Who would believe that the Auto Giant Ford had recruited its first women engineer from an Indian origin where women literacy lacks. In the early days of independence, it was very difficult for a girl to get into school. It’s an acknowledgment and respect to the work of Savitribai Phule who worked for the upliftment of women in the field of education. All these odds were contradicted by Damyanti Gupta, the first recruited women engineer in Ford. 

Damyanti Gupta was the first female engineer hired at the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Her childhood was very ingenious and passionate just like many who dream big. As a child she lived in a small town of British India. All was changed when she read books about Henry Ford and was soon inspired by the speeches of Jawaharlal Nehru who called India to produce more engineers.

Initial Journey –

Born in 1942, Damayanti moved to Mumbai with her family after the partition of India in 1947 from Pakistan. She was raised ambitious by her mom who believed educating a girl is educating a future family. Her mother Gopibai Hingorani assured her that she was going to give her daughter something no one could take away, education.

When she was 13, Damyanti had the chance to hear the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The incident changed her life. Damyanti mentions this in an interview with the Time magazine. Mr Nehru said, “after 200 years of British rule, India has no industry and that we need engineers. I’m not just talking to you boys; I’m also talking to the girls.” It was the first time Damyanti heard the word engineer. The speech had a lasting impact on her, which boosted her will to become one of the first female engineers of her country.

She joined an engineering college, where she was the first female engineering student. She noted how the college didn’t even have a bathroom for girls.

Flying to US –

In 1967 the 25-year-old Damyanti approached Motor City, Detroit. Seeking a job at Ford Motors Company, her job profile was an engineer. She was rejected the first time, but she tried again. The HR person was confused looking at her resume. He said, “You’re applying for an engineering job, but we have no females here.” She retorted, “I’m here, and unless you hire me, you’ll never have any.” For the next 35 years, Damyanti was associated with Ford.

What an inspirational story it is for every woman and girls who dream big . If you want to salvage through the odds, It is just one spark and your will to achieve the dream.

Dream Big .. Go Big …