Novi Woman Turns Engineering Experience Into Marketing Success

Over the years, Cristi Landy discovered that engineering is more than learning the design and manufacture of complex products — it taught her how to tackle difficult issues. 

Landy, 46, of Novi, started as an engineer and now works as marketing director at GM for Chevrolet's small cars and electric vehicles. She is one of the science and technology leaders whom Patch is highlighting in recognition of Women's History Month.

"I think at my first job, I had a boss and there were about 10 engineers working for him and I was the only woman in the group. We were definitely a minority," she said.

Landy excelled in math in high school but didn't have mentors who were engineers, so she didn't know a lot about engineering before college.

She was among a group of women inspiring local high school students at GM's "Women in Electrification" panel March 13 for Women's History Month. The purpose was to excite students about the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

"Our panel for our visiting STEM students involves female GM'ers from all aspects of developing, building, and marketing electric vehicles, and Cristi Landy straddles much of that spectrum," said Connie Burke, of GM communications, in an email to Patch.

Landy said her advice to students was to get an internship in an area that they have interest, something she wishes she was told to do.

"I think that it's important to get a little exposure. Dip your toe in a little bit before you start college," she said.

People also need passion in what they do, she said, because careers last a long time. Landy worked for five years as an engineer before moving to the business side. She said her engineering background helps her better understand customers.

"Engineering really teaches you to solve problems," Landy said. "I probably use the fundamentals in a lot of things that I do."

While working full-time, she spent those five years studying at night for an MBA from the University of Michigan.

"I wanted to stay tied to engineering," she said. "You work on marketing but you're also dealing a lot with engineers."

Landy works on vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, which won Consumer Reports' owner satisfaction survey for two consecutive years. She said several women made that possible and it was because they know their customers well.

Landy said it's important to highlight women in STEM fields, but it's also important to encourage young people to consider those fields because technology is a part of everything we do.

"Many of these women who are working on cars today are making history for the future," she said.