Education: B.A., English, Texas Tech University; M.B.A., Loyola Marymount University; Toyota Executive Development Program, Stanford University

First automotive job: Manager of Import Regulations Administration at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., 1989

Proudest achievement: "It's really hard to name a single achievement. The most recent one would be taking Toyota Motor Insurance through phenomenal sales growth over the two years that I was there."

On being successful: "I set big challenge goals, and then we all pull together as a team to figure out how to achieve them. Hard work and teamwork are the two biggest things (needed for success). For me, personally, it has been not being afraid to take on new challenges. Several times I've moved into jobs that someone else was afraid would be too hard. I'm always learning and trying to find interesting things about each position and job that I've held - to find something enjoyable and fresh in each new challenge."

On being a woman in the industry: "Being a woman in the auto industry has not affected me because I believe that Toyota is very performance- and merit-oriented. If you get the job done, there are rewards for that. Nothing has been easy, but I think it's equally hard for men and women at Toyota as you rise in the organization. (People) in both the U.S. and Japan are supportive of people based on performance."

Career highlights:

• 1998-2000 VP and General Manager, Toyota Motor Insurance Services, Torrance, Calif.

Other positions at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. include:

• 1997-98 Corporate Manager, Strategic Planning
• 1995-97 National Manager, Long-range Planning
• 1991-95 National Manager, Logistics Planning
• 1986-89 Trade Consultant, Price Waterhouse, Los Angeles