She began her career at General Motors as an engineering co-op student in 1980.
33 years later, Mary Barra has made history by being named the next CEO of GM — the first time a woman has been placed in the top spot of a major automaker.
GM made the groundbreaking announcement today that CEO Dan Akerson has moved up his retirement to January 15, after discovering his wife is battling advanced-stage cancer.
But who is Mary Barra, and what does this appointment mean to America's auto industry?
Listen to the full interview above.
Copyright 2021 Michigan Radio. To see more, visit Michigan Radio.