From retail roots to automotive innovation

Kelly Potter ’15, ’22 has always been motivated by the connection between hard work and opportunity. What began as a part-time job in high school introduced her to the fast-paced world of retail and eventually led her into an unexpected but rewarding career in the automotive industry.

“My career started when I was in high school, and I didn’t even realize it,” Potter said. “Like many, I wanted additional money, and I got a job at Champs Sports. I fell in love with my job and loved what I did.”

That early experience gave her confidence in managing responsibilities and also allowed her to see how everyday roles could open doors. Throughout her undergraduate years at Central Michigan University, Potter kept returning home on weekends and holidays to work at her store—commitment that later introduced her to a broader opportunity at Foot Locker’s headquarters in New York City.

“The internship was everything you could want it to be,” she recalled. “Foot Locker, INC had their interns act in parallel with the full-time staff. We got to go to the picnics, network with other departments, help with events, do photoshoots for social media, and so much more.”

While the internship led to a full-time offer, Potter’s path shifted when she was connected to a role at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. “Similar to when I was in high school starting out at Champs Sports, I ended up falling in love with my job,” she said. “I was offered a full-time offer at FCA, and I have never looked back.”

Applying communication skills in engineering settings

Potter entered the automotive world with a background in public relations, and she quickly learned how much that training could contribute. “Public Relations helped me think with a business mindset and blossomed my ability to put it into writing,” she explained. “I was able to take complex problems at work and break it down into clear and concise wording for leadership to interpret.”

That ability to translate technical issues into clear communication became a valuable asset early in her career. It equipped her to work with executives, plant operators, and engineers alike—bridging perspectives across the organization.

Defining moments on the factory floor

One of the most pivotal roles in Potter’s career was serving as launch coordinator for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. “There is something special about being part of a team that plans the vehicle through CAD, watching it come to life on the plant floor, and then seeing it out on the road,” she said.

That experience sparked her determination to pursue marketing and brand work. “I remember being in my bedroom at 25 and telling myself that I wanted to get to the Brand/Public Relations side and made it my internal mission to get there. At 30, I landed that opportunity and now work in the Marketing Media Vehicles Operations group.”

Lessons in leadership and collaboration

Working across launches introduced Potter to a range of perspectives. “You grow to appreciate what people bring to the table and leverage one another’s skills to complete a massive project,” she said. “One person alone cannot carry the workload. I feel you need to learn from one another to grow professionally, and to be open to others’ ideas—even if they do not align with your point of view.”

Her approach to leadership is rooted in respect. “I always treat people with respect. From plant operators up to executive management. Everyone has something to contribute, especially if you have the time to listen.”

Continuing education with purpose

Balancing full-time work with a graduate program required careful discipline. Potter earned her Master of Science in Information Systems online through CMU, dedicating Sundays exclusively to coursework.

“I remember going on a girl’s trip and making my best friends pack up their things at 5 a.m. I drove home before the sun came up to make sure I had enough time to do my homework,” she said. Planning ahead, pacing courses strategically, and even using vacation days when needed allowed her to manage both work and school successfully.

Having ADHD also shaped how she approached online learning. “I always made sure I had enough time to get up, wander away, and allow myself to have time to get distracted without sacrificing the necessary time needed to complete my tasks,” she explained. Flexibility and professor connections helped her stay engaged and motivated throughout the program.

What advice for does she have for emerging professionals?

Potter encourages students and young alumni to view networking as essential. “You never know who in your class might be your colleague, or even your manager, in a few years,” she said. She also reminds students to embrace discomfort as a path to growth: “You never know what you might enjoy or excel in if you do not give yourself the opportunity to explore the unknown.”

Her final message to today’s students is simple but lasting: “Enjoy these years. You won’t get them back.”

Beyond the workplace

When she steps away from engineering and marketing, Potter recharges by spending time with her young family, cooking, and occasionally playing video games. She also envisions sharing her experiences on a broader stage someday. “If I had to give a TED Talk on any topic outside of my industry, it would be being a female in a male-dominated field,” she said. “There have been plenty of times that I was the only female in a room full of 40 men. The minute you show weakness or signs of uncertainty, it can take time to rebuild your image. My industry works fast, and there is little room for error.”