Women in Engineering Day: Honouring the Automotive Trailblazers!

• June 23, 2023
• Category: Women in Engineering, Women in Engineering Day, Automotive

As we commemorate International Women in Engineering Day today, the Autonomos group is thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in engineering, particularly in the automotive industry. Join us on this special day as we shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions made by trailblazing women engineers who have been driving change and leaving an indelible mark on the road to progress.

1. Breaking Barriers: Paving the way for women who fearlessly challenged the status quo in the male-dominated field of automotive engineering let's meet Hedy Lamarr, not only a Hollywood actress but also a brilliant mind who co-invented frequency-hopping technology. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern wireless communication systems, impacting not only the automotive industry but the world as a whole. Lauded as the pioneer of Wi-Fi and instrumental in the development of wireless communications like GPS and Bluetooth, Lamarr rightfully earned the title "the mother of Wi-Fi" for her groundbreaking achievements.

   We also celebrate the achievements of Mary Barra, a true inspiration in the automotive world. As the first female CEO of a major automobile company, Barra has proven that determination and expertise know no gender boundaries. Her visionary leadership has led to remarkable advancements in electric vehicle technology, setting a powerful example for aspiring women engineers worldwide.

2. Designing the Future - Women Shaping Automotive Innovation: The captivating world of automotive design is also driven by visionary women engineers. Michelle Christensen is an accomplished automotive designer known for her exceptional work at Acura. She became the first woman to lead a team in designing a supercar, specifically the Acura NSX. Christensen's creative vision and attention to detail have played a significant role in shaping the exterior and interior design of this iconic sports car.

   Helen Emsley is a highly respected automotive designer who has made significant contributions to the industry. In 2016, she assumed the role of Executive Director, overseeing design for both Buick and GMC, building upon her previous position as Executive Director of Design for Global GMC and User Experience since 2013. With her expertise and leadership, Emsley served as a driving force behind the design direction of both brands, providing strategic guidance and overseeing the work of the exterior and interior studios.

3. Driving Diversity: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Engineering there are numerous initiatives that are laying the foundation for future generations of women engineers, igniting inspiration and paving the way for their success. From mentorship programs to workshops and scholarships, these initiatives are committed to empowering young girls and encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM fields, particularly in automotive engineering. By fostering diversity and providing opportunities for skill development, these programmes inspire the next generation of women engineers to break barriers and make their mark in the industry.

   Here are just a few of such initiatives:

   Society of Women Engineers (SWE): SWE is an international organization dedicated to empowering women in engineering and technology fields. They offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for aspiring women engineers. SWE's initiatives provide a supportive community where young girls can connect with experienced professionals, gain mentorship, and access resources to further their engineering careers.

   Girls Who Code: Girls Who Code is a renowned organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology fields, including engineering. Through their various programs, workshops, and summer immersion camps, they provide young girls with opportunities to learn coding, robotics, and computer science skills. By encouraging girls to explore and excel in these areas, Girls Who Code is inspiring a new generation of women engineers by empowering them to pursue careers in technology, including engineering.

   Programmes at Ford: Ford Motor Company has been involved in various initiatives to encourage young girls to pursue careers in engineering and motorsports. They regularly conduct programmes and events aimed at engaging girls in the world of automotive engineering. These initiatives often involve hands-on experiences where girls have the opportunity to build and race their own miniature cars, fostering a passion for engineering from a young age. By providing these interactive and exciting experiences, Ford aims to inspire girls to consider engineering as a career path and to foster their interest in the automotive industry.

   Initiatives at Toyota: Toyota is committed to supporting women in automotive engineering and related fields and has implemented initiatives to empower women in their engineering careers. These initiatives often include mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities specifically tailored for aspiring women engineers. Toyota recognizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive and advance in their engineering careers. Through these initiatives, Toyota aims to empower women and provide them with the resources and support necessary to succeed in the automotive industry.

As we celebrate Women in Engineering Day, let's celebrate the exceptional women who have turbocharged the automotive industry with their brilliance and unwavering determination. Here at the Autonomos group, we're thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey, committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and celebrating the achievements of women engineers.

Together, let's drive change and empower more women to pursue their dreams in engineering, fueling a future where innovation knows no boundaries.

Happy Women in Engineering Day!