VeRonica Mitchell

VeRonica Mitchell has been interested in environmental social governance and its impact on underserved populations since she was a teenager; and well before its importance became widely recognized.  This led to Mitchell pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, leadership roles in the automotive industry and civic engagement as an elected official in her neighborhood.

VeRonica Mitchell is a leader at General Motors whose work has helped push forward the most innovative developments in automobile design. She accomplished her goals while working in an industry in which female leadership remains underrepresented.  Even during her college career, Mitchell pursued a degree in a field dominated by men. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1993.  Later, she received an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree specializing in Leadership Studies from Baker College.

In 1994, Mitchell joined General Motors as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in exterior polymer applications. She advanced through multiple manufacturing and product engineering positions before being promoted to Lead Validation Engineer in the structures and closures area. In 2002, she moved to the General Motors Stamping organization and managed the design, construction, and validation of underbody and front-end sheet metal tooling for midsize SUV products.  Four years later, she accepted an assignment as Lead Mass Integration Engineer, working to optimize vehicle mass to promote improved fuel economy performance. The Automotive Hall of Fame recognized her achievements in 2010 with the Young Leaders & Excellence Award.

While pursuing her automotive career, Mitchell also saw needs and solutions in her local community.  Despite the demands of her career, she ran for local office and was elected to the Auburn Hills City Council.  From there, she was asked to take on the role of Assistant Mayor.  In this way, she was able to support her community and fulfill her vision on two fronts.

Michell continued to strive to be the best and completed Executive Leadership Certification at the Stanford Center for Professional Development. Her next career step was in Advanced Vehicle Development, working on owner-autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles.  In March 2021, she was named Vice President of Electric Vehicle Center of Expertise.

VeRonica Mitchell is a dedicated leader and is committed to making sure other women and girls can follow in her footsteps. In her community of Auburn Hills, she has served in community planning roles, on the Library Board of Trustees, and as Deputy Mayor. She is also an advocate for inclusiveness in STEM and serves on the Smithsonian Institution Board of Advisors for K-12 STEM Inclusion.