By: Em Jankauski
The brightest light emits from those who help others shine. Meet Martina Rabajoli, the Battery Workforce Challenge’s radiating spotlight who’s always illuminating the competition’s stakeholders.
Rabajoli is a digital media marketing consultant with CRIMSON, the BattChallenge’s public relations firm. Students, faculty and sponsors best know her for creatively running the BattChallenge’s social media pages. At the upcoming Fall Workshop, BattChallengers can expect to engage with Rabajoli to create content for the competition’s social platforms. She’ll also give a joint presentation to students and faculty sharing social media tips and tricks.
Join us now as we catch up with Rabajoli in a fun Q&A.
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Q: What excites you the most about the second year of the BattChallenge?
A: “I’m really excited to see the students take their battery designs to the next level by integrating them into Stellantis vehicles. Having seen their work firsthand at the workshops and the competition, I’m absolutely mind-blown by what they’ve achieved.
“Growing up with a dad who’s a chemical engineer and a brother who recently graduated as one, I’ve always been fascinated by mobility and technology. Even though I didn’t pursue engineering myself, I love showcasing the incredible advancements these teams are making.”
Q: What do you champion for the BattChallenge?
A: “As a digital media marketing consultant, I’m all about making the BattChallenge a platform where diverse talent shines. I love being able to contribute to the need for developing a strong EV battery workforce to help reach the goals set by the Department of Energy.
“Using social media, I showcase the incredible work the participants are doing, connecting them with hands-on experiences and real industry milestones. It’s a privilege to highlight their efforts and show the world how they’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Q: What have been some of your favorite moments in featuring this competition?
A: “My favorite moments are seeing the teamwork and passion from everyone involved — students, faculty and sponsors. Everyone is so friendly and eager to bring their best game, and it’s clear that everyone is deeply devoted to the success of the BattChallenge. Witnessing the incredible work these students have done up close at the workshops and the competition has been amazing.
“It’s also incredible to foster connections and let participants engage with sponsors and industry leaders. With my family background in engineering, it’s especially rewarding to see these innovations come to life and to support the teams as they solve challenges together.”
Q: What do you hope your impact is – both on the BattChallenge and the EV battery workforce?
A: “I hope my work helps create lasting connections between students and the industry, giving them the tools they need to lead the future of EV batteries. I want the BattChallenge to be remembered as a game-changer in building a diverse and skilled workforce.”
Q: What’s one fun fact about yourself you’d like to share with our stakeholders?
A: “Fun fact — I’m an avid runner and just signed up for the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon in October — my first half marathon! I’m also a foodie, born and raised in Italy, and my mom opened an Italian restaurant in Michigan, so I’m always surrounded by amazing food.”
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: ”I’d like to give a huge shout out to the Argonne National Laboratory team — they’re simply awesome! They’ve made me feel so welcomed and basically part of their team, integrating me into the BattChallenge group from day one. The BattChallenge is truly a team effort, and I’m excited to see where we go next.”
