She began her career at General Motors as an engineering co-op student in 1980.
33 years later, Mary Barra has made history by being named the next CEO of GM — the first time a woman has been placed in the top spot of a major automaker.
GM made the groundbreaking announcement today that CEO Dan Akerson has moved up his retirement to January 15, after discovering his wife is battling advanced-stage cancer.
But who is Mary Barra, and what does this appointment mean to America's auto industry?
Listen to the full interview above.
