From a young age, Berveleen Mashonga knew she wanted to make a difference in the world. Growing up in London, she felt surrounded by opportunities and developed a fascination for how things worked. Berveleen gives credit to her father, an engineer who instilled in her a love for science and math, and her mom, a teacher involved with design and technology.
“Both of my parents encouraged me to ask questions, experiment, and never stop learning,” she said, adding that her parents’ support fueled her desire to pursue a career in engineering.
Today, Berveleen is a Product Manager at Hyundai Mobis, where she supports product planning and business strategy for the company’s smart parking projects. Berveleen conducts research, analyzes customer feedback to find product gaps and opportunities, and tracks product performance so data-driven decisions that improve quality can be made.
“Not Intelligent Enough”
After she graduated from secondary school, Berveleen enrolled in an engineering diploma program where she learned technical skills and deepened her understanding of engineering principles. She even worked on a team to design, build, and race a small-scale formula-style car. When preparing for her GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), a time when students choose an area of focus, Berveleen was confident in her decision to study engineering.
However, upon sharing this with her teacher, Berveleen was told she wasn’t intelligent enough to pursue her interest. Her teacher suggested she follow a more traditional path and become a midwife instead.
Berveleen wasn’t fooled by this, knowing that other women in her family had successful engineering careers. Instead of becoming discouraged, she became even more motivated to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and achieve her dreams of working in automotive.
“I Would Be Helping Other Women”
While Berveleen wasn’t deterred, consider how many other young women may have been.
Women interested in traditionally male-dominated fields already face less sense of belonging than their male counterparts. And Berveleen is likely not the only woman to have received this feedback. A report from the AAUW found that people often hold negative opinions of women in “masculine” positions, like science or engineering, and are more likely to associate careers in math and science with men.
Though Berveleen was discouraged by one teacher, others helped motivate her. After completing her GCSEs, she pursued a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering. During this period, she was supported by a teacher who encouraged her goals. “He always told me that one day, I would be helping other women within engineering,” she recalled.
Similarly, Berveleen also credits a lecturer who took extra time to help her understand technical principles. To this day, she is a supporter in Berveleen’s life.
The Power of Your Own Voice
I asked Berveleen to talk about her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry like automotive, which she says has brought both challenges and opportunities. “One of the biggest challenges I have faced is being underestimated and overlooked,” she said, recalling times when she was excluded from important meetings and her ideas dismissed without consideration.
While Berveleen still encounters gender bias and stereotypes, she has received support and encouragement from colleagues and mentors. “I’ve also experienced the power of resilience and determination,” she said, adding that she has learned to amplify her voice, advocate for herself, and surround herself with supportive individuals who believe in her potential.
Berveleen says her experience as a woman in the automotive industry has taught her that success is not about conforming to expectations but challenging them. “It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all,” she said. “I am proud to be part of a movement that is transforming the industry into a more diverse and innovative space.”
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. The automotive industry needs your talent, creativity, and passion. The future of mobility is bright, and women are at the forefront of shaping it.”
Berveleen Mashonga, Product Manager at Hyundai Mobis
Electrification & Connectivity
Before we wrapped up, I asked Berveleen what trends are shaping the industry and the future of mobility. First is how EVs continue to gain momentum, particularly as sustainability becomes more prevalent. In the same vein, Berveleen discussed the rise of shared mobility options, like ride-hailing, car sharing, and bicycles, all of which reduce reliance on personal vehicles. We also examined the prevalence of connectivity and AI in automotive.
“Vehicles are increasingly being integrated into our everyday lives, similar to our homes and phones,” Berveleen said. “AI is also playing a major role in automotive technology, from advanced driver-assistance systems to predictive maintenance.”
As the industry moves ahead, the future is bright for Berveleen, who won the 2023 AutoTech Europe Tour de Force of the Year award and has been nominated as the most inspiring member of the Women Automotive Network (and was the organization’s member of the month for October 2023). These industry-wide recognitions come as Berveleen continues to be a champion for women and other minority groups.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong,” she said. “The automotive industry needs your talent, creativity, and passion. The future of mobility is bright, and women are at the forefront of shaping it.”
To stay up to date with Berveleen, follow her on LinkedIn, where she shares thought leadership on a variety of automotive topics, career tips for women, and more. To hear more stories from women in the industry, follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to the AutoVision News newsletter below. Or, to be featured, email info@autovisionnews.com.
