Student Profile

Which program are you currently studying and at which school?

I’m in a Master of Business Administration program with a focus on Sustainable Commerce at the University of Guelph.

What attracted you to pursue a career in automotive?

I have been obsessed with cars since a young age and I originally wanted to be a mechanic. After spending some time swinging a wrench, I realized that my talents can be best utilized in a more business and client-facing position.

What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to start a career in automotive?

I would like to highlight that a career in automotive is not limited to only being a mechanic or a salesperson. The automotive industry is massive and there are thousands of opportunities for many different skill sets.

What is the most rewarding part of being in the auto industry?

The most rewarding part, for me, is working with cutting-edge transportation technology. I become increasingly more excited with every development in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-fueled vehicles. I recently had the opportunity to test drive a Polestar 2 at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show and then road trip across Western Canada in a Tesla Model 3. Both experiences confirmed that the automotive industry is the place to be!

What does proper representation in an industry mean to you?

To me, proper representation means visibly having more people of diverse backgrounds at all levels of the automotive industry. However, I think having this diversity at the top levels of automotive companies is the most important, because company culture typically trickles from the top down. So if we want to see any change at the lower and middle tier levels, we first need to see change happen at the top.

What's one unique experience or highlight you've had since joining Accelerate Auto?

One highlight was the opportunity to audition for an automotive campaign aimed at Black Canadians. The opportunity came through the organization and provided me the chance to bond with one of our founding members. Even though we did not get the role, the experience was valuable and displayed the networking and mentorship opportunities that Accelerate Auto provides.