It’s not every day that you see a woman in the field of automotive engineering. But Gaby Grajales isn’t just any woman. Gaby is the Electrical Program Management Team Leader of the new Ford Maverick hybrid. We had a chance to speak with her about her journey, major influences, what inspires her to be the best, read on for more!
You may already know me as Gabby Grajales Electrical Program Management Team Leader for Ford Maverick …But what you don’t know is that the journey to get me here has been anything but easy. This my story.
I am from Veracruz, Mexico and graduated from Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz University. My degree is a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering.
I moved to Mexico City for an internship at Ford’s assembly plant at Cuautitlan per a recommendation of one of my peers. Before my internship ended, I interviewed for a job as Government Regulations Coordinator Assistant at the Quality office. The position had nothing to do with my degree but it was a very exciting job! I worked as a contract employee. The plant was a great school for me to learn about processes and the automotive industry. After 2 years, I applied to a job opportunity directly for Ford as an Electrical Product Development Engineer.
Ford has given me the opportunity to launch prototype vehicles at plants across the world, including Mexico, US and Canada. I also had the opportunity to work at product development offices in Europe. I am grateful to have met wonderful collegues and great friends at work that became my family and helped me to cope with the changes. Back when I launched the Ford F-150 in 2010, I was the only person on my team with less than 10 years of experience; there were only two women (very knowledgeable) and I was still learning about vehicle systems integration. Troubleshooting electrical issues against the clock to avoid delaying the prototype delivery of vehicles, was a challenge. But with some coaching and dedication I caught up.
I grew tremendously as a team leader and enjoyed removing obstacles, influencing others and sharing my experiences. Being of service to a team is most rewarding.
2.- Who has Influenced your life the most?
I would have to say, my mother is the reason I am the person I am today. I’m forever thankful for being blessed with such a strong, resilent, smart and compassionate woman. She was a pioneer of women working for the commercial port trade vocation in Mexico. She furthered her career advancement and became an Operation Manager for the largest multi-modal and logistics shipping company in Latin America. My mother proved that being a minority (women) in a male-driven industry, was a minor hindrance but not impossible with perseverance and determination.
3.- What are your proudest achievements?
I am most proud of my entire career at Ford. Every single achievement has been a result of determination and a great support system of people; notice I said “people”, not “employees”, because that is how I feel.
I am currently part of Ford’s Product Development Leadership Program, a community of highly effective leaders that helps develop high potential leaders. This program has opened opportunites for me to take new challenges in different groups: I am currently working for North America Trucks Strategy and I feel proud and happy to bring my experience to serve the team.
4.- Who Inspires you?
During my career at Ford, I have been able to work with great leaders, not afraid to explore innovative ways to come up with solutions to various challenges. Leaders who truly care about their team’s goals and aspirations, that support their growth and development have always been inspirational to me.
5.- What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in what you do?
Not to be afraid of challenges and step out of your comfort zone and to take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Look for opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you and most importantly, to make sure you pursue a career that makes you happy.
6.- What makes an inspiring woman?
For me, an inspiring woman lives her life with joy and fulfillment, radiate humble confidence, and is in charge of her decisions and responsabilities.
7.- Tell us five things no one knows about you?
- Electronics engineering was not my first choice but I do not regret it. I can be who I am as an engineer.
- When I was a kid, I did not have a particular interest in cars, they were just transportation. It wasn’t until I joined Ford that I became passionate about vehicles. One of my mentors at product development took me to a test trip driving an F-450 and it was a life changing experience.
- My native language is Spanish. My mother taught me to speak English, I did not learn from a formal school or course. She gave me the basics and I practiced listening and speaking at work.
- When I was 10 years old, I recited poetry in public at the museum in Veracruz for non-profit organizations, thanks to my mom.
- The role of empowered women was always predominant in my family, employees or housewifes, my aunts and cousins are all inspiring leaders.
