Ashwini Balasubramanian: UM-Dearborn Spring 2024 Commencement Graduate Keynote Speech

Ashwini Balasubramanian currently serves as General Manager – Advanced Engineering at Harley-Davidson. In this role, she leads all aspects of advanced engineering, including test and reliability engineering, core engineering, program management and innovation teams. Ashwini is also responsible for delivering motorcycle leading innovation and technology road maps across the motorcycle portfolio. Prior to this role, she spent 20 years in the automotive industry working for companies like Bosch, Toyota, ZF and Martinrea International.

Ashwini’s expertise spans technology infusion, product innovation, corporate strategy and corporate social governance. She has proven expertise in establishing corporate strategy and delivering innovation for multibillion dollar organizations. She is a certified sustainability excellence associate from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. She is widely acknowledged for her dedication to corporate social governance and is a sought-after international keynote speaker in the field of ESG.

Ashwini holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from India and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Automotive News named her a “Rising Star” in 2019. Ashwini serves on the advisory board for the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement and is the president of the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation. She is very passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and is committed to supporting women to reach their professional and personal goals.