Anne L. Stevens facts for kids

Anne Louise Stevens, born in 1948, is an amazing American engineer. She specializes in how machines work (mechanical engineering) and what they are made of (materials engineering).

She has held many important jobs. For example, she was in charge of GKN Aerospace. This is a big company that makes parts for airplanes. Before that, she was the head of Carpenter Technology Corporation. She also worked as a top leader at Ford Motor Company. Today, she helps guide a company called Anglo American plc.

Anne Stevens' Early Life and School

Anne Stevens was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1948. Even when she was young, Anne loved machines. In high school, she really wanted to join the mechanics pit crew at a race track. But there was a problem: only boys were allowed! So, Anne found a way to disguise herself to join the team. This shows how determined she was.

After high school, Anne first tried studying nursing. But she soon realized it wasn't the right path for her. She left nursing school and got a job at Bell Telephone. There, she met her future husband.

Anne and her husband decided to go to college together. They both enrolled at Drexel University. Anne worked hard and earned a bachelor's degree. Her degree was in mechanical and materials engineering. This was a big step towards her future career.

Anne Stevens' Amazing Career

After finishing college, Anne Stevens started her career. She worked at the Exxon Chemical Company for ten years. During this time, she learned a lot about engineering and making things.

In 1990, Anne joined the Ford Motor Company. She started as a marketing specialist. But she quickly moved up to bigger roles. By 1992, she was managing a Quality Services Department. This meant she helped make sure Ford's products were top-notch.

By 2001, Anne became a vice president at Ford. She was in charge of all vehicle operations in North America. This was a huge responsibility! She also received the Shingo Leadership Award in 2000. Later, she even joined the board that gives out this award. In 2003, she won the Eli Whitney Award. This award is for people who make great improvements in manufacturing. That same year, she was promoted again. She became group vice president for Ford's branches in Canada, Mexico, and South America.

In 2004, Anne was recognized for her achievements. She was chosen to be part of the National Academy of Engineering. This is a very high honor for engineers. She was also celebrated by the Automotive Hall of Fame.

A big moment came in 2005. Anne became the first woman executive vice president in Ford Motor Company's history. This was a groundbreaking achievement! However, she left Ford in 2006.

The very next month, Anne became the chairman, president, and CEO of Carpenter Technology. She was the first woman to be a CEO of this company. In 2007, Anne showed her generosity. She donated $1 million to Drexel University. This money helped start a scholarship program for young women. It was named the Anne L. Stevens Scholarship Program. In 2008, she was named one of the "Best 50 Women in Business." She also joined the board of trustees for Albright College.

Anne stayed as CEO of Carpenter Technology until 2009. After leaving Carpenter, Anne focused on her role as a non-executive director at Lockheed Martin. This is a company that makes airplanes and other advanced technology. She worked there until the end of 2017. Then, she became the chief executive officer of GKN Aerospace. This shows her continued leadership in the engineering world.