Posted Nov. 18, 2008 – Just as the struggling auto industry seeks new capital to save its life, one of the big three picks a Black woman to head up its North American design division.

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General Motors has picked Crystal L. Windham, 35, as its director of North American passenger car design. She is now in charge of interior design for GM North America: Global Midsize Car, Global Compact Car, andGlobal Small Car.

Windham, a lead designer on the 2008 award winning Chevy Malibu "Car of the Year," began her career at GM North America Design in 1994 and has held assignments across various brands from 1997-1998.

A mentor guided me towards automotive design. Without guidance and support from family and co-workers, I wouldn't be where I am today," Windham said. "I truly love my job- it's creative, expressive - but it is not easy. Enjoying what you do, however, makes it all worthwhile. I hope other young women will look to what I have done and be inspired to consider automotive design.