Getting Lost and Found in an E-Transit on My Takeover Day

DUNTON, UK – As Europe celebrates International Day of the Girl today, meet Ideja - a young entrepreneur who recently stepped into the shoes of Ford Pro Solutions Launch Manager Louise Coates for a day. 
 
Ideja, was taking part in Girl’s Takeover at Ford in partnership with Plan International UK, which offers a unique opportunity for a talented young woman to experience the challenges and rewards of a leadership role within the automotive industry.

The 22-year-old cell biology student is the founder of Edvance AI- a Gen Z-led AI upskilling and consultancy agency. She got to spend a whole day with Louise and her all-female team consisting of Madeline Oshodi, Sian Lovemore, Chloe Ruffell, and Katie Hannah based in Ford Pro's HereEast headquarters in Stratford. 

There, the team provided Ideja with hands-on experience with Ford Pro Telematics, including a simulated driving experience in an E-Transit. 

Ideja also witnessed the real-world application and capabilities of the Connected Navigation system firsthand when Louise got lost driving through London.

She said: “Being part of the Girls Takeover at Ford was an incredible experience. It was truly empowering to step into a leadership role and witness firsthand the impact of technology in the automotive industry. The entire team at Ford was incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I learned so much about the challenges and opportunities within this field.

Louise, a leader in vehicle connectivity and charging solutions, said the immersive experience provided Ideja with invaluable insight into daily responsibilities and decision-making processes.

"It was inspiring to work alongside Ideja and witness her passion and talent,” she told @Ford. “Girls Takeover was not only a fantastic opportunity for Ideja to gain experience, but it also provided our team with valuable insights and fresh perspectives. It reinforced the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation."

Ford partnered with Plan International UK to support and empower young women in STEM in 2023 and has been actively contributing to building a more inclusive and equitable future for the automotive industry alongside a number of Ford UK STEM outreach programmes.