2015 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry

What attracted you to the auto industry? I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. It was a big GM town. That was the top job to get. I got a summer internship; they paid well. I ended up loving the manufacturing floor.

First automotive job: GM internship, 1978

Big break: Going to France and being an operations manager.

What is the major challenge you've faced in your career? Work-life balance.

Tell us about your family. I have two daughters. One is graduated with an MBA, while the other is a senior at Purdue University.

Name one thing about yourself that most people don't know. I'm a ballroom dancer. I plan to compete next year.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Steve Jobs

Name one talent you wish you had. I wish I was more artistic.