Her Story
About Geraldine
Geraldine Porcaro is a retired automotive quality professional with approximately 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Beginning her career as a factory worker, she progressed into quality engineering and supplier quality, developing expertise in quality assurance, lean manufacturing, process improvement, technical documentation, control plans, and FMEAs. Her work involved ensuring products were manufactured correctly, collaborating with engineering teams, supporting suppliers, and maintaining the technical documentation necessary for effective manufacturing operations.
Porcaro earned an Associate of Science in Psychology from Schoolcraft College before earning a Bachelor of Industrial Technology in Industrial Engineering from Baker College of Flint, graduating Cum Laude. Her career included quality engineering and supplier quality responsibilities, including her time as a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I with Nexteer Automotive. At Webasto, she led a cross-functional effort to improve the kitting process for heater kits, increasing production from approximately 10 kits per hour to 100 kits per hour. Her career accomplishments also included receiving an award of 10 grams of pure gold from one of her employers.
Throughout her career, Porcaro was recognized for her leadership, confidence, and ability to work effectively with others while maintaining high standards. She credits her success largely to her passion for her work and the enjoyment she found in her profession. As a woman who built a long career in the automotive industry, she encourages young women to pursue their dreams and recognize the valuable perspectives they can bring to traditionally male-dominated areas of the field. Family and professional ethics remain central values in both her personal and professional life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Geraldine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to passion. I genuinely enjoyed the work I was doing, and it was fun for me. When you are passionate about your work and truly enjoy what you do, that passion can motivate you to continue learning, improving, and giving your best.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up on your dreams. There is a valuable place for women in the automotive industry, particularly in areas such as design. Because automotive design has traditionally been dominated by men, women can bring perspectives and considerations that may otherwise be overlooked. Even something as simple as designing a vehicle with practical features that women want—such as a convenient place to put a purse—shows why having women's perspectives represented in the industry is important.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is extremely important to me. In my professional life, I also strive to be highly ethical and to conduct myself with integrity in my work environment. I believe that maintaining strong values, treating people properly, and doing what is right are important both personally and professionally.
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