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For more than 40 years, the University of Michigan-Dearborn has honored outstanding alumni for their contributions to the University and community. These alumni are "difference makers" who have continued the University's legacy of leadership in their lives and careers. 

Jagruti Dhande, ’20 M.S.E., is a trailblazer in sustainable mobility with impressive credentials. She earned her master’s in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she was a non-resident International Graduate Student Scholar. As an International Student Ambassador on campus, Jagruti directly contributed to the university community by guiding prospective students, showcasing facilities, and mentoring peers.

At Rivian Automotive, Jagruti is the technical program manager and has made a significant impact in the automotive industry by leading the body closures subsystems for electric vehicle programs like the electric delivery van, R1S (SUV), and R1T (pickup). She oversees timing, cost, quality, and design, using strategic thinking and a data-driven approach to streamline processes, resolve critical issues, reduce program costs, and spearhead the successful launch of the electric delivery van. Early in her career, she implemented a full-suite ERP system.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Jagruti actively engages in community service and professional development initiatives. She demonstrates a commitment to empowering others and fostering growth by serving as a mentor, judge, and volunteer for organizations like DECA (which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for college and careers), Skills USA (a workforce development organization for students), and LEAP Canada (who equip students with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary). Jagruti’s contributions extend globally, as evidenced by her involvement with the International Career Expo and various public lectures.

In addition to her technical expertise, Jagruti is a published author, sought-after speaker, judge, and project management voice on LinkedIn. She is a passionate advocate for STEM education, using her energy and commitment to innovation to shape the future of sustainable transportation.

May Russell, ’98 B.S., is a seasoned technology executive and digital and IT corporate officer known for delivering digital transformations and creating digital products. Currently, she is the chief digital transformation executive at Toyota Motor, where she is responsible for revolutionizing the enterprise for the future.

Prior to Toyota, May served as the chief digital and information officer at Fortune Brands, overseeing digital transformation, connected product engineering, cyber security, data and AI, IT simplification, and operations. She holds a pending patent in smart home IoT digital access technologies.

May spent 20 years at Ford Motor Company, culminating as chief technology officer of Ford Cloud Commercial Solution and global head of Connected Vehicle Services. She built a global software engineering organization of over 2,000 engineers and founded the Ventilator Exchange Software, a AI-based ventilator logistics software during COVID-19 in collaboration with FEMA, the American Hospital Association, and the White House.

Earlier, she led Ford's Global Delivery of consumer-facing products, including the FordPass app, growing the team to over 1,000 engineers and achieving top app ratings. Her diverse global experience includes leading teams in Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.

A strong advocate for increasing women's participation in technology, May serves as the chief mission officer for K-12 at the Michigan Council of Women in Technology. She has founded programs such as "Girls Rock IT" and "Girls Solve IT" to inspire and engage girls in technology, including hackathons and robotics competitions.

May serves on the board of GreenPath Financial Innovations and has previously served as the co-chair of the Visiting Committee for ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. May is also a past member of the ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn Alumni Society Board. May holds an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.