Her Story
About Brooke
Brooke Cowan is an Operations Analytics Engineer working within the automotive and manufacturing industry, where she focuses on operations analytics, process improvement, and financial performance at the plant level. She joined the field in 2022 as an intern during her junior year of college and has since built a career defined by steady advancement, most recently transitioning into a plant-based operations role.
Alongside her professional growth, Brooke completed both her bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration at Davenport University in just over four years, earning a specialization in logistics and supply chain management while also competing as a member of the Davenport softball team.
Brooke credits much of her achievement to consistency and a willingness to take on challenges head-first, guided by the belief that persistence makes even distant goals attainable. She has leaned heavily on mentorship throughout her career, crediting the guidance of others for teaching her the importance of networking, asking questions without hesitation, and stepping confidently into unfamiliar situations. These lessons have shaped not only her professional approach but also the advice she now offers to younger women entering the industry: to seek out a small circle of trusted mentors, to prioritize relationships and workplace dynamics alongside technical skill, and to lead with kindness rather than competition.
As one of the few young women in her workplace, Brooke has often found herself as both the youngest professional and the only woman in the room, an experience she has chosen to frame as motivation rather than an obstacle. She views the growing presence of women supporting one another in automotive and manufacturing as a meaningful shift for the industry, and she hopes to be part of that momentum for future generations.
Grounded in honesty, hard work, and her Christian faith, Brooke aims to be a steady, positive presence wherever she works, and her recognition as a featured honoree in the 2026 Influential Women edition representing Holland, Michigan reflects the impact she has already made early in her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brooke
01What do you attribute your success to?
I learned early on in college that if you simply commit to doing the work, things become far more achievable than they may initially seem. I've carried that lesson into every part of my life. My personal motto is that the worst anyone can say is "no," so I make it a point to pursue every opportunity I want to go after.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my mentors encouraged me to do everything possible to put myself out there. That advice changed things for me, especially when it came to networking. I made it a habit to introduce myself to people and ask questions, even when I worried they might sound simple. Putting yourself out there consistently pays off in ways you don't always expect.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to find two or three core people they can rely on for guidance and support. Mentorship has been invaluable to me, and I've learned that navigating the people you work with is often just as important as navigating the work itself. Being kind, building genuine relationships, and never burning bridges make it so much easier to grow and succeed alongside others. Surround yourself with people who reflect who you’re striving to become.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Working in automotive and manufacturing as a young woman has given me firsthand experience with entering spaces where women are underrepresented. Often being the youngest person in the room, and the only woman, has been challenging at times, but I've chosen to see those moments as opportunities to build confidence and show what I'm capable of contributing.
I believe mentorship and strong professional networks are essential for women in this industry, and I'm encouraged by how women who have already established themselves are using mentorship to help others advance. I see a lot of possibility ahead as more women build connections, support one another, and confidently step into careers in automotive and manufacturing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the values I hold closest. I'm a Christian woman, and I attribute all of my success to my faith. Alongside that, I believe deeply in hard work and treating others with kindness. I try to be the kind of person people enjoy being around — not because everyone has to like me, but because I want to bring a little bit of light into everyone's day.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.