Overcoming gender barriers by Rosario Martinez Halberstadt

Rosario Martinez Halberstadt 

Manager - Environmental Operations

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA | R&D

Share some important facts about your background, family origin and education. 

RMH: I was born and raised in Mexico. I was the fourth of six children. My father, a remarkable man, encouraged all my siblings to go to college, which we did. I received a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Guanajuato, Mexico, and a Technical Certification in Environmental Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico. My husband Brad and I have one son, Bradley Jr.

What made you pick your college studies and majors? 

RMH: My older brother was a big influence on me. He graduated as an Electrical Engineer when I was in high school. I love math and science, and when I told him about my interest in chemical engineering, he supported me, despite the views of his friends who would tell me that the engineering field is for men, not girls. Once I was at the university, my research and co-op assignments helped me recognize the world of opportunities in waste management, so I continued my path to Environmental Engineering.

What have been constant values and skills you have worked with during your professional career? 

RMH: Responsibility, honesty and professionalism are the primary values I practice every day, along with teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for all. 

How did the opportunity to work for Toyota arise? 

RMH: Prior to Toyota, I worked for a Tier I Supplier in the auto industry, but I really wanted to pursue a career in an assembly plant. The company was in a difficult transition (bankruptcy), so I decided to look for another job. Toyota was looking for an Environmental Engineer for the start of production at the Mississippi Plant, and I got the job.

Can you share facts about your role and position at Toyota? 

RMH: I am the Environmental Manager, responsible for the compliance of all environmental regulations applicable to our operations at Toyota R&D Sites in North America, including KPI tracking and risk minimization. Another function is team member development. I currently have three team members under my umbrella.

What do you think we can do to promote more Latino(a) professionals in corporations like Toyota? 

RMH: Everyone needs to be more approachable; we all need to get to know each other better. A great place to start would be universities where Latinos are in the majority. They should be encouraged to attend engineering conferences, Week of Engineering, career fairs etc., to offer them insight into the types of jobs within companies like Toyota.

Editors pick: When I told my dad about my interest in chemical engineering, he supported me -despite the views of his friends who would tell me that the engineering field is for men, not girls.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America

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