Changing the Face of Engineering

Only 14 percent of engineers are women.

Suzy Cody, an aerodynamics engineer in the auto industry, and her team of Malibu Moms, helped design the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

Raised in Detroit, Cody always loved cars. In fact, she says they’re her favorite accessory.

But there’s a deeper reason behind her work.

As the aerodynamics engineer, she’s responsible for the Malibu’s fuel-efficiency. And, being a single mom, she knows the importance of saving on gas.

The 2013 model is the most fuel-efficient Malibu ever.

Cody puts every penny saved towards her boys’ futures.

Read Suzy Cody’s full profile here!

It turns out she’s passionate about a lot of things: volunteering at shelters, taking road trips, getting to know her team personally, and continuing to learn through travel and books.

Cody came out of the wind tunnel long enough to tell us about what it’s like to be a female engineer, and how she achieves life/work balance as a single mom.

LPB: What’s it like to lead an engineering team?

SC: Our team has people with different skill sets, personalities and perspectives. I like a cooperative environment where we talk about our families and our outside lives. It also makes work more fun, and happy people work better.

LPB: How do you balance your professional life with being a single mom?

SC: Keeping my world together is all about interpersonal relationships. I work very hard to maintain a good relationship with my ex-husband. I also stay close to my parents and friends, and I’m not afraid to ask for help – and return the favor.

Bonus PINK Link: Read about successful women who were a part of the Civil Rights Movement.

How are you making it work as a single mom?

By Sarah Grace Alexander

“‘Having it all’ is feeling like you have the appropriate balance for you, not about being a high achiever.”