Faces of Ford: Kianna Mateen

After earning a bachelor’s in global supply chain management and marketing and an MBA from 美国韦恩州立大学 , Kianna Mateen decided that Ford was a place she could have a real impact on the world. She says that her personal goals and values align perfectly with the work she’s doing in sustainability, and “that’s one of the best things you can ask for when you’re starting your career.”

We’ll hit you with the big question first: why Ford?

Ford first hit my radar as a great place to work when I wrote a paper my freshman year about the sustainable green roofs on the Rouge Complex. I was inspired by this effort and it seemed like an interesting place to start my automotive supply chain career.

By my senior year at Wayne State University, my mentor, Hashim Sherif, reignited my interest in Ford and encouraged me to apply as a supply chain intern while I completed my MBA. I interned with Ford in 2021, and my experience with the positive work culture, sustainable initiatives, and endless internal opportunities convinced me to accept a full-time offer in the developmental Ford College Graduate (FCG) program after finishing my degree.

I love my work in supply chain sustainability. I feel like I’m having a real impact, and I’m able to lead projects and collaborate with people on related teams like Product Development, Supply Chain, and Corporate Sustainability.

It can be a little intimidating to join a global company so soon after graduation. What are some ways you’ve connected with people outside of your day-to-day work?

As a current FCG, I volunteer as a “buddy” and mentor to Supply Chain interns and new FCGs. Ford really emphasizes mentoring and support as you’re learning the ropes. It’s been nice to be on the other side and provide guidance where I can.

On the lighter side of things, I helped launch our Global Supply Chain Sustainability Fun Team, which brings people together through interactive chats, birthday and anniversary highlights, and team building events. I do a similar thing for the Ford College Graduates (FCGs) in Supply Chain – we have a newsletter that keeps us up-to-date and connected with each other.

I also love our employee resource groups (ERGs). Anyone can join and I’m a proud member of seven of our ten company-wide ERGs! I get to connect with people I wouldn’t ordinarily meet in my normal workday. That’s how I met my amazing mentors Fatoumata Cissoko-Willis, MBA from Ford Credit and Ben Mouawad from Ford Performance and I’ve learned so much about the world outside of Supply Chain.

Someone told us that you were featured on billboards along Metro Detroit freeways – that’s a unique experience!

Yes! 美国韦恩州立大学 featured me on one of their billboards and it was surreal to see myself up there. It was so cool to see my school highlight me and my fellow alumni this way. I’m proud to be a WSU grad because they truly embody their mission to prepare a diverse student body to thrive. It’s the reason I chose to attend.

We saw that you received a big accolade from WSU as well.

Yes, one of my biggest accomplishments was being selected as one of the Wayne State University - Mike Ilitch School of Business 25 Under 25 recipients.

You’ve only been here a few years, but what do you feel will keep you at Ford?

Ford’s purpose “to help build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams” feels true to me based on my current work environment and inspires me to give my best. The Sustainability team is a wonderful working environment and shows me how our purpose applies on a global scale. I get to have a real positive impact on environmental, social and human rights issues.

One thing that sets Ford apart from other corporations is truly the people and how the company prioritizes being a human first. This is refreshing and I’d suggest considering this when evaluating the importance of a work life balance.

That’s a great segue! What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not at work?

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and drawing. I also love taking local classes to learn new things like pottery, drums, knitting, etc. I am also in the process of learning French (my goal is to also learn Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic!) and I love exploring different cultures and cuisines so I often frequent various international markets across the metro Detroit area. We have an amazing variety of great food here.

Let’s say you could take any Ford vehicle anywhere. What does your dream on-or-off-road day look like?

I have a goal of traveling to all 50 states (I’m currently at 20) and the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid would be a dream vehicle. I’d love to take that on the road to Nashville, Tennessee, specifically.

I also love the story of this Pink Mustang and the family legacy of this car. It would be so nice to drive this one down the west coast on a sunny and breezy day.

Thank you for sharing your Ford story with us, Kianna!

Visit careers.ford.com for available opportunities at Ford.