Her Story
About Mariana
Mariana Luna is an accomplished quality and engineering leader with a career in the automotive industry spanning more than three decades since beginning her journey in 1989. Currently serving as Director of Quality at Eaton, Mariana has built extensive expertise in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Management, and engineering leadership. Encouraged by her parents to pursue engineering, she discovered a passion for the field and the opportunities it provided to collaborate with talented professionals, contribute to innovative projects, and solve complex challenges. Throughout her career, Mariana has been driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and deliver successful outcomes through teamwork and continuous improvement.
Prior to her role at Eaton, Mariana served as Global Director of Quality at Martinrea International, where she led quality initiatives for the Fluids division of Propulsion Systems. She also held the position of Assistant Chief Engineer at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, contributing to engineering programs and advanced automotive solutions. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Mariana focuses on building strong teams by bringing together diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. She believes that the right combination of talent, trust, and teamwork creates an environment where innovation thrives and exceptional results are achieved.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mariana is passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and advancing opportunities in STEM. She actively supports initiatives through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), participates in robotics activities with her children, and speaks at high schools and universities to encourage students, especially young women, to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Mariana attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, including her husband and two daughters, as well as the dedication of her teams and leaders throughout her career. Her commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and empowering others reflects the values that continue to guide her leadership and professional impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mariana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from my family, my team, and my leaders. My husband and children have always been my greatest sources of motivation, continuously cheering me on and inspiring me to keep moving forward. I am also incredibly grateful for the dedication of my team, who consistently gives 150% effort to accomplish our goals and bring projects to completion. The collective energy, commitment, and support of the people around me have played a vital role in my growth, helping me overcome challenges and achieve success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that no one cares about my career more than I do. While mentors, leaders, family, and friends can provide valuable guidance and different perspectives, ultimately, I am responsible for defining my own path, making decisions, and pursuing the opportunities that align with my goals. I believe it is important to be intentional about where I want to be, what I want to learn, and the skills I want to develop. Taking ownership of my career, staying curious, and having the confidence to pursue my ambitions have been key to my continued growth and success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to believe in themselves and confidently pursue their goals. No one will care about their career more than they do, so it is important to take ownership of their professional journey, be intentional about where they want to go, and identify the skills and experiences they want to gain. Stay curious, continue learning, embrace opportunities, and do not be afraid to go after what you want. Your ambition, dedication, and commitment to growth will help create the path to success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest opportunities in my field today come from embracing innovation, adapting to change, and continuously developing new skills. As technology and digital transformation continue to evolve, staying curious and committed to lifelong learning has become essential for professional growth. I believe there are also significant opportunities in building strong networks, sharing knowledge, mentoring future leaders, and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives, creating more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, influence decision-making, and drive meaningful change. By remaining open to new ideas, investing in personal development, and supporting others, we can continue to expand our impact and create lasting progress.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important in both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, empathy, professionalism, collaboration, and empowering others. I believe trust is built through honesty, consistency, and accountability, and these principles guide the way I approach relationships, decisions, and challenges. I strive to treat others with respect, lead with empathy, and create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I am passionate about mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and helping those around me grow. To me, true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on the lives and success of others.
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