Her Story
About Meredith
Meredith Alves brings 20 years of experience to her role as Head of CMF Design and Craftsmanship at Slate Auto. Her path began with studies in fashion design, followed by a deep dive into textiles through internships and work in China. After graduating, she studied Mandarin and moved to Shanghai for three years, where connections to an automotive seating supplier with fabric manufacturing shifted her focus to automotive textiles and then full automotive design. At Slate Auto, she was initially brought on to handle execution and industrialization of CMF design but soon took on oversight of the full CMF design effort, building out a team of specialists in design, mastering, quality, and production that did not previously exist.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Meredith
01What do you attribute your success to?
I am maybe a delightfully stubborn person. When I start on something I really want to see it through. I am driven by other hard workers like my team and peers who give me momentum to work harder. I am also driven by my kids and wanting to provide a strong example for them.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I have found the most success on a non-linear path. Sometimes when you plan too much you don't give yourself opportunity to fail and try something new. Allow yourself to be redirected because that could be the most rewarding thing. Be open to a little divergence.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Seeing more diversity, having women in roles that you maybe haven't previously seen women hold. Getting cultured and informed from people from all walks of life. It's inspiring to see other female leaders blaze the way in a male-dominated industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work-life balance. Finding that even ground where you're doing all that you can do in as many parts of your life as possible. Everything takes effort so it's something that needs attention.
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