Ashwini Balasubramanian

President at AWAF

Speaker

Ashwini Balasubramanian is currently President of a non-profit, Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF 501©3) which focuses on advancing women in automotive through advocacy. Her strategic acumen and decisive leadership have been pivotal in defining AWAF's long-term trajectory while ensuring meticulous execution of short-term objectives. Responsible for overseeing all facets of operations, Ashwini adeptly navigates within the organization's bylaws, while also managing the financial health with a keen eye on profitability and sustainability.

At the helm, Ashwini presides over executive, board, and membership meetings, fostering collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. Her role as a liaison to the executive advisory council underscores her influential position within AWAF. Beyond internal governance, Ashwini's influential presence extends to representing AWAF in esteemed industry forums, where her insights and advocacy resonate, shaping critical dialogues and advancing women's leadership in automotive. Under Ashwini's stewardship, AWAF has not only thrived operationally but has also emerged as a beacon of empowerment and innovation within the automotive sector. Her unwavering dedication and transformative leadership inspire countless others to break barriers and drive meaningful change.

Ashwini also currently serves as Head of Motorcycle Development (MD) Strategy & Operations at Harley-Davidson. In this role, she leads all aspects of MD strategy & efficiency, Test Operations, Product Regulatory Affairs and Innovation/Advanced development teams. She is known for her ability to deliver financial results for the organization with a clear strategic vision and an effective execution plan. Prior to this role, she spent 20 years working for companies like Bosch, Toyota, ZF & Martinrea. Automotive News named her a “Rising Star,” in 2019.

Ashwini holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from India, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan- Dearborn. She is a Certified Sustainability Excellence Associate from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. She is widely acknowledged for her dedication to corporate social governance and is a sought-after international keynote speaker in the field of ESG.