Meet the Malibu Moms

The folks at Chevrolet sent me this video showcasing the women who worked on the 2013 Chevy Malibu. I love it. And not just because I’ve been in that wind tunnel and the safety engineering room populated with crash-test dummies. I love it because Chevrolet has decided to showcase the women behind their products. I think when young women see other women building cars and running high-tech companies, it helps them to see their own future more clearly. Many women with fabulous careers in high tech and engineering have told me it was a small thing — a suggestion, a class, a rebellious nature — that got them started on these careers they love. This is work that they describe as fascinating, creative, a blast, rewarding — and very profitable.

Are these women geeks? Absolutely. Geek moms are the best. Check it out!

Here are some details (provided by GM PR) on the women in the video:

Suzanne “Suzy” Cody, aerodynamics engineer – Cody is a rocket scientist – literally – with a degree in aerospace engineering. Known for her “GM blue” hair highlights, she is also a force to be reckoned with in the wind tunnel and on the roller derby track.

Kara Gordon, lead acoustic noise engineer – Gordon is a specially trained audiologist whose sensitive hearing skills – always a tactical advantage for a mother – help her identify where noises may have originated, and how to reduce, block and absorb the noise from entering the cabin of the Malibu. She is a key part of a team that eradicates noise – wind, road and tire – from entering the interior.

Julie Kleinert, child safety technical lead – As the lead engineer responsible for child occupant protection, Kleinert’s job is to evaluate and develop the safety performance requirements for the vehicle restraint systems that protect children who ride in the Malibu and other GM vehicles.

Tracy Mack-Askew, vehicle line manager – Mack-Askew’s passion for science and math was sparked during a high school field trip to view a vehicle crash test. That experience led her to pursue an engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an engineering career at GM following graduation.