One of the world's powerful female figures: Who is Mary Teresa Barra?

She also has a special place because she is the first female CEO of General Motors, the giant automobile manufacturer that has proven itself on a global scale.

On December 10, 2013, General Motors selected Mary Barra as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dan Akerson. This situation was one of the important steps in her managerial life. Prior to this, Barra served as Deputy General Manager of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain at General Motors.

Barra's Educational Life

Mary Teresa Barra was born on December 24, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She spent most of her youth in Waterford, Michigan. Here her family enrolled her in local schools. She graduated from Waterford Mott High School. Eager to pursue a career in the auto industry, Barra attended General Motors Institute, which has since been renamed Kettering University in Flint, Michigan.

Mary Teresa Barra (née Makela; born December 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman who has been the chair and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors since January 15, 2014. She is the first female CEO of a 'Big Three' automaker. In December 2013, GM named her to succeed Daniel Akerson as CEO. Prior to being named CEO, Barra was executive vice president of global product development, purchasing, and supply chain.

Barra began her career at General Motors in 1980 as an associate student at the Pontiac Engine Division at the General Motors Institute (Kettering University).

Here she completed her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. After graduating from Kettering University, Barra earned a master's degree in Business Administration from Stanford University (MBA) Graduate School of Business in 1990.

Climbing the Career Ladders

It didn't take long for Mary Barra to enter the business world. At the age of 18, she started working at General Motors while she was studying at the General Motors Institute. She was initially responsible for simple inspections such as checking the hood and fenders. She used all the money she earned to cover her education fees.

She progressed further over time. As her experience and understanding of automobiles and the GM brand began to grow, she never hesitated to take on new responsibilities. People around her began to call her the fearless businessman of the age. She has held various positions in engineering and management. She eventually went on to become manager of the Detroit Assembly plant.

In February 2008, Mary Teresa Barra became the brand's Vice President of Global Manufacturing Engineering. Just one year later, she became Vice President of Global Human Resources in 2009, a position she held for two years before moving on to become Vice President of Global Product Development. Later, she took responsibility for many important matters. The job position has expanded to include Global Purchasing and Supply Chain duties.

About General Motors

At the beginning of the 20th century, steam and electricity-powered vehicles existed in the United States. There were very few vehicles powered by gasoline engines.

General Motors was founded in 1908 by William Durant, a horse-drawn vehicle manufacturer. GM initially did business as Buick Motor Company. However, it later acquired brands such as Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and Germany's Opel and Chevrolet.

The company's design studio was quite famous and was headed by Harley Earl. Earl remained in this position until her retirement in 1959 and achieved many accomplishments. One of these was the Cadillac LaSalle.