The Women of Ford and Ford African Ancestry Network chapters of Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center recently came together for a special event to mark Black History Month and celebrate the unique strengths of women. Hayley Garnham, quality manager and chair of the Women of Ford chapter, saw the Feb. 11 event as a great opportunity to showcase the company’s all-new F-150 Lightning. The electric motor for the zero-emissions pickup is built at Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center.

The all-electric truck served as a physical representation of the strength of the women who work hard every day at the plant helping to Build Ford Proud. Those in attendance gathered around to take pictures with the F-150 Lightning against a blue-and-white Ford backdrop.

Garnham highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of women and African Americans across Ford’s global operations. “Today, we honor the tenacity of women and minority women in manufacturing, who are breaking stereotypes and working hard,” she said. “We are redefining strength and embracing it every step of the way.”

With the Ford African Ancestry Network looking to expand its membership, a table was set up for the team to share recruitment information and talk about its Black History Month Gala. Ekaete Umoh, team manager at the Van Dyke plant and chair of its Ford African Ancestry Network, said she is proud of the representation that came out for the event. “I was happy about the turnout and appreciate the support from both the UAW and salaried teams,” she said.

Women in attendance were well supported all around by men, including those from plant and UAW leadership teams, as well as human resources and communication teams. Nermin Selmanovic, information technology manager, provided selections from Motown in a musical celebration of strength, culture and pride.

Katelyn Rhue, e-programs quality engineering specialist and member of Women of Ford, said the upbeat event was a success. “It was great to see the plant rally around the Ford African Ancestry Network, Women of Ford and electrification,” she said. “These are things we take such pride in at Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center.”

Both employee resource groups plan to continue partnering together in creating events that work to spread messages of strength, difference, culture and inclusion at Ford Motor Company.