Kristin’s BIO
Kristin is currently the Chief Innovation Officer of ParkMyFleet, creating the end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) mobility hubs that include on-site power generation, storage, software, infrastructure, and battery recycling. She spent over two decades at Ford Motor Company, including 10 years in core engine engineering, when she transitioned into strategy, planning, and advanced technology and was a key architect of the Ford Future of Mobility Blueprint, outlining how connected, autonomous, and electric technologies can change the way people and goods move. She was also an Executive Director at Ernst & Young, leading their future of mobility practice, then CTO of Thirdware and COO of TrueCar. She has over 30 years of leadership in innovation, electrification, mobility, and engineering. Kristin is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering) with a minor in French. She is on two public boards: Velodyne Lidar and Comstock Inc.
WITH GROUPS CREATING PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE FEMALES TO CONSIDER STEM, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER TO ENTRY THAT IS STILL PREVALENT TODAY?
When I was in high school, I was the best in math, physics and science. Not a single person at school nor my parents ever even mentioned that I consider engineering. It was by chance that I got into MIT and decided to become a Mechanical Engineer. I still see this as a prevalent attitude today. As a society, we are less apt to encourage girls in school to consider engineering. There is still a stigma about it and it takes not only a natural ability, but also a durability for girls to go into STEM as well as STAY in STEM. It’s not easy.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I personally am inspired by creating positive change. Women think differently than men, we have a different way of working and that creates new opportunities, especially when women and men collaborate and truly listen to each other. I get excited to make great things happen and connect the dots in new, innovative ways.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT/ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I would say there are two things I’m proud of. One is getting my bachelors and masters in Mechanical engineering from MIT in 5 years. I never worked harder in my life and it opened up many doors of opportunity. It taught me how to think which has been invaluable in my career. The other is raising 3 boys while working. For 9 yrs I worked 3 days a week to balance home and work, then have worked full time since. I love sharing my story to help other women find the right balance for themselves. We can all learn from each other.