Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, University of Wyoming

What your college professors didn't teach you: "Good writing skills and the business element of decision making."

First automotive job: Design engineer for airbag modules at Morton International in 1992

Most fun automotive job: "Design engineer for airbag modules."

Proudest achievement: "Airbag module plant manager and the turnaround of Autoliv's Ogden, Utah, plant."

Current challenge: "Trying to streamline and improve the quality of the launch process."

On being successful: "It comes from fully understanding the current situation and identifying the root cause before acting."

What about the auto industry surprised you: "The lack of teamwork between suppliers and the customers."

What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "Sufficient confidence in themselves."

Job to which you aspire: "It's not so much the job but a position that I can contribute and add value."

What you do to relax: "Golfing, fishing, hiking and four-wheeling."