Navyashree Raghoji
Navya Raghoji is a Mechanical Engineer and Automotive Leader with over 13 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing industry. Currently serving as a Senior Account Manager at Nissan North America for the past four years, she has directed multi-million-dollar projects, managed over $1 billion in annual spend, and led complex tooling, construction, and manufacturing programs. Her career began in hands-on process engineering and has evolved to include global supplier negotiations, plant-wide equipment upgrades, and advanced manufacturing transitions for models such as the Nissan Murano, Altima, and Rogue.
Beyond her operational achievements, Navya has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and education. From 2015 to 2019, she directed Nissan’s Summer Engineering Program, engaging over 400 high school students and helping them explore careers in engineering. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (2013) from Tennessee Technological University and has completed Six Sigma and 5S training, a leadership development program (2019), and the Women in Leadership program through MIT Professional Education (2025). Her professional excellence has been recognized with the Young Alumni Achievement Award and numerous other honors.
Navya’s leadership philosophy emphasizes continuous learning, collaboration, and long-term impact. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, hiking, listening to music, and watching movies. She is passionate about fostering inclusive teams, driving operational excellence, and inspiring the next generation of engineers to pursue careers in automotive and manufacturing.
• Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences
• Strategic Thinking
• Unconscious Bias
• Tennessee Technological University - BEng
• Most Valuable Cross Functional Crew Member (Change the Product Category)
• Young Alumna Achievement Recipient
• Outstanding Student Award
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Nashville Science and Adventure center
• Nissan Motor Corporation Summer Engineering Program
• Tennessee Technological University
• Nissan Motor Corporation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and the dedication of the incredible team I have the privilege of working with. Their commitment, collaboration, and shared vision have been instrumental in achieving our goals, and I am grateful for the trust and synergy that make our collective accomplishments possible.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and even that provides clarity and an opportunity to move forward with confidence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be fearless and confident in your abilities. Believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and don’t let doubt or hesitation hold you back from pursuing your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is the uncertainty surrounding the future of vehicle manufacturing. With rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and evolving regulations, the industry is at a crossroads. This environment challenges us to innovate and adapt, while also presenting significant opportunities to shape the next generation of vehicles and manufacturing processes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are compassion, empathy, and reliability, which shape the way I connect with others and honor my commitments. I am also deeply committed to continuous improvement and learning, always seeking opportunities to grow and adapt. Additionally, financial acumen is a core value that informs my decision-making and ensures I approach challenges strategically and responsibly.