The best part of selecting the 2021 Canadians to Watch is seeing an increasingly diverse group. There are more women in influential positions, and there are more people of colour.
What’s equally interesting is the diversity of their roles. Many are in cutting-edge technical fields, showcasing both the depth of the auto industry in Canada and the depth of the bench that churns out rising stars such as Paran Hilbi from Stellantis. In five years, the 31-year-old progressed from a data analyst to a resident engineering lead in charge of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica refresh and AWD launch in Windsor, Ont.
She also co-leads the co-op program with the University of Windsor, building a pipeline of talent that leads straight to Stellantis.