Congratulations to Simona Chetan, VP of Program Management Group at Xometry, Our December Member of the Month! 🎉👏

Can you tell us a little about you, your background, and how you got started in the automotive industry?
I moved to the U.S. 23 years ago and started working as an engineer in the automotive sector. As a single parent raising two daughters, I had to balance building my career and managing my family. I began as a Program manager (PM) and eventually advanced to senior PM, working on interiors for major OEMs like Ford, GM, and VW. Over time, I moved to a different company and took on the role of Director. Five years ago, I faced a life-changing accident that left me unable to walk. Despite that, I continued to rise, creating an entirely new department from scratch as VP of Program Management, doubling revenue and winning contracts with customers like GM and Rivian. Today, I lead engineers and program managers, expanding our business into aerospace and defense while shaping the future of digital manufacturing. 

What is your current role, and what are your primary responsibilities within your organization?
Currently, I serve as Vice President of Program Management. My responsibilities include overseeing program development, leading a team of senior lead engineers and senior managers, and driving new business opportunities. We work across industries like automotive, aerospace, and defense, reshaping what digital manufacturing means. Under my leadership, we've significantly grown revenues and continue to push the envelope in innovation.

What obstacles have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant obstacles I’ve faced was an accident five years ago that left me unable to walk. At that time, I was a director, and though it was a life-changing experience, I refused to let it define or limit me. I pushed forward, worked harder than ever, and went on to become a VP, creating a department from the ground up.

At the same time, I’ve been a single parent to two daughters, raising them while building my career. They have been my inspiration, and now, both are on the verge of completing their bachelor’s degrees—one in pre-med and the other in astrophysics. 

I’ve faced challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but through perseverance, determination, and a focus on delivering results, I have become a strong leader in my company, helping to drive business growth in the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors. 

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions in the automotive industry?
My advice to women aspiring to leadership roles is to stay persistent and true to yourself. The industry can be challenging, but resilience and confidence in your abilities will carry you forward. Speak up, take bold steps, and trust in your skills. Surround yourself with a supportive network, particularly among women in the field, and be open to mentoring others as you grow.

How do you manage work-life balance while pursuing career advancement in a demanding industry like automotive?
Managing work-life balance has been a constant effort. As a single mother raising two daughters while advancing my career, I had to be highly organized and set clear boundaries. I found that maintaining a strong support system—both at work and at home—was crucial. I also make time for activities outside of work, such as preparing my body for rock climbing and Paralympic training, which helps me reset and recharge.

How do you support and empower other women in your organization to achieve their career goals?
I’m deeply committed to mentoring women within my organization and pushing for opportunities where they can shine. I believe visibility is crucial, so I encourage them to lead high-impact projects and provide support as they navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry. I also advocate for policies that foster diversity and inclusion, ensuring we build an environment where women can excel and grow.

Can you share an example of how diversity has sparked creativity and innovation in your company?
Recently, we were developing a product for the automotive sector when one of our engineers, who had a background in aerospace, suggested an alternative approach based on a material used in defense applications. This insight led to the development of a lighter, more durable enclosure that not only solved the immediate problem but also opened up new opportunities in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. Without the diverse experiences and perspectives within the team, we might not have arrived at such a game-changing solution

How do you inspire your team and peers to embrace diversity and drive inclusive practices?
I lead an international team, uniting experts from China, India and Europe.. For instance, when we tackled a major project integrating global market insights, the unique approaches from our international teams resulted in a more innovative product than we could have developed with a single perspective. By fostering this kind of collaboration, we consistently drive better results.

How do you unwind after a busy day?
I unwind by preparing my body for rock climbing and training for a potential Paralympic event. Physical activity helps me clear my mind and maintain balance, even during the busiest times.

What’s a quote that has inspired you?
One quote that keeps me going is, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts," by Winston Churchill. It reminds me that the journey is just as important as the destination.

What new skill are you currently learning or want to learn?
I'm actively pursuing opportunities in consulting and developing my public speaking skills to share insights from my experience in program management and business development. Balancing these ambitions with personal life challenges has taught me resilience and the importance of continuous growth. 

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Ralph Waldo Emerson