Meet Mary Barra:
Born on December 24, 1961, in Waterford, Michigan, Mary Barra started her journey with General Motors at the age of 18 as an intern. Her father, Ray Makela, worked as a factory worker at the same company, and her mother, Eva Macra, supported her throughout her academic pursuits. Following her passion for electricity, Barra earned a degree in electronics at the General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University, in 1985. She then completed her MBA from Stanford University in 1990.
Simultaneously, she married Tony Barra and became a mother to Nicholas and Rachel.
Breaking Barriers:
Barra's career with GM spanned nearly three decades, making her the first woman to lead a major US automobile manufacturer. Her journey with the company began as an intern, followed by a scholarship at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, positions as a General Manager in internal communication and vehicle engineering, and, eventually, as the CEO in 2014.
Setting Records:
In 2016, Barra's total compensation as CEO of General Motors soared to 22.6 million US dollars, marking her as the highest-paid CEO in the automotive industry at the time. She also joined the board of directors at the Walt Disney Company in 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the position of CEO - or Chairwoman - in the CEO Alliance Business Roundtable, filling the position in 2022 for a two-year term.
Overcoming Challenges:
During her tenure as CEO, Barra faced numerous challenges, from safety crises to labor disputes and turmoil in the global automotive industry. Her leadership was tested during the 40-day strike by United Auto Workers in September 2019, which was the largest strike against a company by the union since 2007. The strike reportedly cost General Motors 1.75 billion US dollars.
Rewriting the Script:
Through her relentless dedication, compelling vision, and unwavering determination, Mary Barra continues to challenge the status quo in the automotive industry. Her achievements have not only marked a significant milestone for women in leadership positions but have also positioned General Motors as a noteworthy player in the evolving landscape of automotive manufacturing.
