Anne Marie with her child on the beach.
Each month, we're highlighting the people who are using their talents and passions to help make driverless vehicles a reality. Our team is driven by something more.
Anne Marie Lewis, a Principal Engineer, talks about her passion for automobiles, her fascination with AI, and what National Safety Month means to her.
Describe your role at Motional - what do you do?
I lead our Safety Policy and Commercial Safety (SPCS) team, which is part of our Enterprise Safety Department. The SPCS team supports our commercial partners from a safety perspective, provides guidance on safety policy matters, and leads Motional’s document management system.
What inspired you to get into the AV/Tech industry?
From a young age, I had a passion for understanding how things worked and favored playing with toy race cars and legos instead of dolls. I began my career in the traditional automotive field, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on autonomous vehicles. It’s a pivotal time in the AV industry! At Motional, we have the unique opportunity to work at the leading edge of the AV field and shape a technology that has the potential to revolutionize our transportation system.
This month, the nation celebrates Women in Engineering Day. What has been your experience working as a woman in the AV/tech industry?
I feel fortunate to have met and worked with many inspirational women in the AV industry. As women, we have a unique perspective and opportunity to shape the future of AVs. This can be a motivating factor to speak up and advocate for our viewpoints in the workplace.
What has been your favorite project to work on so far at Motional?
I enjoy working to support our commercial partnerships. I find it rewarding to build relationships and be part of initiatives that support the long-term growth of the company.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
I played the piano quite seriously growing up, and practiced for two hours a day from middle school through high school.
What is one thing you’ve learned in the last month that has had a profound impact on you?
I am fascinated by the recent advances in generative AI and have listened to numerous podcasts that speculate on how this will impact our society - for better or worse. I try to imagine how AI will shape the next generation and feel fortunate to be working in a field that is using AI in a positive way.
Anne Marie biking with her husband in Washington DC.
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies and passions?
If I have time outside of work and taking care of my 1.5-year-old, I enjoy running, hiking, and trying new restaurants.
What is the importance of National Safety Month to you?
At Motional, safety is an integral part of everything we do. National Safety Month provides an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness more publicly about the important role that AVs play to improve roadway safety.
What do you want people to know about Motional’s commitment to safety?
At Motional, we view safety as our bedrock. That is to say, everything we do is founded in a safety-first culture. I am proud to be a member of Motional’s safety team and want to give a huge shout out to my safety colleagues, who are among the most passionate people I have had the pleasure of working with.
What has been the most rewarding/notable accomplishment of your career so far?
Upon joining the AV industry in 2017, I was asked to present the U.S. AV industry perspective at an international automotive industry meeting held at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It was an amazing experience and now I can say that I spoke at the UN!
Are there any TV shows you are currently binge watching?
I recently finished watching “Working Moms,” which is hilarious.
What is the greatest piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. They are opportunities to help you grow, even if the results aren’t perfect.
Anne Marie likes to hike in her free time.
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