Kimberly Byars
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Kimberly Byars has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry working for BMW, holding seven different positions with the company. That’s an accomplishment in any career, but especially for a woman of color in the automotive industry
“According to Catalyst's study of women in the automobile industry, women in the U.S. hold approximately 26.7 percent of jobs in the motor vehicle industry, with only 6.2 percent of them being black women,”says Byars.
"We're responsible for purchasing approximately 68 percent of new cars, but I am the only black female that has held this position in the company.”
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
As one of only seven female BMW Sales and Marketing Managers in the country (out of 40), Byars is dedicated to blazing a trail for herself and for those who will follow in her foosteps.
“Each day I must convince someone that I am qualified and competent enough to be a force in this male-dominated industry," she says.
To get where she is today, Byars developed a career plan, a reliable network, and mentors to help her navigate her corporate America climb. She only interviewed at BMW once, and 20 years later, she continues to grow with the company.
"Each time I was asked to take a new job and relocate, I stepped out on complete faith. I moved to the cities where I knew no one and carved out a new life for myself,” she says, offering advice for others given similar opportunities: “Don’t be afraid.”