Rising Star Award Winner 2024: Automotive/Transportation

Bruque Argaw
Functional Safety Integration Engineer
General Motors
Milford, Michigan

EXPERIENCE

Bruque Argaw made a deliberate professional shift from civil engineering to the automotive industry, joining General Motors in 2015, where she assumed various roles, including Interior Studio Design Engineer, Interior Issue Resolution Team Co-Chair, Pneumatic Seat Comfort Systems Design Release Engineer, and currently, Functional Safety Integration Engineer. With a robust background in product development and adept problem-solving skills, Argaw consistently prioritized quality and safety while fostering collaborative relationships across diverse cross-functional teams.

What’s the most exciting part of your work?

I am thrilled about the unique exposure I have to our vehicles, which sets my role apart from many others. I get to fully experience the end product, seamlessly incorporating everything that so many colleagues have supported and developed. There’s not much more exciting than doing a wide-open throttle in a cool, new electric vehicle with the massage system you developed in a previous role. It’s an unparalleled blend of excitement and fulfillment that truly sets my work apart.

What is one major challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

A major career challenge I faced was understanding the importance of advocating for oneself. While hard work and excellence are valuable, I learned that vocalizing needs, goals, and aspirations is crucial for others to provide the necessary support to help me along my career. It was a valuable lesson that gave me the confidence to go after what I wanted.

What advice do you have for young women engineers aspiring to be leaders?

Embrace the role of a leader, regardless of your title. Every day presents an opportunity to develop and demonstrate your leadership skills. Approach your work with integrity and build trust among your colleagues. Cultivate a strong network, in and outside of your organization. Additionally, actively advocate for yourself.

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