Alumni Awards

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. 

Ashwini Balasubramanian, ‘05 MSE, serves as head of Motorcycle Development (MD) Strategy & Operations at Harley-Davidson, overseeing MD strategy and efficiency, Test Operations, Product Regulatory Affairs, and Innovation/Advanced Development teams. She leads a team of over 200 engineers and drives the development of tools and techniques that advance motorcycle design and development. Ashwini is known for her strategic vision and ability to deliver results, drawing on leadership experience from Bosch, Toyota, ZF, and Martinrea.

Her dynamic leadership has earned Ashwini significant industry recognition. Automotive News named her a “Rising Star” in 2019 for her industry contributions. She received the Society of Women Engineers’ Engaged Advocate award and the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (CADIA) Power of One award in 2023. Most recently, Inforum—a Michigan organization focused on women’s advancement—named her an Inner Circle Honoree in 2024 for her impact on women in automotive.

Deeply committed to higher education, Ashwini serves on the industry advisory board at the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and was honored to serve as the commencement speaker for UM-Dearborn’s graduate ceremony in Spring 2024, illustrating her ongoing dedication to the university community.

Additionally, Ashwini serves on the board of OLSOM Inc., a privately held manufacturing automation company, and is president of the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF), a nonprofit advancing women in the automotive sector through advocacy. Under her leadership, AWAF has flourished as a voice for women’s empowerment.

Ashwini earned her BS in mechanical engineering from SSM College of Engineering in India and her MSE in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is also a Certified Sustainability Excellence Associate from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.