When my family moved to Detroit from Odessa, Ukraine, I was just 12 years old. I remember how much I wanted to be a part of the amazing Detroit auto industry. Having been in it since 1995, I realized I wanted to have a more meaningful impact, so since 2002 I've been involved in engineering positions which focus on doing something positive for the environment through the auto industry. I've already been very fortunate to be a part of some of the most advanced projects (fuel cells, hybrids, electric vehicles). Still, I feel that this industry is desperately lacking the right kind of leadership. I hope that if I decide to stay in the car world, I end up being one of those new leaders that can point the industry, and the country, in the direction of energy conservation, lean operations, and a positive overall impact.