Education: B.S., mathematics, Northeast Missouri State University; M.A., mathematics, University of Kansas; M.B.A., University of Detroit Mercy

First automotive job: Quality Analyst in Engine Division, Ford Motor Co., 1973

Proudest achievement: "Becoming the first woman at Ford to run a plant." (Miller became plant manager of the Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant in Dearborn, Mich., in 1993.)

On being successful: "Success for me is feeling good about what you are accomplishing, not necessarily the position you attain. I have felt blessed to have had a number of opportunities in Ford to change the business. Whether it was on the plant floor through involving the whole work force in making progress, bringing harmony to a difficult labor situation or achieving a joint venture that gives our aluminum plants the opportunity to grow, success is that feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day."

On being a woman in the industry: "Being in the auto industry has been a challenging but rewarding career. The reality is that this industry, like any other, is made up of people. Your ability to work with a wide variety of people in a wide range of settings is key to success. In today's world, it is recognized that since our products are purchased by a wide variety of people, the more our work force mirrors that population, the more likely we are to bring product hits to the market."

Career highlights:

Other positions at Ford include:

• 1997-99 Director, Manufacturing Business Office, Manufacturing Operations
• 1994-97 Director, Supplier Technical Assistance, Production Purchasing
• 1993-94 Plant Manager, Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant
• 1987-89 Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant