HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Oct. 7, 2024) – For more than two decades, Rhonda Gilyard has created pathways for women in manufacturing to succeed as a leader within Toyota North America. Gilyard along with nine other women are the latest to be inducted into the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Boston, Mass., on Oct. 6, 2024.
In her current role, Gilyard serves as the vice president of administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. in Alabama – a joint venture between the two automakers.
“I am humbled and grateful to be selected as an inductee in the WiM Hall of Fame,” said Gilyard. “To be honored with such awe-inspiring women and considered among the ranks of previous inductees is more than I could have ever dreamed or expected.”
In 2019, WiM created the Hall of Fame to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the manufacturing industry with their efforts to support, promote and inspire other women in manufacturing.
“These remarkable women have set new standards for future generations of manufacturing careers,” said WiM president and founder Allison Grealis. “We look forward to honoring these leaders and celebrating their commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces in the industry.”
Gilyard began her career at Toyota in January 2000 as a quality engineer at Toyota’s Long Beach, California plant, TABC. She was promoted numerous times and worked assignments in Tijuana, Mexico at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California and at Toyota’s headquarters in Plano, Texas. In 2023, Gilyard began her current role at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing where she helps lead nearly 4,000 team members. She currently provides support to areas including safety, security, environmental, accounting and finance, human resources, production control and purchasing.
“My career at Toyota has reinforced that no matter where in the world I work for this amazing company, the values are universal,” Gilyard added. “Success is measured by working together, problem solving as a team, respect for people and continuous improvement – the cornerstones of Toyota. I hope to share my expertise and these values to empower other women.”
Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a panel of WiM Executive Committee Board Members. The inductees were chosen based on their significant contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing.
Gilyard joins four other WiM Hall of Fame inductees from Toyota – Janette Hostettler, vice president of manufacturing, Toyota Kentucky (2023), Leah Curry, president-retired, Toyota Indiana (2022); Susan Elkington, senior vice president, electric vehicle supply, Toyota North America (2019); and Millie Marshall, president-retired, Toyota Indiana (2021).
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 30 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
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