2022 Canadians to Watch

CHOSEN BECAUSE:

Studying engineering at the University of Windsor, Marie Mills wasn’t set on a career in the auto sector. Two rewarding co-op-student placements at the school’s Automotive Research and Design Centre (ARDC) helped change her mind.

The Windsor native, who graduated in 2005, joined what is now Stellantis and, after various positions, has come full circle. She’s responsible for collaboration with Canadian universities through ARDC, including running the co-op program she enjoyed.

“It means a lot to me to give the students the same experience that I had, if not better, when I was a student,” said Mills.

Founded in 1996 as a partnership between the University of Windsor and Chrysler (now Stellantis), ARDC gives engineering students hands-on experience on projects for the company.

ARDC, which now includes Windsor, McMaster (Hamilton), Waterloo, Sherbrooke (Quebec) and McGill (Montreal) universities, will be pivotal as the company invests heavily in electrification.

“It’s my responsibility to determine who the appropriate researcher or university would be to work in that area.”

Mills, 39, also leads the Stellantis Canadian Women’s Alliance, which encourages women to go into STEMrelated (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“Math doesn’t discriminate whether you’re male or female. Women oftentimes have a different way of thinking as well, which can be a critical asset within engineering and the automotive industry. So, keep an open mind and do not be discouraged if you’re the only girl in the room, that you have a voice and you should be heard.”