OREANDA-NEWS. Although initially discouraged from pursuing engineering by a teacher, a young high school student pursued her curiosity and love of math and science. That former teenager is now General Motors Senior Vice President of Global Quality and Customer Experience. Alicia Boler-Davis shared her story as she received the 2014 Technologist of the Year award from Women of Color magazine.

Educated as a chemical engineer, Boler-Davis took numerous career-building positions at GM and applied her technical background along the way. In 2007, she became GM's first African-American plant manager and has changed the face of the automotive business as her leadership career progressed.

"Alicia pioneered a path of many firsts through her career and is one of the highest-ranking African-American woman in the global auto industry," said John Quattrone, GM senior vice president, Global Human Resources.

The Technologist of the Year award given to Boler-Davis was the highest honor bestowed at the 19th Annual Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference Gala held on Saturday, October 25.

Boler-Davis shared that in high school, a counselor introduced her to a summer engineering program. That guidance plus high expectations and support from her family, role models and mentors greatly influenced her.

"We can never overestimate the impact we can have on young people considering STEM careers," Boler-Davis said in an address to an audience of more than 1,500 technologists, engineers, scientists and students. "While many companies here are fierce competitors in the marketplace, the advancement of STEM education is one area where we are best served by working together."