We met at work through our women’s leadership group, Women Influencing and Impacting Toyota. Additionally, we both have have worked on teams developing badass Toyota trucks.
Opposites can truly attract and we connected over ours. Crystal is a night owl and Kara is a morning person. Crystal is an extrovert and Kara is an introvert. We push each other outside of our comfort zones resulting in both going the extra mile to become ever better.
Toyota Motor North America | Research & Development
Senior Program Manager, Product Development Office
Milan, MI
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. A derivative of "there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." -Alfred Wainwright
I used to say that I worked with a bunch of dummies. I spent the first 14 years of my engineering career doing safety and crashworthiness performance development.
The Rebelle Rally allows me to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of vehicles. I transferred to the Product Development Office at Toyota Research and Development in 2019. I am on the team leading the development of the all new Toyota Tundra. I excited to experience the capability of the all new 2022 TRD PRO.
Mother Nature
I love to read, but also love being active. That’s where my dedicated podcast consumption comes in. My top 3: The Daily, Criminal, Unlocking Us
Completing a half Ironman, twice. I can't wait to replace this with running the Rebelle Rally!
Senior Engineering Manager, Vehicle Performance Development
South Lyon, MI
"Under pressure, You don't rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training" - US Navy Seal
My sister, who's one year younger, and I have an identical voice & laugh (and it's a loud one!). We actually can't tell ourselves apart in a recorded voicemail … which then cracks us up!
I'm so fortunate that I work for a company that values getting out and driving our products! Toyota started sponsoring an R&D team last year. This year I was selected based on my experience and tie to my work as Senior Manager of Vehicle Performance Development. It's mind blowing that I'll get the chance to really hone my off-road and navigation skills.
Walking along Lake Michigan
I’m at avid reader: Nearly any book on leadership, the Bible, books by Kristin Hannah
Traveling for 5 weeks in Australia & New Zealand by myself, hang-gliding, sky diving, rappelling, spelunking and meeting folks along the way.
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