We sat down with the first-annual Women of BMW honorees to find out about their careers, insights and what drives them each day. We invite you to take a moment and learn about these dedicated women and congratulate them with kudos on Twitter with #WomenOfBMW.
NAME: Sherry McCraw
POSITION: Vice President of Assembly, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
LOCATION: Greer, SC
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BMW? 26 Years
Q: WHAT PATH LED YOU TO BMW?
A: I was working as an Equipment Engineer at the headquarters for Sara Lee Knit Products in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. My area included different projects in the Southeast. As I was working on an automation project in South Carolina, I would drive past the Future Home of BMW Construction sign on my way to and from North Carolina. I decided to apply, so that I could travel internationally. I was hired as the 39th associate into our original team of Engineers.
Q: DESCRIBE A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER AND HOW IT SHAPED YOUR PATH:
A: I was selected to work on the original X5 project team at our FIZ (Development and Innovation Center) in Munich, Germany for 3 years. This international experience, coupled with my manufacturing experience, helped me build the skills and the network to lead complex projects. Afterwards, I led the structural expansions to double the plant for the X3 and X4 production.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN INTERESTED IN YOUR FIELD?
A: Take advantage of your uniqueness- do not try to always fit or to be like everyone else.
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING MOST OUTSIDE OF WORK?
A: Walking/Running in the afternoons with my friends, Going to the Caribbean- Beaches, in general, are all good!