Book launch: The Road Forward

Please contact Sarah Shears if you wish to register sshears@inforummichigan.org

Connect virtually with top women in automotive

Wednesday, May 19

Join Inforum and Inforum AutomotiveNEXT in recognizing the women whose wisdom is shared in the soon-to-be-published book, The Road Forward: More Conversations with Top Women in the Automotive Industry, published by SAE in collaboration with Inforum and the Center for Automotive Research. In this virtual event, we will hear from Sue Bai, chief engineer, division director, Honda Research Institute; Donna Bell, director, AV & mobility strategy, Ford Motor Co.; Mamatha Chamarthi, chief digital officer, Stellantis; Darci Marcum, plant director, General Motors Co.; and Kristen Tabar, group vehicle development & engineering, Toyota.

Following the panel discussion, you will be able to network with women featured in the book in a relaxed and intimate breakout room format. 

In The Road Forward, Carla Bailo, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, and Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum, bring together 70 of the most influential women in the automotive industry to share their insights and advice. As with their first book, The Road to the Top, Carla and Terry interview women in positions of leadership throughout the industry from suppliers to OEMs and academia. The book shares lessons learned throughout the pandemic and also provides personal stories of resilience, personal growth, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, among other topics.

Join us!

To order the book in advance click here! 

Panelists

Sue Bai, chief engineer, division director, Honda Research Institute 

Sue was appointed to her current role in April 2021. She previously was chief engineer in the automobile technology research division of Honda R&D Americas Inc. Bai’s areas of research included wireless communication for in-vehicle navigation systems, telematics system design and development, and connected and automated vehicle system research. She led a team that supports Honda’s transportation safety and mobility goals through connected vehicle and V2X communication systems. Bai has held leading roles on SAE V2X technical standards committees for many years, working to improve safety and mobility for a variety of road users including vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and road workers. To learn more about Sue click here.

Donna Bell, director of AV & mobility strategy, Ford Motor Co.

Donna has been with Ford for more than 25 years. In her current role, she leads the development of key strategic priorities across the company’s AV & mobility businesses, including software and data, future technologies, fleet services, and alliances and partnerships in support of the vision to attract new customers to the Ford family and create value for stakeholders. Donna was named the Technologist of the Year at the Career Communications Group's 2018 Women of Color in STEM conference for her experience, advocacy, and mentoring in STEM. To read more about Donna click here. 

Mamatha Chamarthi, Head of Software Business and Product Management - Global, Americas and Asia, Stellantis

Mamatha Chamarthi was appointed Head of Software Business and Product Management with P&L responsibility for Global, Americas and Asia in April 2021. In this role, Chamarthi leads Software Business and Product Management to transform Stellantis into a customer-centric sustainable mobility company. She also has cross-functional program leadership responsibility for connectivity and infotainment, ensuring the company develops and delivers software solutions that exceed customer expectations. Previously, Chamarthi was Chief Information Officer, FCA - North America and Asia Pacific, a role she held since April 2019. In this position, she launched the company's digital transformation and oversaw all information technology applications and infrastructure in support of business units located in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Asia Pacific.  To read more about Mamatha click here.

Darci Marcum, Plant director, General Motors Co. 

Darci Marcum was named GM Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant Director in January 2019. In this role, she leads the operations for GM Lansing Grand River Assembly (LGR) Plant.  LGR has over 1,400 employees that produce the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CT4 and award-winning CT5 that are shipped globally. Prior to becoming the LGR Plant Director, Darci was the Assistant Plant Director of Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas. Darci joined GM as a Production Supervisor at Moraine Assembly in 1994. Throughout her career, she has held positions in a variety of manufacturing operations with increasing responsibility within the U.S. and international assignments in Canada.To read more about Darci click here.

Kristen Tabar, group VP, vehicle development & engineering, Toyota Motor North America Research and Development

Kristen Tabar is responsible for vehicle development design engineering teams for Toyota’s North American operations. In this role, she directs the vehicle development strategy, introducing new technology and systems, working with North American manufacturing centers and local suppliers to deliver vehicles matching customer expectations and Toyota’s high level of quality. Previously, Kristen was vice president of corporate quality. In this position, she was responsible for the development, deployment, and management of the quality systems and policies of Toyota’s North American operations. To learn more about Kristen click here.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 19
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Place: Virtual
Cost:  $25 members, $40 nonmembers 
Corporate Investor gratis tickets may be used
 

Accomplishment Sponsor

Interested in sponsorship? Click here for more information and contact Carole Leigh Hutton, clhutton@inforummichigan.org