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Josephine Casely-Hayford Martin
"My Purdue Engineering experience has been absolutely critical and instrumental to my success. The curriculum teaches a problem solving methodology that can be applied to any situation or circumstance. It is full proof and well respected. When a Purdue Engineer has a contribution to make it is well received, trusted and results focused. Personally, my time at Purdue was during some of my most challenging time periods of my life. I was diagnosed with cancer, yet persevered through this with the support of specific faculty, leading to successful graduation and successful career. Specific professors believed in me and believed in my long term success - for this I am eternally grateful."
Josephine Casely-Hayford Martin | Mechanical Engineering
Global Vice President of Sales, Original Equipment Maker, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies
As the automotive industry experiences transformation and disruption, Josephine Casely-Hayford Martin is leading a
global team at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies to drive reduction of global emissions for a more sustainable,
energy-efficient future. She works with customers on advanced innovations in traditional internal combustion engine
applications as well as in e-mobility through products supporting battery safety. The core objective of her work is the
pursuit of new custom technology on various programs and platforms for future vehicles.
Over the course of 12 years, she has risen through the ranks to her current position of global vice president sales —
original equipment maker (OEM). In assuming this role, she became the company's first female in its 175-year history,
first non-European leader, first person of color, first person of international background (Ghana), and the youngest.
Her responsibilities include all component sales to global OEM brands worldwide and nearly $600M in global turnover. In
her most recent success, she achieved her company's highest-ever price negotiation. Simultaneously, she guided her team
to ~$40M in turnover in the e-mobility segment.
As an underrepresented female leader in STEM, she has raised awareness on overcoming educational and professional
barriers. At Purdue, Martin has facilitated engagement opportunities between Freudenberg and the Minority Engineering
Program, resulting in workshops and sponsorship of students in the Engineering Academic Boot Camp. In addition, she has
given talks to encourage First-Year Engineering students and has advised incoming engineering professors on how to best
support students from multicultural and socio-economic backgrounds.