Back to Teams X-Cross
Entry · № 12

Werle / Chen

San Jose, CA & Campbell, CA

The Team

Andrea Werle & Joanna Chen

Our story started on the trails, as members of Esprit de Four 4x4 Club, where we got to know each other over trail runs and volunteering at the club’s safety clinics. Between helping students through obstacles and winding down around the campfire, we realized we worked well together… and had fun doing it.

After cheering Joanna on during her 2024 run in the Rebelle Rally, Andrea knew this was something she just had to do, and was hoping Joanna might be interested in teaming up. Joanna agreed to give it a shot, and somewhere between training days, long drives, and an ever-growing collection of spreadsheets, packing lists, color-coded checklists, backup checklists, and probably a few “just in case” lists, Joanna decided she still wanted to be teammates - and that’s when we knew we were really in as a rally team. Now we’re bringing that mix of teamwork, grit, and just the right amount of organized chaos to this next adventure, Trinitē Road Rally, and then carrying it on to the Rebelle Rally in October!

CA
Home State
1+
Prior Rally Runs
2023
Model Year
X-Cross
Class
The Drivers
Driver

Andrea Werle

I love learning new things and taking on new challenges. I approach life with curiosity and intention, always looking to grow and improve in meaningful ways.

Navigator

Joanna Chen

Speaks softly and drives a big Jeep. I'm also on a lifelong journey to become a better me, working on finding joy and developing friendships.

Driver 1

Andrea Werle

Residence
San Jose, CA, USA
Role
Driver
Occupation
I’m the Head of Cybersecurity, Risk, & Trust at a premium audio technology company, where I am responsible for the people, processes, and technologies that protect our organization from evolving cyber threats. My work focuses on managing risk, building resilience, and preserving customer trust.
Car Memory
When I got my first very own car in high school. It was an old two-tone green Plymouth Horizon that I put a bunch of band stickers on. I have many great memories in that car riding around with my best friends, listening to our infamous “driving tape” and finding opportunities for shenanigans. Thankfully that was before smart phones!
Self Described As
I love learning new things and taking on new challenges. I approach life with curiosity and intention, always looking to grow and improve in meaningful ways.
Fun Fact
I’m a dual citizen of the United States of America and The Republic of Slowjamastan!
Dream Car
Probably a Brabus G-Wagon (that I would absolutely take off-road)
Objectives
I’m in it to have fun, enjoy the adventure, and hit the track! I’m also looking forward to the experience, and hope to find more opportunities to work on roadbook challenges.
Greatest Adventure
I enjoy traveling in general, and one of my favorite places outside of the states that I’ve visited many times is Germany. One of the best adventures I’ve had there was driving around with my husband with one rule. No Autobahn. We took only backroads connecting strings of tiny villages, enjoying the most beautiful scenery and interesting people (and lots of cows). No traffic, no rush - plenty of gmütlichkeit.
Driver 2

Joanna Chen

Residence
Campbell, CA, USA
Prior Rallies
Rebelle Rally 2019 and 2024
Role
Navigator
Occupation
I am a currently unemployed software engineer contemplating a career change. I am interested in automotive, but not entirely sure what aspect of it.
Car Memory
My parents have a picture of me as a toddler standing in our driveway in front of a red sports car across the street. Apparently, I loved to admire said sports car. I was too young to remember. I only remember the picture.
Self Described As
Speaks softly and drives a big Jeep. I'm also on a lifelong journey to become a better me, working on finding joy and developing friendships.
Fun Fact
I was once featured on the front page of a local newspaper, preparing for a kite festival.
Dream Car
A safari 911
Objectives
I want to have fun and enjoy the experience. I'm definitely looking forward to the views. I also want to do my best, and to me that's more than just scores. It also means doing my best to be a good teammate, stay positive, find joy, build friendships, and communicate clearly.
Greatest Adventure
The Rebelle Rally. I've done it twice. Don't ask me to pick which edition, because I can't. The roads and places the rally took us to were amazing in and of themselves. There's a lot to see in the California and Nevada deserts. But on top of that, it was a memorable opportunity for growth. I learned a lot about myself. What I like, what I don't like. What I want to change about myself. How I can be a better person.
The Rig

2023 Jeep Wrangler

2023 Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition

Follow the team:
  • Year 2023
  • Make Jeep
  • Model Wrangler
  • Class X-Cross™
Back to Teams