Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, Oakland University; M.S., mechanical engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Professional Development in Management, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Executive Development, Tuck Executive Program, Dartmouth College; Executive Program on Managing Global Opportunities, Harvard Business School

First automotive job: Rotational assignments in engineering, management training program, Chrysler Institute of Engineering

Proudest achievement: "Attaining the position of senior vice president is my proudest achievement. I've won awards, recently the Upward Mobility Award by the Society of Women Engineers. Sometimes it's nice getting an award, but it is more satisfying overall to have reached this level of management. I have an opportunity to directly influence the product and define the role of safety and environmental issues."

On being successful: "I have been very fortunate to have been at the right place at the right time. I have learned that at times you might think you know the next move, then all of a sudden, something totally different comes along. You need to be open to opportunities to broaden your experiences. So if at times it seems like it 'doesn't fit,' it can be the best opportunity. I've been very fortunate. I've worked with great people with terrific opportunities."

On being a woman in the industry: "There have been challenges at times for me through my career with Chrysler. It has been exciting. At times there were not a lot of women. I have had the advantage of having a different perspective, the opportunity to see a different point of view and I wasn't afraid to express it. It took a good sense of humor, sometimes heartburn, but I feel I can really make a difference."

Career highlights:

Other positions at DaimlerChrysler (formerly Chrysler Corp.) include:

• 1996-99 VP, Vehicle Certification, Compliance and Safety Affairs
• 1994-96 General Manager, Scientific Labs and Proving Grounds
• 1989-94 Executive Engineer, Proving Grounds Operations
• 1988 Chief Engineer, Environmental Systems
• 1987 Manager of Sensors, Actuators and Ignition Systems
• 1985-87 Supervisor, Instrumentation and Interior Lighting