Virginia Sink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Virginia Sink
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| Born | September 14, 1913 |
| Died | November 1986 Pontiac, Michigan
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Mary Sink; Mary Virginia Sink; M. Virginia Sink; |
| Education | Masters |
| Occupation | Chemical engineer |
| Employer | Chrysler |
Virginia Sink (born September 14, 1913 – died November 1986) was an amazing American chemical engineer. She made history as the first woman automotive engineer to work at Chrysler, a big car company.
Virginia Sink's Early Life and Education
Mary Virginia Sink was born in Denver, Colorado, on September 14, 1913. She studied hard and graduated as a chemical engineer from the University of Colorado in 1936.
Virginia had first wanted to become a teacher. But she did not have enough money to finish the training. She later shared that she had to tell the engineering department she wanted to study chemical engineering, but did not plan to be an engineer. Even so, she was accepted into the program. She finished as one of the top three students in her class!
After college, she started working for Chrysler. While there, she earned a master's degree in engineering from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering. When she graduated in 1938, she was the first woman ever to do so. Virginia then taught at the institute. She also worked as an engineer for Chrysler until 1946.
Virginia's Career at Chrysler
In 1943, Virginia Sink became the Supervisor of Laboratory Personnel. This meant she was in charge of hiring people for the lab. During World War II, she helped hire 500 women to work at Chrysler.
By 1950, she was promoted to Group Leader in the Chemical Research Department. In 1952, she became a special member of the Society of Women Engineers in Detroit.
From 1957 to 1962, Virginia worked on a project to reduce smog in Los Angeles. Smog is a type of air pollution. She helped create Chrysler's Cleaner Air Package. This was a system designed to make cars pollute less. Virginia Sink retired in 1979. Her last job title was Manager of Emission Certification in the Materials Engineering department.
Virginia was also a member of several important groups. These included the American Chemical Society and the Society of Automotive Engineers. She was also president of the Soroptimist Federation of America. This group works to improve the lives of women and girls.
Awards and Special Recognition
Virginia Sink received many honors for her work. She was the first woman to be given honorary membership in Tau Beta Pi. This is a special society for engineers. In 1950, she was named Detroit's Woman of Achievement.
In 1956, Charm Magazine featured her. They called her a "Symbol of Detroit's Working Women." This showed how important she was to the city. In 1980, the University of Colorado gave her the George Norlin Award. This award recognized her outstanding achievements. Virginia Sink passed away in 1986.
