Encouraging Women in STEM

Women play a crucial role in the automotive industry, influencing 85% of new vehicle purchases and making up more than half of all new vehicle buyers in the U.S. Despite this, only 16.7% of engineering and architecture professionals are women. Recognizing this disparity, TCNA is actively working to change the narrative by encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM.

“Women in STEM fields will help ensure technology is designed for women, too,” said Jennifer Brown, TCNA Chief People Officer. “From personalized gadgets to advanced automotive systems, women need a seat at the table to help drive these decisions.”

During their visit, the Girl Scouts delved into the world of Toyota’s telematics technologies, learning how systems like Safety Connect work to enhance driver safety through features like Automatic Crash Notifications. The TCNA engineering team explained how these technologies not only benefit drivers but also rely on human oversight to ensure efficacy and responsiveness.

The scouts participated in hands-on activities led by TCNA’s Managing Engineer Crystal Edgely and Mobility Software Engineer Joanna Borba. They explored the scientific method and its application in real-world scenarios, gaining insights into the engineering processes behind Toyota’s advanced telematics systems.

Mentorship and Career Guidance

The visit also featured a panel discussion with TCNA’s female leaders, including Managing Counsel Wande Elam, TechOps Engineer Suchi Kapur, Senior UX Designer Katie Naiser, and Senior Machine Learning Engineer Tori Salido. These accomplished women shared their personal journeys, offering candid advice on navigating college, careers, and life. The Girl Scouts had the opportunity to ask questions and receive mentorship, learning valuable tips for achieving their career ambitions.

Evolution of Automotive Technology

To illustrate the evolution of automotive technology, the scouts compared a 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited to the latest 2024 Toyota Prius Prime and Lexus TX 550h+. The stark contrast highlighted how far automotive technology has advanced, with modern vehicles boasting features like radar-guided cruise control, LED headlights, and comprehensive safety systems.

This comparison underscored the importance of creativity and innovation in the automotive industry. The Girl Scouts were encouraged to think about the future of mobility and how they could contribute to shaping it.

 

 

 Inspiring Future Engineers

The visit to TCNA was not just an educational experience but a call to action for the Girl Scouts. By earning their “E for Engineering” patches, the scouts took their first steps towards becoming the engineers, technologists, and leaders of tomorrow.

“Cars aren’t what they used to be. They need creativity, vision, and the ability to anticipate what mobility for all truly looks like,” said Brown. “If TCNA inspired just one young woman to ask, ‘What if…?’ then we’ve done our part.”

About Toyota Connected North America

Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) is dedicated to transforming how people interact with technology and their vehicles. By leveraging advanced software and cloud services, TCNA aims to create a safer, more connected world. For more information, visit [Toyota Connected North America](https://www.toyotaconnected.com).