Damyanti Gupta is an Indian-origin technology expert who is celebrated for becoming the first degreed female engineer, with a Masters in engineering, ever hired by Ford in 1967.

At 25 years of age she approached Motor City in Detroit with the confidence and certainly expertise of an engineer. Gupta was rejected initially and met with disapproval and confusion by a member of the HR team who informed her they had “no females [there].” She stood her ground and her unrelenting spirit and persistence worked. For the next 35 years she continued to be associated with Ford. Her story was nothing short of inspirational and she has been commended by Time Magazine for her achievements; working as the only woman in an industry heavily dominated by men. At 19 years of age Gupta actually read Henry Ford’s biography Inspired by his journey, she set her sights on becoming part of his empire, failing to stop until she reached her goal.

When Gupta became pregnant at Ford, women would usually quit their jobs once they’d had a family. Instead, she deviated from the norm and returned to work soon after having her children and it only took her three months to be promoted. Gupta has been honoured by Oprah and Hilary Clinton for carving a niche for herself in a dominating and somewhat intimidating environment. She receives messages from women all over the world to congratulate her on her incredible independence and achievements.