10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#183

Running on Empty

Carla and Heather both work at Toyota; Carla on manufacturing side, and Heather on R&D side. The two were brought together through a shared interest in competing in the Rebelle Rally with Team Toyota. An R&D leader saw this as a unique opportunity for both mentoring and reverse mentoring by including an executive on the team and connected the pair. They hit it off quick and hit the ground running, meeting in person for the first time at RebelleU.

Sponsored By:

Toyota

Heather Eich

Navigator

I am always down to try something new, and I love to meet fellow adventurers along the way.

Occupation:

Senior Materials Engineer, Toyota Motor North America, R&D

Residence:

Ann Arbor, MI

Favorite Quote:

The only constant in life is change.

Fun Fact:

Even outside of work, I am surrounded by automotive engineers. Within my immediate family 4 different automotive OEMs are represented. I think it's safe to say a lot of our conversations revolve around cars...

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

It's the best game I've ever played. I'm in it for the challenge, pushing past my personal "limits", experiencing the journey with an incredible community, and having the unique opportunity to disconnect from modern technology.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My friends

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Top 3 books at the moment: Throne of Glass, The Women, Station Eleven

Greatest adventure to date?

Rebelle Rally, I'm hooked

Prior Years Competed:

2023

Awards Achieved:

2024 Rookie of the Year, 2nd Place 4X4

Carla Wright

Driver

I'm always willing to grow and take on new challenges.

Occupation:

Manufacturing Vice President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas

Residence:

Bulverde, TX

Favorite Quote:

It's not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.

Fun Fact:

My favorite way to relax is with a good book, while listening to white noise, i.e. vacuum cleaner

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I wanted to take this opportunity to get to know and share my experience with the next generation of female leaders across the Toyota organization.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I am inspired everyday by the awesome team members that I interact with at Toyota. They are strong, resilient and truly motivated to do the right thing.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Game of Thrones, enough said 🙂

Greatest adventure to date?

Rebelle Rally for sure!

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro