating engaging content using words, cars, and gear.

I started out with a near-20-year career in commercial interior design and project management. However, in 2018, I switched gears (pun intended) to focus on my passion: cars. I wanted to give back to the automotive community in a meaningful and unique way. Combining my love for everything autos and the great outdoors, I’m living life to the fullest while physically and mentally able.

My personal interests include Photography, Overlanding, Camping, Rallying, Cars, Gear, and Traveling.