Written by: Em Jankauski
Battery Workforce Challengers never stop thinking about tomorrow. That’s exactly what Isabel Builes and Brian Castillo, project manager and engineering manager, respectively, for the Cal State LA & Cerritos College’s BattChallenge team, do.
The two recently attended the AutoMobility LA Auto Show earlier in November meeting up with Stellantis’ Carl Lally, RAM brand vice president of Global Sales Operations, to discuss their team’s progress and gained insights into Ram’s vision for the competition, workforce training and placement.
For Builes, the meet-up was an absolute “honor,” and it made her appreciate the innovative spirit driving brands like RAM.
“Having the opportunity to hear directly from such an accomplished leader was inspiring and a reminder of how critical it is to think big and embrace a future-focused mindset.”
Castillo found the meet-and-greet to be “eye-opening.”
“Speaking with Mr. Lally was truly inspiring,” Castillo said. “His passion for RAM and the automotive industry was evident, and it was fascinating to learn about his role and responsibilities within the company.”
The two gleaned many helpful insights from this conversation, especially as it pertained to their team’s performance in the three-year engineering competition.
“(It) was invaluable in helping us align our goals with a brand that’s setting benchmarks in the industry,” Builes said. “By sharing RAM’s vision and strategy with our team, we hope to inspire them to think creatively and ambitiously about the challenge.”
On the other hand, for Castillo, Lally’s advice on media engagement was pivotal.
“He encouraged us to interview our students, record delivery of the ProMaster EV, document our team’s manufacturing and assembly process(es) when working on the (van), and leveraging this opportunity to highlight our team’s achievements.”
And it’s no wonder that this exchange was a huge milestone in the BattChallengers’ journeys as both Builes and Castillo dream of making careers in the automotive industry focusing on the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicles.
“The BattChallenge has opened doors to unique networking opportunities,” Builes, said. “These connections are instrumental in building relationships that could shape my future in the automotive industry.”
Both Builes and Castillo are banking on their experience in the BattChallenge to launch their careers, and there’s no question that both of their futures are bright.
