Education: B.S., management, Oakland University; M.B.A., Lawrence Technological University

First automotive job: Sales Representative, TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Washington, Mich., 1985

Proudest achievement: "The recent award of a leading electronic technology product with one of the former Big 3 for engine cooling in sport-utilities."

On being successful: "Knowing that confidence, integrity, assertiveness and, above all, honesty do make a difference in how others view you. Plus, giving back to the community through various committees and offering guidance to students who are interested in the automotive arena."

On being a woman in the industry: "It is and has been challenging. It is rewarding to see the number of women who have entered the industry since the mid-1980s. In both the technical and commercial areas, there has been a dramatic positive change in how women are perceived in the automotive world. The glass ceiling is starting to shatter, and women are being perceived as positive influences. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful mentor my entire life who has guided me, advised me and continues to support me in my career enhancement. Without this guidance, being a woman in this industry would have been far more difficult. My ultimate mentor has been my father, Joe Ziomek, a longtime member of the automotive industry, and most recently, Anne Stevens, executive director of vehicle operations, manufacturing at Ford."

Career highlights:

• 1994-99 Sales Manager, Fluid Power Division, Eaton Corp.
• 1990-94 Senior Account Representative, Siemens Automotive Corp., Auburn Hills, Mich.