Personal Profile
Name: Taya Dinkins-Goldsmith
College: Oakland University
Hometown: Pontiac, MI
Major: Computer Science
Aspirational Car: Cadillac Lyriq
10-Year Prediction in auto/motorsports:
Vehicle validation will be nearly 100% virtual.
What You May Not Know About Me:
I’m a really big fan of board games and card games.
How did you get so interested in the auto/motorsports industry?
When I was in the 5th grade, I had the opportunity to attend a WISE event held at General Motors’ Pontiac Engineering Campus. At this event, I got to hear from so many engineers and learned just how large the auto industry is. I knew that no matter what interests or skills I had, I would always have a place and career in the automotive industry.
What automotive aspect interests you the most?
The most interesting aspect is seeing the new developments in technology. I like working on pre-production projects, it’s like seeing a glimpse into the future before everyone else.
How do you approach the challenges of being a minority engineering student in what has been traditionally a non-minority career path?
Rather than forcing myself to assimilate and hide the different aspects of my identity, I stand proud of who I am, and I always speak up for myself and others. This allows me to enjoy my workspaces much more and form meaningful connections with people I work with.
What would you like your first job/career opportunity to be?
I have a particular interest in data science, so I would like to work as a data analyst.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I would like to be working on an international project that would allow me to travel to different countries for work. I would also like to have completed my master's degree.
About STEAM Sports Foundation
Recognizing workforce and economic development as integral parts of corporate growth, STEAM Sports Foundation works with companies, educators and sports groups to develop initiatives around science, technology, engineering, arts and math that impact the world of sports & entertainment.
The foundation’s focus is on scholarships and career summits in an effort to help create tomorrow’s vibrant workforce. Its minority female scholarship program in motorsports and automotive engineering provides diversity to a transportation industry that is ever-changing via innovation and technology with individuals who traditionally did not consider these career paths simply because they saw few who looked like them in the industry.
Donations can be made via PayPal. ACH transfers are available. Benevity registered.
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