Sister CEO: The Only Black Female Co-Founder Of A Tier One Auto Supplier Talks To 'Auto Trends'

Lisa Lunsford, the CEO and co-founder of the Detroit-based auto manufacturer, Global Strategic Supply Solutions, talks to Auto Trends with JeffCars.com.

Lunsford is one of two Black women in the manufacturing industry who heads a Tier One company, suppling parts to build cars directly to a major automaker.

 

However, what distinguishes this proud trailblazing HBCU graduate, is that she is the co-founder of a company that supplies parts directly to a key automaker, helping them build their cars. The HBCU graduate has been widening the road on a lane that normally hasn’t been traveled by women, more specifically Black woman. Over the years because of the success of her company, she’s been cited as one of the top women-owned businesses in Michigan, as well as being noted in Black Enterprise magazine top 100 businesses.

 

An Industry I Have Given My Life To Has Gone Silent Like A Hybrid

This is the paint job of NASCAR's only Black fulltime driver Bubba Wallace, Jr., official Black Lives Matter car, after the sport agreed to ban the Confederate flag.

Dear Automotive Community,

Over the past few weeks, America has been dealt a triple whammy. Our country has had to manage COVID-19, the recession and the recent racial injustices that can no longer be ignored. As Americans, we are no longer in a position to lecture other countries about their human rights injustices, when this country has literally turned a blind eye to the Black community, more specifically Black men who look like me.

The industry, which I have invested my life in, has literally switched into hybrid mode - being as silent as a mouse. Unlike with COVID-19, almost every automaker wanted to show the world how they were committed to fight the virus. Most automakers adjusted their advertising to reflect the mood of America, while others offered 'Car Mortgages' and deferred payments to let Americans know, as many were sheltered in place, and unable to work, sending the message we are here for you. Some car companies converted segments of their manufacturing plant to build ventilators, while others lent out vehicles to essential workers. The automotive community showed their compassionate side, as well as their financial commitments.